Career on Purpose: An MSD Podcast

In this episode of Career on Purpose, Betsy Powlus, Associate Director in MSD’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 MSD to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.
 
 Betsy discusses the supportive culture at MSD, 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 MSD, 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 MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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.

This episode of Career on Purpose shines a light on a dimension of diversity that most people can’t see, hear, or, in many cases, even imagine – neurodiversity. 
 
Our guest for this episode is Michael Golub, Director of AI Ethics and Compliance at MSD. Michael also co-leads the Dyslexic Thinkers Community, a sub-community of the MSD’s capABILITY Network – the employee resource group committed to creating a safe and empathetic space for MSD colleagues with disabilities and their allies. 
 
The episode begins with Michael describing his role at MSD and how he works with marketers, data scientists and other professionals to ensure that AI systems are compliant with MSD's internal policies. He then talks about what led him to company. As one of the leaders of the Dyslexic Thinkers Community, Michael talks about his personal experience with dyslexia and how it presents itself for him. He also describes how he found courage to tell his manager at MSD about his condition and how the company was more supportive than he could’ve imagined. Later, Michael talks about what makes MSD different from other employers and why others should consider joining the company.
 
Career On Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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. 

On this episode of Career on Purpose, we’re joined by Leonardo Costa, Global Head of Safety, Efficacy, and Licensing – Global Regulatory at MSD. 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 MSD 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 
 

For more information about professional opportunities at MSD, visit https://jobs.msd.com/gb/en. 

Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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.

On this episode of Career on Purpose, Hayley Ludwig, Associate Director, Oncology Key Accounts, and Claire McSorley, Associate Director, Medicare Account Executive at MSD, join the podcast to discuss their personal experiences with breast cancer and the support they have received while working at MSD. 
 
McSorley and Ludwig discuss their role in creating Breast Friends, a division of MSD'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 MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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

On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Erika Belsaas, a senior specialist in engineering and Global Lead of MSD’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 MSD. 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 MSD’s EBRGs, visit https://www.msd.com/. For more information about professional opportunities at MSD, visit https://www.msd.com/.

Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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.

On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Celeste Warren, MSD’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Vice President Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence at MSD. 

At MSD, 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 MSD – 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 MSD's DE&I philosophy, and how these efforts make MSD a destination for prospective employees from all backgrounds, education levels and job interests.

Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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.

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 and a lead member of the company’s capABILITY Network – the employee resource group committed to creating a safe and empathetic space for 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 MSD, that is. In this episode, we talk to Alyssa about her 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 MSD’s EBRGs, visit https://jobs.msd.com/gb/en/ebrg. For more information about professional opportunities at MSD, visit https://jobs.msd.com/gb/en. 

Career on Purpose explores the unique job opportunities, career paths, training and professional growth available across the globe at MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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.

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 MSD. From first-person interviews with successful and inspiring MSD 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 MSD, please visit www.jobs.MSD.com.