Merck & Co., Inc.

"I've been with the company for a little over 5 years. Generally I enjoy working here, the salary is very good for the area I live in. However I recently found out that the department I work in has hired males and females at different starting salaries a few years ago (men have higher salaries than their counterpart women with same education, background, age and experience). For the most part (salary excluded) I believe women are treated fairly but management is male-dominated and not diverse, which makes it tougher for women to "network" with them. Most of the few females that are in leadership roles are there based on connections they have (family members in higher positions) and not based on merit or leadership skills. Others are clearly put in leadership roles because they are easily manipulated by the higher management and fail to have a strong personality that protects the interests of their own team."

"Make yourself known"

"Get involved in the Merck Women's Network, network up, find a sponsor, connect with a mentor, do things that might scare you, be on the offensive when it comes to career development (i.e., don't wait for someone to come to you for opportunities); ask for what you want."

"Have confidence in yourself. Focus on strategy and networking. You will always get the work done, but it's the relationships that matter for your future."

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