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
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
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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
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
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):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
11/14/2026
*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.