Camma from GN: “If you decide to apply for the programme, be prepared to meet many new people and maintain a flexible, adaptable mindset”

Intro to the graduate

My name is Camma, and I am an Engineering Graduate. I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Design and Innovation at the Technical University of Denmark. During my studies, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Mexico for one semester. I gained initial work experience through a student position at in a MedTech while completing my Master’s. Currently, I am in my first rotation within the Graduate Programme in the Mechanical Development department. The onboarding process has been very welcoming, and the projects I am involved in align well with my academic background and prior experience.

GN Graduate Programme

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

When did you first hear about the Graduate Programme?

I learned about the Graduate Programme from a friend who recommended the job posting. After reviewing the Engineering Graduate Track, I found it appealing and felt it was a perfect match for my skills and interests.

 

What made you apply to the programme?

During my Master’s, I specialised in user experience, management, and entrepreneurship. While I found all these fields exciting, I found it difficult to determine my ideal entry position. I then realised that the Graduate Programme provided an excellent opportunity to explore different departments and could help me clarify my career direction. As I love traveling and exploring new cultures, the programme’s three rotations, including an international component, was especially appealing to me.

 

What has been the highlight of being a graduate so far?

A highlight for me has been the whole onboarding process, that focuses and prioritise creating a graduate community across the different tracks. The programme was my first full-time job, and it was important for me to build a network beyond just work-related connections. During the onboarding, we had a whole week of team building, including a two-day trip to northern Denmark, where we got to know each other better. Besides that, GN offers many social initiatives outside of work hours, which is something I personally think is great! The welcoming culture in both my current department as well as the graduate community has made my transition into the programme very positive.

What has surprised you the most about working at the company?

For me, the biggest surprise was how easy it has been to transition into GN. Monthly Friday bar, fitness class training, and social activities with both graduates and my department have made it easy to connect with others. When you don’t know anyone in the beginning, initiatives like these are a great start to get to know people across the whole organisation. Another surprising element has been the opportunity to shape my own Graduate Programme. Each graduate is paired with a Programme Sponsor who provides guidance throughout the two-year journey. I initially expected the programme to be more rigid, but I discovered that I could highly influence the rotations throughout my programme. I think that says a lot about GN – the prioritisation of finding three meaningful rotations for both the company and the graduates.

 

What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome as a graduate so far?

First, it has been difficult to shift from being a student to a full-time employee, but I believe that this is a general challenge for most people starting their first “real” job. Second, the graduate program is starting with a blast! A lot of information, meetings, and people. Since GN is a large company, getting to know the organisation better took a while. For these challenges, it has been nice to have the other graduates to share and discuss these relatable topics.

 

What advice do you have to other applicants that are considering applying for the programme?

My best advice is to reflect on what truly drives your passion and consider if the Graduate Programme can support your goals. If you decide to apply for the programme, be prepared to meet many new people and maintain a flexible, adaptable mindset, as you’ll be working in three different positions in just two years. Most importantly, be yourself and stay honest! The graduate application process can feel overwhelming, so authenticity is key. Besides that, good luck and feel free to reach out if you have any further questions!

GN Graduate Programme

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology