Associate, GOglobal Graduate Program Inhouse Consulting (Trainee Program) (all genders)

 

Your role:

The GOglobal Graduate Program (GGP) is the company’s career accelerator for high potential graduates who are early in their careers. During the 24-month talent development program, you will gain experience through a combination of strategic management consulting projects and functional rotations tailored to your interests and development goals. These rotations may take place across Healthcare, Life Science, Electronics, and Group Functions.

In the first year, you will be working in the Inhouse Consulting team, where you will have the opportunity to tackle challenging problems under the guidance of experienced consultants and to acquire extensive management and problem-solving skills. Inhouse Consulting projects focus primarily on strategy, growth, as well as operational optimization, and our internal clients are typically senior-level executives within the company. The first year will help you to gain a good knowledge of the company and maximize your exposure to different subjects and stakeholders. You will also participate in targeted professional trainings as well as our coaching & mentoring program to continuously improve your technical expertise and business acumen.

In the second year, you will be working on several individual assignments within our sectors: Healthcare, Life Science, Electronics and Group Functions. Depending on our business needs and your preference, you’ll get the chance to expand your network and gain in-depth knowledge in the day-to-day operations of different functions, such as marketing, R&D, production, and strategic management. Each assignment will last three to four months, with one international assignment.

Overall, the program allows you to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become an early thought leader in an area, as well as the ability to independently manage complex projects and diverse stakeholders within a matrix organization.

After successful completion, you will move into an exciting role within one of our businesses depending upon your interest and career aspirations, professional development opportunities, and business needs from which you will continue your development as a future leader within the organization.

Next start date: March 2027, limited contract for two years; Position is based in Darmstadt, Germany with no support for relocation from outside Europe possible.

Several positions available

Who you are:

Ideal candidates for the GOglobal Graduate Program are early in their careers (maximum 2 years of full ‑ time work experience), enjoy working in teams, and have a global mindset.

MBA, Master’s degree, or PhD in natural sciences, engineering, or business.

Candidates with an advanced degree in science or engineering must have demonstrated a strong interest in business through professional experience or internships in consulting or strategy in Merck ‑ industry ‑ related fields (e.g., pharma, biotech, diagnostics, bioprocessing, biology, chemistry, semiconductor solutions).

Candidates with a business background must have demonstrated interest through professional experience, or internships in Merck ‑ industry ‑ related fields (e.g., pharma, biotech, diagnostics, bioprocessing, biology, chemistry, semiconductor solutions) through relevant professional experience or internships.

Practical experience applying Data & AI to solve business challenges in Merck ‑ industry ‑ related fields, combined with a passion for further developing skills in this area, is a plus.

Strong analytical skills, excitement for complex and ambiguous work, curiosity for our diverse business sectors and a broad range of topics.

Outstanding communication and team-work skills.

Proactive and self-motivated mindset.

Outstanding academic achievements.

Profound knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint).

Excellent verbal and written English (German is a plus).

Recruiting Timeline:

CV Submission: By September 13, 2026 at the latest

Virtual Case Interview: Completed by the beginning of October 2026

Assessment Days on-site in Darmstadt:

Option 1: Monday, October 12, 2026

Option 2: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Option 3: Monday, October 19, 2026

EF-IC-D Graduates Germany

TA E11K/06 - E12K/06 / Expert 1-2