Hosted by Merck
- Describe your experience working with your host.
I was placed with Dr. Omkar Patil, Senior scientist at the Global Digital Analytics and Technology team at Merck. During the CEF program, Omkar organized several informative interviews with his teammates for me, where I gained insights into their career paths and industry experiences. These interviews provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of careers in the industry, especially in large companies like Merck. They also provided me with valuable suggestions and insights for exploring career opportunities in the industry. I am grateful to Omkar for being a wonderful host, and I learned a lot from him and his teammates throughout the program.
- What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, about career fields, the job search, etc.)?
I gained a clearer understanding of the difference between working in academia and in industry. I learned how people with diverse backgrounds collaborate effectively in large companies. The informative interviews also helped me realize the importance of soft skills, such as communication and presentation skills, for professional success.
- How does your CEF experience benefit your future career plans?
The workshops facilitated by Tithi were super helpful in preparing for the job search process, including detailed guidance on preparing for the informative interviews and improving the resume and LinkedIn profiles. The informative interviews also provided me with a valuable network of industry professionals whom I can reach out to for guidance and potential opportunities.
- What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
The most valuable part for me were those suggestions and insights provided by people at different stages of their careers during the informative interviews.
- Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF:
CEF offers great opportunities for students to explore diverse career paths beyond academia and gain valuable insights into the industry. Students will have the opportunities to connect with industry experts and establish connections. The workshops facilitated by CEF are also very beneficial in preparing students for the job market.
