OUR PURPOSE PIONEERING SCIENCE ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY REPORTING 68 ENABLING EMPLOYEES TO THRIVE BIOGEN 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW PATIENTS OUR PEOPLE Orbit rotational program Through the Orbit program, employees can take short-term growth assignments in new areas, enabling them to experience new roles, expand their internal networks and provide short-term “surge capacity.” Nearly 240 employees have participated in an Orbit since the program launched in March 2021. I was very fortunate to participate in an Orbit focused on health equity, as both host manager and participant. As host, I worked with a team who would each apply their expertise with a health equity lens that enhanced our business; as participant, I was able to leverage opportunities to unify all the great work happening across the organization.” Cherié Butts Medical Director, Therapeutics Development Unit Through my Orbit in Corporate Brand & Reputation, I was able to explore another area of the business, build new professional relationships and enhance my overall career development. I love that Biogen gave me the opportunity to try something new and offered the flexibility for me to do that on a part-time basis.” Dennis Mercier Lead, TA Recruitment Marketing Exploring career paths through internship Beverly Hughes knew she wanted a summer internship at a leading biotech firm, but was unsure which companies would recruit at her school, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, one of the nation’s largest HBCUs. “My specific program is relatively small, so many of the big firms don’t show up to the recruiting events,” said Beverly, a biomedical engineering student. “When I saw Biogen at the virtual internship fair, I was really excited.” HBCUs are a crucial talent pipeline. According to the Ivy Research Council, while only 10% of Black college students today attend HBCUs, 24% of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees awarded to Black students come from HBCUs. “Our ability to innovate and meet evolving patient needs is dependent on attracting and retaining diverse and high-performing talent,” said Tom Kleber, who formerly led University Programs. “Summer internship recruitment from HBCUs is one way to contribute to Biogen’s diversity and innovation efforts, particularly when looking for diverse STEM talent.” “As students at an HBCU, we are surrounded by Black people doing amazing work all the time,” Beverly said. “But it can feel like a bubble, because when you go out into the work world, you may be the only Black engineer at your company, which can feel lonely and impact your work. It’s so important to have a company culture that’s diverse and inclusive so that we all can do our best work.” Beverly landed an internship in health equity with Biogen’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) team. “I initially considered taking an engineering role, but I was also curious about working on the corporate side and how companies advance their health equity goals. I’m more of an introvert, and this internship really pushed me out of my comfort zone – I’ve learned and grown so much.”