DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Merton College, University of Oxford, awarded 2023
joined Goglobal graduate program Merck Inhouse Consulting as Associate Consultant (recently offered a role as Senior Manager in Healthcare Strategy Realization Office of Merck KGaA) | |
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Merck KGaA |
Year entered into a non-academic position: 2022
Job highlight: Providing strategy consulting services to different sectors of the Merck Group with a personal focus on strategy, business development, portfolio management, project management for various projects such as supply chain, operational excellence, go-to-market strategy, R&D, medical and market access & pricing
My research training set me up to… have strong foundation in scientific analysis and critical thinking, conduct advanced research and contribute to innovative solutions in healthcare and life science by integrating scientific insight into business process.
Left academia after: PhD (just after submitting my thesis and 4 months before thesis defense, but the application process already started a year before finishing PhD)
What’s your background?
I earned my undergraduate degree in pharmacy and obtained my pharmacist license in Indonesia. My pharmacy studies covered a broad range of topics, including manufacturing, formulation, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy, with a specific emphasis on pharmaceutical science and technology, particularly formulation and drug manufacturing processes. After completing pharmacy school, I worked as a production supervisor at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), overseeing the production of solid, liquid, and semisolid medications. I then pursued a PhD in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, Merton College, University of Oxford, focusing on cardiometabolic diseases using engineered heart tissue from stem cell. Simultaneously, I completed my MBA at Quantic School of Business and Technology. During my PhD, I was selected for the Merck Innovation Summer School, where I developed a product using advanced cell models and created a commercialization plan.
Why did you move away from academia?
I move away from academia because careers in industry often provide more diverse career paths, including positions in research, development, medical, regulatory affairs, commercial, and marketing. I am interested in learning all of these practical roles in the industry so I can apply what I will have learned to my own company in future.
Is there anything you miss about academia?
Yes. I miss several key aspects of my academic experience. One of the most significant is the research freedom that allowed me to explore diverse questions and be creative without the immediate pressure of commercial viability. I also miss the intellectual environment fostered by stimulating discussions and collaborations with other fellow researchers, where innovative ideas often came about. I also had the opportunity to teach and mentor students, which gave me a rewarding sense of contribution to their academic growth. Overall, I miss the scholar community who focus on fundamental research questions, engage in long-term projects and publish research findings in scientific literature.
How did you get this job? Did you face any challenges when considering a move away from academia or applying for the role?
The Merck Innovation Summer School, which I attended during my PhD, inspired me to apply for the Merck Goglobal program in in-house consulting. This program facilitates a smooth transition to industry by providing extensive training and mentorship. (PS, unfortunately, the program is no longer available at the time of writing.)
What motivated you to/why did you choose the sector you transitioned into?
I was exposed to the pharmaceutical industry early on in my undergraduate studies, gaining insights into the entire value chain from R&D to commercialization. These included detailed knowledge about processes such as supply chain management, basic and clinical research, manufacturing, quality control, regulatory control, etc., which I acquired through various programs offered by pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis Biocamp in Switzerland, Merck Innovation Summer School in Germany, research fellowship at Sumitomo Chemical Company in Japan. Therefore, I have always been fascinated by pharmaceutical companies and am motivated to contribute to this sector.
Did you think you had the skills required for your current position before you started? Were you right?
I had some of the skills required for my current position, but I certainly don’t meet every criterion. My role involves integrating various consulting approaches to contribute across the life sciences and healthcare businesses of Merck. This graduate consultancy program has allowed me to apply the scientific knowledge I gained through my PhD alongside the business acumen from my MBA. However, there are company-specific insights that I can only gain through direct industry experience. I realized that I needed to empty my cup to make room for new skills throughout the program.
How did your PhD prepare you for your current job? For example, what were the transferable skills that you developed during your PhD that are most relevant to your current job?
My PhD has prepared me for my current job. First, my research experience has equipped me with analytical and critical thinking skills which allow me to approach complex problems methodically and develop data-driven solutions. Second, I have gained strong project management abilities through coordinating experiments, managing timelines, and collaborating with diverse teams – these abilities are essential in consulting.
Moreover, my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, has been invaluable when presenting strategies to stakeholders. And finally, since I conducted my PhD research mostly independently (with some supervision), this has enabled me to work in a dynamic environment that requires strong initiative and adaptability.
Did you have any preconceptions about your sector that proved to be wrong?
Yes, initially I thought that multinational pharmaceutical companies were rigid and old-school. However, I found this to be untrue; in my sector, there is a great deal of dynamism and numerous opportunities for improvement.
Can you describe a typical week in your job?
It depends on the type of projects and project team I work with: during the first year, I typically worked with two experienced consultants and one intern; for my second year, I worked independently with the supervision from my supervisor to solve some business questions.
In my second year, I start each week brainstorming innovative solutions and improving business processes with my supervisor. I analyze data, prepare meeting agendas, and conduct meetings with stakeholders. I also present findings in larger meetings and occasionally lead workshops on specific business issues.
What is the workplace culture like? Please include comments on work-life balance, flexibility, remote working?
Working culture at Merck Inhouse Consulting is generally putting high emphasis on work-life balance, flexibility, and remote working options. Employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives- there are policies that support flexible working hours. Remote working is often accommodated and there is no pressure to come to the office. However, employees typically come to the office 2-3 days per week or when an in-person meeting or workshop is needed. As we are an international team, with offices in Germany, Singapore and the US, flexible working hours is more sensible so that employees can manage their responsibilities effectively while contributing to the team goals.
Do people with a PhD frequently get hired in the company/sector?
Yes. People with a PhD are frequently hired in the company especially in consulting and R&D.
What are your favourite parts of your job?
My favorite part of the job is working on diverse projects across various segments within the life science and healthcare industries, collaborating with experienced professionals and cross-functional teams, and tackling complex business challenges to develop strategic solutions that make a tangible impact.
I enjoy applying my scientific background and business acumen to real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between research and practical implementation.
What are your reflections on your career path?
Reflecting on my career path after my role as associate in-house consultant, I see it as a valuable steppingstone for my next role in the life science and healthcare sectors of Merck Group. The position has deepened my understanding of these sectors where I can apply my academic background in a practical setting. Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential for growth and advancement within the industry to leverage my consulting skills to take more senior roles where I can lead projects and drive innovation. Ultimately, I envision a career that continues to blend my scientific expertise with business strategy, contributing to impactful solutions in life science and healthcare.
This is a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability in this ever-evolving field.
Do you have any advice for current graduate students and postdocs considering a career outside of academia?
My advice would be to explore diverse opportunities in various industries, actively network with professionals, develop transferable skills such as data analysis and project management, seek internships or fellowships for practical experience, remain open to learning new methodologies, tailor resume to highlight relevant experiences, and stay informed about industry trends and advancements.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when exploring a transition?
I wish I had known to seek mentors who have successfully transitioned, gained industry-specific knowledge earlier, and who understand that resilience in the face of rejection is a common part of the job search process.
Can you recommend any relevant resources, organisations or events that might help somebody new to the sector find out more about it?
Yes. Check out Global Biotech Revolution (https://globalbiotechrevolution.com/) which is a non-profit student and early-career professional-led organization to foster collaboration between students and young professionals in biotech world. Also, check Creative Destruction Lab (https://creativedestructionlab.com/), a non-profit organization that helps early start-ups grow and become massive scale tech-based companies. They often have programs that can bridge academia and industry.
Merck Inhouse Consulting is part of Merck KGaA that serves as a best-in-class talent incubator and provides exceptional business consulting across Merck. It attracts, develops, and places high potential from the external market, providing valuable talents to Merck. More info, job and internships opportunities can be found here
https://careers.merckgroup.com/global/en/job-search-all-inhouse-consultants
Merck KGaA is a German multinational, vibrant science and technology company and commonly branded and known as Merck (outside US and Canada) with about 60,000 employees in 66 countries. The company is divided into three sector lines: Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. It was founded in 1668 and is the world’s oldest operating chemical and pharmaceutical company as well as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally. More information here https://www.merckgroup.com/en