My name is Laura, and I am a GN Finance Graduate. I was born in Brazil, completed a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, and a master’s degree in finance at ISEG University in Lisbon. During my bachelor’s I did a summer internship in investment banking but, aside from that, I had no other work experience. The graduate program has been an incredible learning experience and exactly what I was looking for to start my career. My first rotation was in Financial Planning & Analysis and now I am currently in my second rotation in our UK-Benelux regional office.
How did you end up at the GN Graduate Programme?
After finishing my master’s, I wasn’t exactly sure which route to take within finance – the GN Graduate program gave me the opportunity to explore different areas within a large, global company. GN also offers the possibility to go abroad and learn how regional offices work within the context of the organization, which I think is such a valuable learning experience as it gives a broad perspective of the company and how it’s regions and sectors interact. Finally, the chance to work with products that directly impact people’s wellbeing was also a factor that I considered which further pushed me to apply.
What attracted you to GN as an employer?
I admit that I didn’t know much about GN before applying and I was initially attracted by the products. However, already during the recruitment process, GN stood out to me as an employer. The culture seemed to be exactly what I was looking for – people were welcoming and friendly, looking to make a difference and valued the graduate experience. We had the opportunity to meet graduates and senior management during the assessment centre and they all resonated with me. My same impression continues a year later!
What has been the highlight of being a graduate at GN so far?
My favorite thing about being a GN graduate is the community that you build within the company. Already from the beginning you have other graduates to lean on, both in your generation and from past ones as well. Additionally, by being exposed to different teams you end up meeting with tons of different people across GN which is valuable both professionally and personally, especially as someone who moved to Denmark from abroad. Also, experiencing different types of work – both more project and day-to-day based has helped me learn more about myself and what my preferences are. I think that’s one of the many positives of the graduate program: that you can be exposed to different tasks and workflows such that you can identify what you really prefer!
What has surprised you the most about working at GN?
For me, the biggest surprise was how quickly and easy it was to make friends within the company. Coming from abroad, with no friends or family in Denmark, I was worried about building my personal life in a new country alongside my professional one. GN made it so easy, which I think really reflects the company’s culture as well as the community spirit fostered between graduates. So, if you’re a student coming from abroad and thinking of applying, don’t worry about building great friendships!
Coming from abroad, with no friends or family in Denmark, I was worried about building my personal life in a new country alongside my professional one. GN made it so easy, which I think really reflects the company’s culture as well as the community spirit fostered between graduates.
Biggest challenge as a graduate so far?
The most challenging part of the program is constantly being a new member of the team. As the rotations are 8 months long, you must constantly adapt to new work and new colleagues. Although it is a challenge, it is also extremely rewarding and interesting. I think the most important thing is to keep a positive attitude and try to learn as much as possible in each rotation. The graduate program is the perfect place to develop new skills!
Advice to other applicants?
My main advice would be to come in with an open mind! One of the main purposes of the graduate program is to learn as much as possible and embracing both the opportunities and the challenges will definitely contribute to the experience.
How do you see your future with GN?
My next rotation will start on January 14th where I will be placed in Strategy & Business Transformation. I’m super excited to take on this new challenge and keep learning as much as possible. After finishing the graduate program, I look forward to applying all the knowledge and network I’ve acquired into my permanent position.
