2027 Future Talent Program - Global Communications Intern (AI focus) - Intern

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck’s Future Talent Program offers a 12-week summer internship in Global Communications, focused on developing AI-powered communications tools. The position is based in Rahway, NJ, with the intern expected to come to the office three days a week, collaborating with communicators and technologists to scale AI-enabled messaging.

The ideal candidate will draft promotional content, pilot communications, and presentations; test tools; and learn from leaders across the organization, while building

Qualifications

• Currently in junior year or above pursuing a college degree in a related field (e.g., Communications, Marketing/Public Relations, Journalism, English, Business).
• Available to work full-time for the summer months May 2027 through August 2027.
• Hands-on experience using at least one generative AI tool (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini).
• Proficient with Windows-based applications (PowerPoint, Word).
• Coursework or projects in artificial intelligence is a plus, SharePoint experience a plus, and video/presentation design experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft promotional communications for the AI program and its tools, including announcements and intranet features.
• Develop presentations for sponsors, leadership, pilot sessions and showcases.
• Test AI tools in pilot projects and document findings for the build team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional subject matter experts to incorporate input into materials.
• Support the AI incubation team with day-to-day tasks and special projects.

Skills

Strong proofreading and editing skills

Excellent oral communication

Project management and organizational

Education

Communications or related field

Tools

Generative AI tools

Job description

Job Description 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 communications intern focused on artificial intelligence (AI). This individual will join a small team within Global Communications that designs, pilots and scales AI-powered tools for communicators — such as assistants that help leaders' messages sound like them, draft organizational announcements and build presentations — with an opportunity to learn from communicators, technologists and Global Communications leaders at all levels. The internship role will be focused on drafting the communications that bring this work to life, including promotional content, pilot user communications and presentations, along with hands-on testing of the tools, in support of our company's purpose of using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. 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:

• Explore how AI agents could support communications teams by helping identify and evaluate potential use cases, contributing to early-stage agent development and informing priorities for future tools
• Draft promotional communications for the AI program and its tools, including announcements, launch communications, intranet features, newsletter items and success stories, to build awareness and drive adoption across Global Communications
• Draft pilot user communications, including onboarding notes, release updates, quick-start guides and frequently asked questions, so pilot participants can get started quickly and stay current as tools evolve
• Develop presentations for sponsors, leadership, pilot sessions and showcases that translate technical progress into clear stories and visuals
• Test AI tools in pilot, including running structured test cases, documenting where they succeed and where they fall short, and sharing findings with the build team
• Effectively partner with cross-functional subject matter experts to secure and incorporate input into communications materials
• Conduct research on how peer companies and the broader industry communicate about AI, and bring back examples and ideas the team can use
• Support the AI incubation team in day-to-day tasks and special projects

Required Education And Experience

• Candidates must be currently in their junior year or above pursuing a college degree preferably in a related field (e.g., Communications, Marketing/Public Relations, Journalism, English, Business)
• Candidates must be available to work full-time for the summer months beginning in May 2027 through August 2027
• Candidates must have hands-on experience using at least one generative AI tool (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini)
• Candidates must have computer proficiency with Windows-based applications (PowerPoint, Word)
• Coursework or projects in artificial intelligence, including prompt design or building custom assistants, a plus
• SharePoint experience a plus
• Video, social media and presentation design experience a plus

The Ideal Candidate

• Writes clear, persuasive copy that gets people excited about something new, with strong proofreading, editing and grammar skills
• Understands the basic principles of communications, public relations and internal marketing
• Is comfortable building presentations that tell a story, and explaining technical topics in plain language to diverse audiences
• Has strong project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrates creativity in addressing communication challenges and problem solving
• Possesses excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills, and works well with both communicators and technologists
• Is a strong team player with a collaborative spirit and a positive attitude who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Is curious about how AI is changing communications work, isn't afraid to learn or ask questions, and is willing to say when a tool got something wrong

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

The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111 USD.

FTP2027

GSF2027

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Requirements

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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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.

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)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

• A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.