Inhouse Consulting Associates Testimonials I EMD Group

I am working on several strategic projects across different sectors. These include enhancing market access and policy shaping in fertility, refining our R&D strategy to align with market needs in healthcare, and addressing capacity management challenges through effective problem-solving across electronics, healthcare, and life sciences. Together, these projects aim to boost innovation and optimize operational efficiency within the organization.

As a GGP, I lead specific work packages that showcase my ownership of projects. I aim to deliver impactful outcomes while developing my consulting mindset and enhancing my leadership skills through various project management activities. I maintain regular communication with clients and high-level stakeholders across the company, ensuring alignment and collaboration, which not only allows me to apply my existing skills but also ensures growth in areas critical for effective project execution.

I chose the global graduate program, because I see it as a fantastic opportunity to explore various sectors and business units within the company. This rotational experience allows me to acquire invaluable skills in consulting while discovering the field that truly resonates with my passions and career aspirations. This dynamic environment not only enriches my professional journey but also creates a supportive atmosphere where collaboration thrives. I am excited about the potential for personal growth and the chance to shape my future career path within such an innovative organization.

I am a pharmacist with a Master’s degree in Health Economics and Management and am currently pursuing an MBA. My professional background includes various roles in the pharmaceutical industry, consulting, and market research, where I have gained diverse experience. This combination of expertise has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, allowing me to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.

Within the first 6 months of joining the Inhouse Consulting GOglobal Graduate Program, I had the opportunity to support a wide range of projects across multiple sectors. My contributions include supporting strategic launch decisions for a life-saving medicine and developing a health equity center of excellence withing the Healthcare sector, developing strategic growth plans for high-quality laboratory materials and research solutions in the Life Science sector, conducting capacity reviews for the Electronics sector, and performing capability mapping of the company’s IT hub.

Unlike external consulting, we are given more autonomy and responsibilities from day one. Since our clients and stakeholders are also our colleagues around the world, I am consistently encouraged to drive discussions with stakeholders and act as one of the main points of contact for projects. Depending on the project setup, Associates typically co-lead projects with Consultants; for projects with multiple workstreams, it's common to have opportunities to lead separate workstreams independently. My personal goal across all projects is to contribute to sustainable growth at the company. During the Inhouse Consulting project phase, I aim to further develop my strategic thinking skills while deepening my knowledge across our three business sectors to best support our customers and patients.

My unique perspective, shaped by bridging Chinese and Canadian cultures while pursuing dual paths in science and business, aligns perfectly with the GOglobal Graduate Program's cross-functional approach. I chose this program specifically because it offers unparalleled flexibility to rotate across different sectors and offices, allowing me to leverage my diverse background where it adds the most value. The program's emphasis on global mobility resonates with my adaptability and multicultural experience. I'm particularly excited about contributing to advancing innovative scientific solutions and technology while developing a well-rounded understanding of how innovation drives business success across borders.

My multidisciplinary background unites science (HBSc in Biomedical Science) and business (MSc in International Business & Master in International Management). My connection to healthcare spans multiple perspectives—as a lab technician, published student researcher, dental assistant intern, hospital volunteer, and patient. This unique combination of scientific knowledge, practical experience, and personal insight equips me to drive innovation at the intersection of science and business.

I own the deliverables of my workstreams, while always having the backing of the project leads and team, which maximizes my learning opportunities. Being enabled and encouraged to interact with senior stakeholders allows for a detailed introduction to the companies different sectors and directly correlates with identifying growth opportunities for myself and my career.

The program offers a great environment to learn from highly motivated and capable individuals, who come together to solve complex challenges in their daily work. Joining the program with prior work experience, I enjoy the flexibility and the level of ownership that I am entrusted with. The setup allows me to grow in my areas of expertise, while challenging me with new, exciting tasks and opportunities on a regular basis.

I joined the projects with prior experience in Data and AI Strategy Consulting, for two years and nine months of AI startup consulting. Being an Industrial Engineer, I enjoy linking natural science and business to provide value for our clients and customers by leveraging AI, which has been my area of expertise for eight years now.

Healthcare – Oncology | Bavencio Growth Project | Development of a tactical growth plan for Bavencio leveraging incremental OPEX and topline assessments. Assessment of sales potential and identification of most rewarding opportunities for doubling-down on growth.
Enabling Functions – HR | HR Strategy 2030 | Development of the HR strategy aimed to elevate our people agenda along strategic pillars in line with Merck’s business growth strategy.

My role in the projects include managing stakeholders, facilitating meetings, and organizing and driving written communications. I am also responsible for slide ideation and creation, data analysis and interpretation, and developing various client-facing deliverables.

Through these responsibilities, I have been applying and further developing key skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and proactive project management. As more junior colleagues join the team, such as interns, I have also been building my leadership skills by guiding and supporting their work.

My motivation to join the Global Graduate Program at Merck are rooted in our strong reputation for fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. I was drawn to an environment that not only enhances my technical skills, but also supports a fulfilling and exciting career path.

The program offers invaluable industry exposure, meaningful mentorship, and the opportunity to work on impactful projects – empowering graduates to develop as leaders and make a significant contribution to the industry.

I have a multidisciplinary background that bridges healthcare, natural sciences, and management consulting. I hold a B.Sc in Nutritional Sciences from the Medical University of Lisbon and a M.Sc in Translational Medicine from the Medical University of Barcelona. Further, I gained hands-on experience through several internships and working student positions in pharmaceutical companies and med-tech start-ups, with a focus on digital health and healthcare innovation.

I would recommend approaching the application process with authenticity, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset. Be curious and open minded. In our team, we value people who are eager to learn, open to new perspectives, and genuinely enjoy working with others from diverse backgrounds. Above all, don’t forget to have fun during the interviews and your personal preparation!

During my time at IC, have had the chance to work on projects across the entire company, including commercial strategy, market landscape analysis, portfolio strategy development, and product launch. These projects have helped me increase my expertise in these specific areas while also letting me better understand the operations of the company across the Healthcare, Life Sciences, and Electronics sectors.

I have been able to work in a variety of roles across different workstreams and work packages, but the common thread is that I am an equal and valued member of the project team. This has allowed me to learn from my projects by meaningfully contributing and building relationships within the company. I have been able to take on real responsibilities and own my work in front of stakeholders and clients, while being supported and guided by the consultants on the team.

After completing my PhD, I wanted to work in an environment where I would be exposed to the interface between science and business. The unique setup of the GGP program, which gives me the opportunity to work across many different areas of business while also prioritizing personal growth, was also very important to me. Additionally, the station rotations in year 2 will let me personalize my development to fit my long-term career interests.

I hold a PhD in Biology from MIT, where my thesis focused on the molecular genetics underlying cell stress signaling. Prior to graduate school, I was a healthcare consultant focusing on pricing and market access dynamics in the US pharmaceutical and medical technology space. I also hold undergraduate degrees in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry and History.

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