Student Placement - Corporate Affairs

MSD Malaysia; Greater London; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a 12-month Corporate Affairs Student Placement in London to gain hands‑on experience across policy, communications, digital engagement, and patient engagement.

You will work with the UK Policy & Communications team to influence policy, support corporate reputation, and drive employee engagement. The role offers exposure to strategic communications, stakeholder relations, and cross‑functional projects within a global biopharmaceutical leader a short walk from

Qualifications

• Currently studying at a UK university and seeking a 12‑month student internship as part of an undergraduate degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage multiple stakeholders.
• Interest in healthcare policy, communications, public affairs, and related fields.

Responsibilities

• Support healthcare policy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement activities through research and briefing materials.
• Contribute to internal and external communications, content creation, and corporate messaging.
• Assist with digital campaigns, content planning, and communications resources maintenance.
• Support patient engagement activities and external events with healthcare and patient organisations.
• Coordinate cross‑functional Corporate Affairs projects and track progress.

Skills

Clinical Research

Cloud Data Catalog

Communication Strategy Development

Conference Coordination

Data Analysis

Database Management

Data Science

Data Security

Data Visualization

Data Wrangling

Detail-Oriented

Engagement Programs

Engagement Strategies

Event Planning

External Relations

Internal Communications

Key Performance Indicators

Multitasking

Policy Communications

Presentation Preparations

Progress Monitoring

Project Management

Python

Relationship Building

Job description

Job Description 12-Month Corporate Affairs Student Placement offering hands‑on experience in healthcare policy, communications, patient engagement, digital communications, and stakeholder relations. Our Corporate Affairs team helps shape healthcare policy, build stakeholder relationships, and communicate the value of innovation to support patients and healthcare systems. During this 12‑month Corporate Affairs Student Placement, you will gain hands‑on experience across policy, communications, digital engagement, and patient engagement. Working closely with the UK Policy & Communications team, you will support projects that influence healthcare policy, strengthen corporate reputation, and drive employee engagement, while developing strategic communications skills and collaborating with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. This role will be based in our modern state‑of‑the‑art co‑working facilities in Moorgate, London. This site, at the heart of London provides fantastic amenities, support services and collaborative workspaces with convenient transport links. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader committed to enhancing the lives of individuals through a diverse portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology treatments, life‑saving vaccines, and animal health products. Our unwavering dedication to delivering innovative solutions is the driving force behind everything we do.

Responsibilities

• Support healthcare policy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement activities through research, analysis, and the preparation of briefing materials.
• Contribute to internal and external communication initiatives, including content creation, employee engagement, and corporate messaging.
• Assist with digital and social media campaigns, content planning, and the maintenance of communications resources.
• Support patient engagement activities, external events, and collaboration with healthcare and patient organisations.
• Contribute to cross‑functional Corporate Affairs projects, helping to coordinate activities, track progress, and support project delivery.
• Build knowledge of the healthcare, policy, and communications landscape while developing stakeholder management, communication, and project management skills.

Requirements

• You must be currently studying at a UK university and will be looking to complete a 12‑month student internship as part of your undergraduate degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and communicate with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and research skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• An interest in healthcare, public policy, communications, public affairs, media, or related fields.
• Eagerness to learn, contribute, and develop in a dynamic and collaborative environment, with an interest in healthcare innovation, patient outcomes, and public policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. For more Information visit our Future Talent page!

Required Skills

• Clinical Research
• Clinical Research
• Cloud Data Catalog
• Communication Strategy Development
• Conference Coordination
• Data Analysis
• Database Management
• Data Science
• Data Security
• Data Visualization
• Data Wrangling
• Detail-Oriented
• Engagement Programs
• Engagement Strategies
• Event Planning
• External Relations
• Internal Communications
• Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Multitasking
• Policy Communications
• Presentation Preparations
• Progress Monitoring
• Project Management
• Python (Programming Language)
• Relationship Building

Preferred Skills

• Clinical Research
• Clinical Research
• Cloud Data Catalog
• Communication Strategy Development
• Conference Coordination
• Data Analysis
• Database Management
• Data Science
• Data Security
• Data Visualization
• Data Wrangling
• Detail-Oriented
• Engagement Programs
• Engagement Strategies
• Event Planning
• External Relations
• Internal Communications
• Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Multitasking
• Policy Communications
• Presentation Preparations
• Progress Monitoring
• Project Management
• Python (Programming Language)
• Relationship Building

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.

Employee Status: Intern/Co‑op (Fixed Term) Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): no

Job Posting End Date: 10/13/2026

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.