2027 Future Talent Program: Transformation Communications Intern
The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Support Function Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
Our company's Global Communications organization has an opportunity for a summer 2027 communications intern. This individual will support internal communications for major transformation initiatives across our organization, bringing a unique perspective and contribution to efforts across the enterprise, including work related to AI-enabled capabilities. As a result, this individual will partner closely with a second intern supporting our AI communications work on a joint project. The role also connects this individual to cross-functional stakeholders within and beyond Global Communications, offering the chance to learn from leaders at all levels and across areas of scope.
This internship will be based in the Rahway, NJ, location. This individual will be expected to come to the Rahway, NJ, office 3 times a week.
Responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following
- Collaborate with the Human Health Communications team to support delivery of our U.S. customer engagement transformation communications strategy, which includes traditional and new ways to reach intended audiences
- Apply an AI-first mindset across communications work, using generative AI tools to support research, content development, collaboration and more efficient ways of working
- Support planning and execution of employee engagement moments, from agenda development, briefing materials and recaps for events to video shoot preparation and execution
- Contribute to Human Health newsletters and quarterly messages, including drafting, sourcing stories and coordinating inputs and edits
- Partner with cross-functional subject matter experts across change management, program management, strategy realization and other functional teams to gather and incorporate input into communications materials
- Conduct research on change communications practices, employee experience and AI adoption in the workplace to inform our approach
- Support measurement of communications effectiveness through coordinated listening channels, tracking and synthesizing data including open rates, click-through rates, event attendance, survey results and sentiment to translate recurring themes into recommendations for future communications tactics
- Assist with the Global Diversity & Inclusion Experience Month, supporting content development, event promotion and toolkit materials that help teams activate locally
- Help maintain existing SharePoint sites so employees can easily find current, accurate information about transformation programs, where timing and workload allow
Required experience and education
- Candidates must be currently in their junior year or above pursuing a college degree preferably in a related field (e.g., Business, English, Marketing/Communications)
- Candidates must be available to work full-time for the summer months beginning in May 2027 through August 2027
- Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint or other digital collaboration platforms preferred
- Familiarity with generative AI tools and an interest in their application to communications preferred
- Coursework or demonstrated interest in organizational change, business transformation, public health, life sciences or healthcare communications preferred
- Experience working in team environments and collaborating with diverse groups preferred
The ideal candidate
- Is a strong writer who can turn complex, technical information into clear, plain-language messages
- Is curious about how organizations change and how communications helps people navigate and adopt it
- Is comfortable with ambiguity and able to move work forward when not every detail is decided
- Is organized, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Brings creativity, curiosity and a willingness to learn new skills and approaches, including AI tools
- Enjoys collaborating with people from different backgrounds, functions and regions
- Communicates professionally and builds strong relationships with teammates and stakeholders
- Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism and attention to detail, particularly when handling sensitive or not-yet-public information
- Is motivated by the opportunity to make complex information more accessible and meaningful for diverse audiences
- Is eager to learn, asks thoughtful questions and seeks opportunities to grow
Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.
Salary range: $39,908 - $111,111 USD
Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid
Valid Driving License: No
Job Posting End Date: 11/13/2026
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
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As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
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San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
