Career On Purpose: A Merck Podcast

About Career On Purpose: A Merck Podcast

Career On Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Whether you're a soon-to-be college graduate, a young professional or a seasoned leader, this podcast offers actionable advice on how to uncover exciting career opportunities at Merck and how to thrive in an increasingly competitive professional landscape. Join us as we dive into all the aspects of Merck that make a career at the company fulfilling and how your next job plays a role in our mission of advancing healthcare. For more information, visit https://jobs.merck.com/us/en.

Publisher

Merck

Category

business · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Nov 2023

Latest episode

22 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Sept 2025

   Revolutionizing Vaccine Development: Inside Merck's “Project AdVAnce”

   This episode of Merck’s Career on Purpose introduces Project AdVAnce, a groundbreaking initiative at Merck’s new robotics-enabled facility in West Point, Pennsylvania. Key leaders Vincent Sanfiorenzo, Senior Director of Lab Systems and Sample Management; Kristin Geddes, Principal Scientist; and Erin Hein, also a Principal Scientist; discuss how this project is transforming laboratory spaces and data management to expedite the development of critical vaccines through automation, advanced IT systems, and innovative design. The trio highlight how this cutting-edge project improves efficiency, fosters scientific innovation, and is aligned with Merck’s mission to combat diseases and save lives. They also emphasize the unique career opportunities, essential skills, and roles needed to support this transformative initiative, providing a glimpse into the future of pharmaceutical research and its impact on public health. To learn more about more opportunities at AdVAnce visit: https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/bioanalytical-robotics (https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/bioanalytical-robotics). Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career on Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

2. 

   8 Jan 2025

   Leaping Forward: Betsy Powlus on Career Growth, Innovation, and Making an Impact

   In this episode of Career on Purpose, Betsy Powlus, Associate Director in Merck’s Manufacturing Division, shares her journey of taking bold career leaps over her 21 years at the company. Inspired by her mother's battle with breast cancer, Betsy joined Merck to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. Betsy discusses the supportive culture at Merck, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and a "freedom to fail" mindset that encourages innovation and risk-taking. She also highlights the value of "gigs" at Merck, which are short-term roles that allow employees to explore new career paths while contributing fresh insights. Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career on Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

3. 

   27 Nov 2024

   Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Michael Golub on AI Ethics and Living with Dyslexia

   Merck's Director of AI Ethics and Compliance, Michael Golub, shares his insights on neurodiversity in the workplace and how Merck's inclusive culture supports employees with disabilities to thrive in their careers.

4. 

   13 Nov 2024

   Navigating a Global Career in Animal Health: Insights from Leonardo Costa

   On this episode of Career on Purpose, we’re joined by Leonardo Costa, Global Head of Safety, Efficacy, and Licensing – Global Regulatory at Merck. During this episode, Leo shares his career journey from South America to the U.S., beginning with his interest in veterinary medicine, which initially stemmed from his grandfather's farming background. Leo then talks about his move to the pharmaceutical industry, starting in veterinary research and clinical trials before transitioning to a permanent role in animal health. Leo has remained with Merck for over two decades, taking on various roles in finance, marketing, regulatory affairs, and business development. During the episode, Leo discusses his decision to embrace new challenges while emphasizing the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in his career. Leo highlights the support he received and the challenges of relocating to different countries with his family. Development programs and on-the-job learning opportunities have been crucial to his professional growth, alongside a supportive work environment. Leo also shares a story about his grandfather's farm, which reinforced his commitment to the company's mission to improve animal health. Near the end of the episode, he advises aspiring professionals in the industry to seek early exposure, take risks, and embrace challenges, while stressing the importance of passion, excellence, and mentorship in career development. Learn more about Leonardo Costa here: https://br.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-costa-6310b814 (https://br.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-costa-6310b814) For more information about professional opportunities, visit: https://www.merck.com/company-overview/diversity-and-inclusion/ (https://www.merck.com/company-overview/diversity-and-inclusion/). Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career on Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

5. 

   2 Oct 2024

   Breast Friends: Empowering Women Through Support and Hope at Merck

   On this episode of Career on Purpose, Hayley Ludwig, Associate Director, Oncology Key Accounts, and Claire McSorley, Associate Director, Medicare Account Executive at Merck, join the podcast to discuss their personal experiences with breast cancer and the support they have received while working at Merck. McSorley and Ludwig discuss their role in creating Breast Friends, a division of Merck's Women's Network employee business resource group (EBRG). Breast Friends provides support for individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer, those currently undergoing treatment, breast cancer survivors, as well as caregivers and allies. This EBRG is a space where both men and women can discuss the disease, provide mutual support, and share hope. Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career on Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

6. 

   4 Sept 2024

   A Journey into LGBTQ+ Support and Gender Identity

   On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Erika Belsaas, a senior specialist in engineering and Global Lead of Merck’s Rainbow Alliance – the employee resource group (EBRG) focused on supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. At many large companies, diversity, equity and inclusion (or DE&I) programs can be performative, check-the-box empty promises. Not at Merck. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Erika shares the story of her professional and personal journey at Merck and how she came to lead the Rainbow Alliance. To learn more about Merck’s EBRGs, visit https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/ebrg (https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/ebrg). For more information about professional opportunities at Merck, visit https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (https://jobs.merck.com/us/en). Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career on Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

7. 

   7 Aug 2024

   Diversity in Action: Navigating Career Success at Merck with Celeste Warren

   On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Celeste Warren, Merck’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Vice President Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence at Merck. At Merck, inclusion and belonging are just words – it’s a critical part of our culture at every level of the company. As Chief D&I Officer, Celeste shares her journey from nearly a decade in consumer foods to joining Merck – the “Rolls Royce” of the pharmaceutical industry as she calls it. Celeste describes how the company’s compelling mission of saving and improving lives resonated with her and why she believes Merck is one of the few companies making a true positive impact. This episode also highlights Merck’s DE&I philosophy, and how these efforts make Merck a destination for prospective employees from all backgrounds, education levels and job interests. To learn more about Diversity, equity and inclusion at Merck, visit: https://www.merck.com/company-overview/diversity-and-inclusion/ (https://www.merck.com/company-overview/diversity-and-inclusion/). Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career on Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

8. 

   5 Jul 2024

   Defining Diversity and Living with Disability

   What does diversity mean? While many think of the differences we can see, most forget those we can’t. On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Alyssa Kobela, Associate Principal Scientist at Merck and a lead member of the company’s capABILITY Network – the employee resource group committed to creating a safe and empathetic space for Merck colleagues with disabilities and their allies. When most people and companies think about diversity, equity and inclusion (or DE&I), they think about a handful of specific communities. People of color, women, those in the LGBTQ+ community, veterans. But one group that doesn’t automatically come to mind is the disabled community. With the exception of Merck, that is. In this episode, we talk to Alyssa about her Merck career and her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, why the support she received from her colleagues was so vital, and how the company continues to support those across the diversity spectrum. To learn more about Merck’s EBRGs, visit https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/ebrg (https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/ebrg). For more information about professional opportunities at Merck, visit https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (https://jobs.merck.com/us/en). Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career on Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

9. 

   7 Jun 2024

   Embracing Change: Pernille Fredslund's Journey of Growth and Career Discovery

   On this episode of Career on Purpose, we speak with Pernille Fredslund, who works as Director, Business Practices, International Marketing in the company’s Denmark location. During the podcast, Pernille details her experiences and career growth during her 27 years at the company. She highlights the importance of embracing change, mentorship, and networking, while sharing her firsthand experience exploring new roles within the company and transitioning from marketing to business practices. The episode concludes as Pernille encourages listeners to take charge of their careers, have a mindset of curiosity and openness to continuous learning. Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career on Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. For anyone interested in learning more about careers at Merck, please visit www.jobs.merck.com.

10. 

    16 Nov 2023

    Merck’s Skills First Program

    On the debut episode of Merck’s Career On Purpose podcast, we explore the transformative “Skills-First” program at Merck. This unique initiative helps attract, develop, attract, advance, and retain talented individuals who don’t have a four-year degree. Episode guests include Ngozi Motilewa, Enterprise HR Lead, Skills-First Diversity Talent Initiative at Merck; and Robert Roberson, Enterprise Shared Service Manager at Merck. During this episode, Ngozi shares details on the program's origins and workings, shedding light on its impact at Merck. Robert delves into his personal journey and the crucial role mentoring played in his remarkable career and eventual leadership role as part of the Skills-First program at Merck. Personal stories from Ngozi and Robert provide firsthand insights into the Skills-First program, showcasing its power to uplift individuals and provide family sustaining careers to those who don’t have a four-year degree. To learn more about Skills-First opportunities at Merck visit: https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/skills-first-opportunities (https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/skills-first-opportunities) Career On Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at Merck. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring Merck employees to helpful tips, tricks and insights for finding a job in the world of life sciences, Career On Purpose gives listeners an exclusive look into the careers of today and tomorrow. Career On Purpose is available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

623,171

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

17

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

32