Serono was great. If you are great, Merck Serono is not for you. Horrible mediocrity. - Anonymous employee Merck KGaA Employee Review

1.0
Jul 3, 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

As long as you feed the people in Darmstadt and reply timely to their insane requests via email, you have nothing to fear. It is not about how great your run your business, but how good you are in politics. The C-level actually acknowledge to hire mediocre people, because they are afraid of high potentials: would be too demanding, difficult to manage and leave anyway. So if you are mediocre or below, you have found a matching company.

Cons

You will only survive if you don't have an opinion, no brain, no free will, no business sense and follow up on what you are told by the many, many "important" people from HQ. The number of templates you need to fill in, emails you have to reply to, protocols, procedures, lack of trust and control is unreal. Since your colleagues are most probably mediocre at best, you will find yourself in a working environment that doesn't challenge your brain, but kills it. Be prepared that delegating work may not be an option. Your co-workers are most probably not able to understand, execute or implement. You are on your own.

Explore other reviews about Merck KGaA

5.0
Jan 21, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A lot learning opportunities and networking opportunities

Cons

Cannot transfer to full time employee

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Merck KGaA Response
4mo
Thank you for your positive feedback about your experience at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. We're delighted to hear that you found valuable learning and networking opportunities during your time with us. Creating an environment where employees can develop professionally and build meaningful connections is central to our mission. We understand and regret that the transition to full-time employment wasn't possible during or after your tenure with us. If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to join our Talent Zone, as new opportunities may arise that align with your skills and career aspirations - and you know the company already, which is an advantage. Thank you for recommending Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
4.0
May 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Established company with a great culture

Cons

Change management and finding the right growth opportunities in a large organization.

avatar
Merck KGaA Response
1w
Thank you for recommending our company and for emphasizing the culture and stability you experienced. Your feedback on change management and identifying the right growth opportunities in a large organization is well taken. We know that navigating options can be challenging at scale, which is why we continue to strengthen transparency around internal roles and development paths, including through MyGrowth and regular career conversations with managers and HR. Thank you for your contribution during your time with us, and we wish you continued success in your next chapter.
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