Pros

Great name to have on resume. As a specialty rep given autonomy to run territory how I saw fit. Your experience will heavily depend on your relationship with the district manager. Work life balance was relatively easy to maintain. At a time when access to doctor's offices is decreasing, having Merck on your badge is helpful in breaking through the clutter. Merck science still respected by physicians which helps in telling your story. Deal with SP might breathe new life into the firm Dick Clark has decreased company's reliance solely on Merck R&D and has allowed the firm to think more creatively about ways to develop/acquire new compounds.

Cons

The company's pipeline is dry and blockbusters are heading off patent which threatens the future stability of the firm. Sweeping changes to access in offices and customer interaction will make it increasingly difficult to grow sales. On specialty side, management had difficulty creating compensation model that placed all territories on equal ground. Disconnect exists between marketing and sales. Much of the marketing staff didn't have time in the field so their brand strategies did not always lead to successful sales strategies. Some trainings were a waste of time.

Advice to Senior Management

Get more active in business development in order to re-invigorate pipeline. Align pay closer to performance.