CMU BME alumni employed at Merck share career insights and tips for success
By Karina Shevchenko
Earlier this week, the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU BME) hosted an online alumni panel featuring graduates currently working at Merck. The event aimed to connect current students with alumni, providing insights into their career paths, the job search process, and key advice for securing positions at Merck.
The panel featured Gillian Crews, Ranjan Mahanth, Stefanie McMillan, Aadi Mhatre, Lexi Mod, and Ryan Pearce, who shared their experiences working at Merck and how CMU BME prepared them to collaborate in an interdisciplinary, multicultural, and diverse work environment. They offered invaluable advice on job applications, interviews, essential skills for graduate students, and what it’s like to be part of Merck’s workforce.
Many panelists highlighted how the technical depth of CMU BME program played a crucial role in their careers. “What was unique about CMU was the level of technical depth and the strong foundation it provided for launching a career in industry,” said Aadi Mhatre, Senior Specialist in Large Molecule External Manufacturing Technical Operations.
Lexi Mod, Associate Director in Quality and Operations, emphasized the value of capstone design projects, explaining that working with an industry partner, such as Bayer, gave her real-world experience throughout the academic year, making the transition into industry smoother.
The alumni strongly encouraged students to engage with industry professionals early. Gillian Crews, Product Lead in Strategy & Engagement, shared “Even if you think you don’t have the experience or background for a job, start conversations early. Meet company representatives, learn about their work, and share your experiences.” She recalled how connecting with a Merck representative as a freshman, despite having no directly relevant experience, led to valuable career advice and, years later, a job offer from the same individual.
Ranjan Mahanth, Associate Scientist in Drug Product Commercialization, provided resume-building tips, stressing the importance of framing extracurricular activities as technical experience. “Don’t hesitate to present your extracurricular activities as technical experience. At CMU, we sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome and undervalue our achievements. It’s all about how you frame your experience and demonstrate your ability to contribute.”
The panelists also shared interview strategies, emphasizing the importance of the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when responding to behavioral interview questions. They advised students to clearly explain the situation, provide key details about their role, outline the actions they took, and highlight results and lessons learned.
When discussing key skills for recent graduates, Ryan Pearce, Associate Director of Global Engineering Solutions, emphasized the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. “At Merck, we work in interdisciplinary teams where not everyone has the same technical background. Being able to communicate effectively and understand different perspectives is essential,” he noted. He highlighted that CMU BME capstone design course provides one of the best learning experiences in team-based problem-solving.
Stefanie McMillan, Specialist in Engineering and Manufacturing, shared insights on transitioning from an internship to full-time employment, describing how Merck’s internship program fosters professional growth. “One of the great things about a Merck internship is the structured approach—part of your time is spent working on projects, but you’re also encouraged to meet with colleagues, tour labs, and explore different career paths,” she said. She found this experience extremely helpful in transitioning into a full-time role.
The alumni also touched on topics such as the importance of networking, the value of graduate degrees, emerging trends in the industry, professional development strategies, and leadership skills. Their insights provided valuable guidance for students preparing to enter the workforce, reinforcing the impact of CMU BME strong technical foundation and industry connections.