Data, Innovation, and Impact: My Transformative Internship at Merck
Growing up, I was always curious and loved experimenting with technology, whether it was tinkering with gadgets or figuring out how things worked. That curiosity stuck with me through all the different industries I’ve been part of—as a software engineer, blockchain intern, and data science intern. But something always felt like it was missing. Losing a close family member to a heart attack was a turning point for me. It made me realize I wanted to use my skills to help people. So, when the opportunity to intern at Merck came up, I saw it as a way to explore how data could make a real difference, especially in healthcare.
Early in the summer of 2023, I knew I wanted to get a head start on my internship search, so I focused on refining my resume, tailoring it to each position, and highlighting the most relevant skills. Networking became a key part of my strategy—I attended as many industry events as I could, connected with professionals on LinkedIn, and made sure to follow up with meaningful conversations. All this effort led to interviews with some incredible companies, including Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gore, FTI Consulting, NYS Office of Information Technology Services, PineBridge Investments, Scale, Ancestry, Heartland Business Systems, and Cox. After receiving several offers, the decision wasn’t easy, but I ultimately chose Merck because it aligned with my passion for healthcare and data. The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in an industry that directly impacts people’s lives felt like the perfect blend of my skills and personal goals.
Finding My Place in the Data Strategy Team
I am a part of Data Strategy Pharma team under Human Health Digital Data Analytics team .Hence the first few weeks at Merck were all about settling into the company and understanding the role of the Data Strategy team. There were introductions to internal projects, 1-on-1 meetings with team members, and dataset access training to get familiar with the tools. Diving into human digital data analytics and going through ELAAD patient-level training provided a clearer understanding of how data impacts patient care. The exposure to vendor evaluation, the SOB report, and annual profit planning offered valuable insights into the business side of things.
As the internship progressed, responsibilities increased. Weekly standups were led, mentor catchups became more regular, and exploration of tools like Dataiku allowed for schema access and the creation of the initial flow for automation planning. The deeper dive into a business analysis project soon followed, focusing on patient cohort planning, market basket analysis, and identifying concomitancy restrictions. A key moment came when the team decided to build the automation project in-house, saving significant costs. Being part of such a critical decision gave me a sense of responsibility and excitement, offering a real opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the project’s success.
Mentorship: The Guiding Light
One of the standout aspects of my internship was the mentorship and support I received from those around me. My supervisor, Austin Rivera, was amazing in guiding me through the entire process. He made sure I wasn’t overwhelmed, kept daily one-on-one meetings to explain things clearly, and always listened to my ideas. We even bonded over shared memes and jokes, which made the workplace feel more enjoyable and showed me how great it can be when you share a sense of humor with your team. My manager, Hetu Ghadia, was always open to me exploring new projects, encouraging me to push my boundaries. My mentor, Aamina Ali, was there every step of the way, reminding me to speak up and communicate what I needed. Her advice, “you speak up and communicate what you want,” had a huge impact on me. Additionally, I made it a point to have coffee and lunch meetups with people from various departments—MRL, MMD, Animal Health, R&D, scientists, and developers—each of whom offered unique perspectives that helped broaden my understanding of the industry.
Beyond work, my fellow interns and colleagues were amazing. We shared so many fun memories, whether it was going bowling, playing mini-golf, or exploring New York and Jersey City together. They were always up for having a great time, and we even went on trips to Philly, Atlantic City, D.C., and Niagara Falls. These experiences brought us closer as a group and made my time at Merck feel not only productive but truly enjoyable.
Beyond the Desk: Building Connections and Community
At Merck, I wasn’t just an intern; I became part of a larger community. As a member of the Marketing and Communications team for the Merck NJ Women Chapter, I had the chance to connect with inspiring women leaders and contribute to initiatives that went beyond my data work. These experiences showed me how large organizations can drive social change, and it really deepened my understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion, especially in tech. In addition, I was an active participant in the Advanced Data Analytics community, where I suggested events and took part in key discussions with the mentoring team. One of the highlights was leading two mentor/mentee lunch series events, which gave me the chance to contribute directly to the growth of that community.
The Takeaway: Data with Purpose
Looking back, my internship at Merck wasn’t just about refining my technical skills—it was about finding purpose in my work. In the pharmaceutical sector, data isn’t just numbers on a screen; it’s the backbone of decisions that can impact millions of lives. That sense of responsibility and impact stayed with me throughout the internship. Beyond the technical side, networking played a huge role in shaping my experience. Meeting professionals across departments and taking part in cross-functional discussions opened my eyes to how collaboration drives innovation in such a large organization. These connections and insights made me realize that the work we do as data specialists goes far beyond analysis—it’s about contributing to something bigger.
Conclusion: The Future Awaits
As I get ready for the next steps in my career, I’m taking with me not just the technical skills I gained at Merck, but the confidence to take on any challenge. My time there showed me that growth comes from diving into the unknown and learning along the way. The experiences that push us out of our comfort zones are the ones that matter the most. I’m excited to continue this journey, especially with the opportunity to extend my co-op, and I look forward to making the most of it.
