🌟Alumni Spotlight: Jake Reid🌟

👋Meet **Jake Reid** (he/him) a recent graduate of UMass Amherst with degrees in Computer Science and Statistics. He will be joining **Merck** as a Data Scientist through the company’s Early Talent Rotational Program! 📊🧬

🧭Jake’s path to this opportunity began with a Merck internship last summer! Through Merck’s “Super Week” program, current interns are invited to apply and interview for post-graduation roles. After applying, he was selected for in-person interviews. Within two weeks, he received the exciting news that he had secured the position!

🔬As part of Merck’s Early Talent Rotational Program, Jake will complete three different roles over two years, gaining experience across multiple teams and business areas. The program includes two six-month rotations followed by a longer one-year rotation, with each role tailored to his interests and skill set. At the conclusion of the program, participants receive a permanent placement based on their experiences and strengths.

🌱His advice for students navigating today’s job market:

“In this extremely challenging job market, I think my best advice is for those applying to focus on branding yourself and what makes you stand out from others.”

💡Jake emphasizes that while technical foundations remain important, employers are increasingly looking beyond technical skills alone. Strong communication, collaboration and problem solving skills can be just as important in helping candidates out. He encourages students to think about how they tell their story, highlight their experiences and demonstrate the value they bring as a teammate!

♥️Jake would like to give a shoutout to CICS Careers for providing valuable resources throughout his professional journey.

Congratulations Jake, and best of luck as you begin your career at Merck! 👏

**#StudentSpotlight #CareerSuccess #UMassAmherst #CICS #Merck #DataScience #DataScientist #Internship #ComputerScience #Statistics**

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