Kirson E. Herbert is an outstanding example of what a person can do for a company that believes in and invests in the development of its minority employees. As president of the International Division of the DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company headquartered in Wilmington, DE, he is the first African American to serve in an international assignment for DuPont Merck, a world-wide, research based pharmaceutical company. He has been with DuPont Merck 25 years. Herbert is responsible for a $65 Million portfolio that reports within the Worldwide Pharmaceuticals Division. Within his responsibility lie operations in managing profit and loss (earnings) statement, establishing short and long-term strategies, marketing and business development, employee development and public relations within the division. His areas of responsibility or accountability span Canada, the Asia Pacific Rim, Latin and South America, the Middle East and Africa 

Developmental assignments

Collegiate preparation

Kirson Herbert has a B.S. in Business Administration from Morgan State University and a M.B.A from Wilmington College. Collegian Herbert, mid 60s, never envisioned that he would achieve the level of responsibility in corporate America that he has today. Even though he was a business major, he was not privy to or exposed to many of the essential elements that are now required for operating a major portfolio in today's business environment. However, because he learned so much from his numerous developmental assignments over the years, he has acquired the skills that have allowed him to perform the many responsibilities for which he is now accountable. 
These are the skills that enabled him to succeed; they are the skills he recommends to collegians: 

• Preparation (Don't fall into the trap of mediocrity.) 
• Education B.S. and M.B.A. (A bachelor's degree is good; a master's degree is    even better.) 
• Strategic thinking (Learn how to think well.) 
• Visionary (Prepare for many careers.) 
• Communications ( Learn to speak and to write well.) 
• Perseverance (Keep trying.) 
• Interpersonal (Learn to get along with others.) 
• Willingness to relocate (Don't plant your feet; keep moving.) 
• Understanding corporate politics (Every corporation has its procedures: learn them.) 
• Sharing, giving, compassion (Help others.) 
• Appreciation of diversity (Most corporations are global; travel.)

People who helped

Herbert is a product of a strong family, his parents having instilled in him at an early age hard work, preparation, fairness, moral values and a strong belief in God. In addition to his parents, his wife has strongly supported him, during his developmental assignments and in his endeavors. She has shown remarkable flexibility with the many demands continuously placed upon him in a leadership position, flexibility that has freed Herbert to concentrate on his responsibilities at DuPont Merck.

Mentors

Many of his early education advocates provided the formal foundation that enabled him to learn, to develop through communicating with other knowledgeable people and to grow within an academic setting. Their guidance and support were consistent, essential and effective. After entering corporate life, he had the unique experience of being mentored by a very effective leader within the company who wanted upward mobility and challenge. With his guidance and support, Herbert developed a plan for his career. His support of his mentor never wavered, and Herbert learned from him and grew in many different and challenging assignments. A corporate mentor, either formal or informal, is essential to success, Herbert says.  His advice to collegians

First, for you collegians aspiring to enter the job market, be prepared. Competition is extremely abundant and lack of preparedness pushes you back further in the process of entering a career. 

Being persistent is another quality that is helpful in pursuing employment opportunities. Assertiveness, if managed correctly, can be viewed as a strength. No does not always mean no. 

An appreciation for diversity and uniqueness is a key component in being successful when you start your job search. We live in a global society and only those who are most comfortable with differences will succeed. 

Last, have prepared a list of values that are important in your life. These are the guidelines and operating principles by which you manage your life. Be sure that the job you seek and the corporation that has it synchronize with your principles and your values; if they do not, continue your job search until you find an employer that meets your expectations. After all, more than one-half of your adult life is spent at work. You must feel valued in order to be productive.  

Other Notable Advice

Organizations that are successful within the 21st century will be those that understand the significance of utilizing multicultural employees in key roles within the global markets.