Lorenzo: I joined the graduate programme to learn from the best and Novozymes is the world’s best at industrial biotechnology

My name is Lorenzo, 25 years old, Italian. I graduated in 2020 from CBS with a MSc in Finance and Investments. Besides, I studied abroad at the University of Southern California and The London School of Economics. While completing my studies, I was working at Novozymes in Business Development, and as a Junior Analyst at Novo Holdings, in Valuation.

I am currently completing my fourth rotation in Treasury, at Novozymes’ HQ, in Bagsværd.

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

How did you end up at the Novozymes Graduate Programme?

By following my interest in the Life Science industry. Pharma and biotechnology are two industries in which Denmark excels. During my studies, I deepened my understanding of the Life Science industry by working at Novozymes and Novo Holdings, the major shareholder in the Novo Group companies (Novozymes and Novo Nordisk).

What attracted you to Novozymes?

A multitude of factors. First and foremost, the complexity and variety of industries that the company covers. I want to learn from the best and Novozymes is the world’s best at industrial biotechnology.

Why did you want to join a graduate program?

Generally, a graduate program offers a comprehensive understanding of the processes used to steer a business. Grasping those processes, the know-how, and the best practices adopted by different departments could take any employee several years, but graduates can develop a solid understanding in just two years. When applying to the graduate program, I thought of it as both a career accelerator and a way to get to know myself better by experiencing different jobs.  

In particular, Novozymes’ graduate program seemed the most flexible to me. The company offers to take on a high number of rotations (including a rotation abroad) and co-create the graduate journey with the program manager, adjusting the program along the way. In my case, I was able to choose all the rotations but the first one, including the destination for the rotation abroad.

What has surprised you the most about working at Novozymes?

I was surprised by the importance of building a network within the company. Before starting, I was thinking of “network” as a buzzword being overused in business contexts. Yet, I quickly came to appreciate the importance of nurturing human relations with colleagues in other teams and departments. Cross-collaboration and relationships are valued as high as skills and competencies. In addition, I was impressed by the availability of senior staff to give me advice and answer all my doubts.

Biggest challenge as a graduate so far?

The biggest challenge was the Pandemic. Having to work from the kitchen for the first year of my full-time career was not fun. I believe that working from home is undesirable for young professionals like myself and should be avoided as much as possible. Not being at the office makes it harder to nurture meaningful relationships with the new colleagues, it hinders direct apprenticeship and direct mentorship.

Advice to other applicants?

Have a compelling story to tell about why you want to join Novozymes and what makes you the right candidate. Fit and motivation are what separate good candidates from the right ones.

How do you see your future with Novozymes?

In the future, I see myself as a finance leader surrounded by colleagues who challenge my decisions with the company’s best interest in mind.  

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