Nearly 10 Years at MSD – From Assistant to Strategic Support, Enabling Success
August 8, 2025
Having spent nearly a decade at MSD, I currently work as the executive assistant to our Managing Director, Katrien De Vos, while also supporting our HR department. My journey in the pharmaceutical industry began with eight years as an assistant at another company, where I sharpened my skills and developed a passion for the pharmaceutical field.
When I applied to join MSD Belgium, I was excited to find two assistant positions available: one in the External Affairs team and another in the Medical team. Given my background in Medical, I was drawn to the opportunity in External Affairs, as it promised new challenges and experiences. To my surprise, I received a call from the recruiter on my way home, offering me the position. I felt very excited to start my journey at MSD and have never looked back since accepting the offer.
One of the aspects I truly value about working at MSD is the ease with which employees can transition between roles within the organization. Throughout my career here, I have had the opportunity to work across various entities, including Animal and Human Health, and in different departments. MSD actively encourages us to seize internal opportunities, which fosters personal and professional growth. Therefore, I appreciate the company’s commitment to employee development.
The role of an assistant has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, our responsibilities were primarily focused on routine tasks such as creating purchase orders and taking meeting notes. Today, the expectation is that team members manage their own administrative duties, allowing assistants to take on a more supportive and guiding role. We are much more than just administrative support; we are integral to the success of our teams.
What I love most about my role at MSD is the opportunity to help others and make their lives easier. Assisting a colleague not only energizes me but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence each day. It’s very rewarding to see the relief on my colleagues’ faces after I’ve helped them, and I take great pride in organizing company summits where everyone can come together, have fun, and enjoy themselves.
In summary, my journey at MSD has been fulfilling and transformative, and I look forward to many more years of growth and contribution within this organization.
BE-NON-02563 | Date of last revision: 06/2025