Alice: The rotational set-up of the Novo Nordisk Graduate Programme is particularly special

I heard about Novo Nordisk when they hosted a booth at one of the career fairs at the The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the university where I completed my master’s degree. The Graduate Programme immediately caught my eye. After having a deeper look at the structure of the Programme, it quickly became apparent that this is an incredible opportunity that I wouldn’t want to miss.

➔  Hiring!  Novo Nordisk are hiring graduates right now. Click here for more details on the programme.

What attracted you to Novo Nordisk?

Besides Novo Nordisk’s purpose of driving change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases, which I could strongly identify with, there was one other aspect that struck me as particularly interesting: the major shareholder of Novo Nordisk is the Novo Nordisk Foundation, a foundation dedicated to supporting scientific and humanitarian purposes and providing a stable basis to Novo Nordisk. This set-up allows us not only to claim but really conduct business according to high ethical standards – Novo Nordisk “walks the talk”.

Why did you want to join a graduate programme?

Graduate Programmes provide the unique opportunity to get to know a company from different perspectives. The rotational set-up of the Novo Nordisk Programme is particularly special: not only do you get insights into three different departments, but you also get to experience different levels of the organisation i.e. working in headquarters vs. in an affiliate. In addition, you get to work on an international rotation and experience another culture. To me, this is an amazing opportunity to see the organization from different angles and to gain a holistic understanding of how Novo Nordisk operates. 

What has surprised you the most about working at Novo Nordisk?

One aspect that has surprised me in particular is how fond the employees are of working at Novo Nordisk. From day one I could feel the pride my colleagues take in working here, also since Novo Nordisk enjoys a very good reputation within Copenhagen and all of Denmark. This feeling contributes to a great working atmosphere. 

Biggest challenge as a graduate so far?

Depending on the department, you might experience re-organisations, which are not uncommon. Initially this might throw you off a bit, but it teaches you how to adapt quickly to new circumstances and how to maintain a flexible mindset. 

Starting a new rotation amidst a lockdown was also challenging because a virtual work setting makes getting to know your new colleagues difficult. However, I always felt I received the support I needed from my Programme and Host manager, which improved the situation substantially. This double mentoring set-up is another unique and very valuable feature of the Graduate Programme. 

Advice to other applicants?

Joining the Graduate Programme is a very exciting journey with extensive opportunities and challenges – you definitely have to be ready to be pushed out of your comfort zone (and it is absolutely worth it!). If you are willing to be challenged and stay curious throughout the Programme you will already fulfill two very important requirements for a Graduate. 

How do you see your future with Novo Nordisk?

I am open and curious for the future, and I am confident that I will find the right position that suits my profile in one of our interesting therapy areas like diabetes or obesity. Novo Nordisk has been an incredible place to kick-start my career after my studies and I am very much looking forward to continuing my future professional journey here.

➔  Hiring!  Novo Nordisk are hiring graduates right now. Click here for more details on the programme.