Rossella: Since a young age I have been drawn to an international career after graduation – Novo Nordisk has given me just that

My name is Rossella Laurenza and I am currently an IO Finance Graduate in Novo Nordisk. In 2020 I graduated from Bocconi University in Italy where got my Bachelor and my Master’s degree. During my studies I had the chance to attend a semester at The George Washington University in Washington DC and to do internships in Corporate Finance.

I am currently my first rotation at Novo Nordisk, working in Copenhagen supporting the Business Finance & Analysis team. During the IO Finance Program I will experience a total of 3 international rotations lasting 8 months each.

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

How did you end up at the Novo Nordisk Graduate Programme?

I found out about Novo Nordisk graduate program few years ago on LinkedIn where someone posted an update on their job status. December last year I saw an advertisement of the program and I immediately decided to apply.

What attracted you to Novo Nordisk?

Novo Nordisk is a really special place to work. Beside the company being one of the biggest pharma companies – it has a strong culture. It’s a culture that you immediately sense when you visit Novo Nordisk website and read through all the contents online. The same culture is enhanced in Novo Nordisk offices and you feel the employees are working for a purpose. In fact, the genuine commitment and efforts that Novo Nordisk puts into its goal of defeating diabetes and other diseases is what makes it special, and it’s emphasized in the people.

Why did you want to join a graduate program?

I decided to join the program because I felt that the programme would be a steppingstone in reaching my goals as a professional, but also on a personal level working for a company who works for improving lives. Living in different countries, facing a variety of challenges, meeting new people across the world, and learning how to adapt to different contexts and environments is something that has always driven me even at a young age. From a professional point of view, this program gives me a comprehensive view of the company on more levels, I get to perform different tasks, learn how to work on a variety of projects using different tools and adapting to different ways of working. For these reasons and many others, I think this Graduate Programme is the best way to kick off your career.

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

Novo Nordisk surprised me from the first round of interviews. When I had the chance to meet Nanna-Freja, my Graduate Manager, and Gianlorenzo, a second-year graduate, I already felt their love for the company growing in me. Through them I felt Novo Nordisk’s energy, passion, and culture including all their efforts that they put into this program. But what surprised me the most was the people. Novo Nordisk employees are always ready to support you, to give you the best advice for your career and to give you a hand when you need it.

Biggest challenge as a graduate so far?

I believe that moving around and getting to know different offices, people and countries are both an opportunity and a challenge. The beauty and excitement of this type of experience is the most discussed part, while the challenges are usually less considered. In fact, you need to be ready to leave everything when every rotation ends and to embrace what comes next in the most positive way. However, you can be sure that Novo Nordisk’s network will always support you during the program.

Advice to other applicants?

My advice to the applicants is to be themselves, we are looking for authentic and bright people that can add value and ideas to the company through their personality. Additionally, motivation is key. The program is highly selective, so we are looking for talents that are strongly interested in the program and ready for the challenges that come with it. They need to show us why the program is the best opportunity for them and why they fit the program.

How do you see your future with Novo Nordisk?

It is hard to imagine a remote future when you do not know where you are going to live in the next two years. But the only thing I know is that my professional future will be in Novo Nordisk. The company is investing so much effort in me, as a graduate, and my development. I could never thank Novo Nordisk enough for this once in a lifetime opportunity that has literally changed my life for the better.

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