Careers at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Coffee Chat with an IC associate

What are your key responsibilities as a GGP Associate?

My responsibilities evolved and grew over the two years in the GGP. In my first year, I supported consultants by conducting client interviews, performing analyses, and leading specific workstreams within the project. During this time, I worked concurrently on two to three projects, which spanned across topics such as strategy, process optimization, and digital transformation. In my second year, I have been responsible for leading projects on my own – essentially playing the roles of both Consultant and Associate simultaneously. While I have worked only on one project at a time during my second year, I have definitely been kept busy as I now have to drive projects and manage clients on top of carrying out the tasks that I had in my first year. Each project typically lasts 3-4 months.

Besides project work, I have been responsible for other tasks, such as organizing networking events with Merck’s senior leaders and Lunch & Learn, which are recurring educational sessions for the team to share and learn from each other about various topics of interest. I have also organized IC APAC team events as part of the welfare committee and have been the APAC point of contact for our global strategy days organizing team.

Could you describe a day in the life of a GGP Associate?

Every day in the life of a GGP is different – which is why this job is both exciting and challenging. To best answer this question, it might be more helpful to describe a typical week rather than a day. I usually start each week on Sunday evenings by planning for the week and clearing out my inbox. The work week then usually consists of client meetings and interviews, brainstorming sessions and workshops, synthesizing information to generate insights, summarizing key takeaways on PowerPoint slides (yes, Consultants do love our PPT slides), and project planning.

What are the aspects of the job that energise you? 

The fact that I am constantly learning and challenged energizes me. Every project is different – from its scope and content to its stakeholders. It is therefore necessary that I am always picking up new skills and knowledge to bring the most value to my clients. The other aspect of the job that energizes me is the people. I am privileged to work alongside amazing global colleagues within IC as well as in the wider Merck organization.

Were there any aspects that surprised you?

Not really (I did my homework before deciding to join Consulting). Coming in, I expected the job to be fast-paced, to require me to learn quickly, and to have a strong team culture.

Describe the IC APAC culture in 4 words.

Fun, intellectual, collaborative, diverse!

What advice would you give someone applying to be a global graduate?

1. Do your research on Merck’s businesses
2. Know your story: what motivates you and why you want to be in Consulting
3. Practice cases as much as you can, preferably with someone else