I just had a quick peek at the Graduate website and saw that the sands are running out. The deadline for applying for the Graduate positions is less than 48 hours away…. My advice at this point would be – if you are in doubt – apply!! Many of my fellow graduates have already come up with great tips and tricks for your application, and I can only share their opinions. Show that you are prepared for a journey filled with hard work, great experiences, an international environment and many balls in the air.
As for myself, it took me a while to decide whether I should apply or not. I was 8 months pregnant at the time of application deadline – something which could obviously not be hidden. But I took the chance and applied – and (I think after much deliberation) they took me onboard as well!
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It has clearly been a challenge to start up a new job with a 5 months old baby, but not once have I regret. Novo Nordisk is without doubt one of the best companies to join if you wish to combine a career and a family life – or at least I think so!!
 Some days I feel like a Graduate who’s a mother and some days like a mother with a Graduate position. Some of the major challenges of course have to do with time management. I am lucky to have a self-employed husband who, most days, drops Hannah off at the day nursery s in the morning, and picks her off in the afternoon. But still I need to plan my time in order for the daily life to go smooth. I could write pages and pages of this – but I will spare you for now.
 I think my message is to see the opportunities rather than the obstacles. This is something I fight with every day, but feel that I am getting better and better at…
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So – come join us at NN – you won’t regret it!! (…okay, that was a bit cheesy ;-))
Best,
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Kathrine
2 Comments to Work Life Balance – being a Graduate and a Mum
Hi Kathrine,
I’ve been reading your blog (and the others’) for a while and think it’s a great way to get to know NN better before applying. I will hopefully send my application in tonight… =)
It was interesting that you brought up motherhood and the graduate programme, because I have been pondering this. Me and my partner are at a stage where we very much look forward to having a baby. However, if I was accepted as a graduate, would I have to wait with kids until the two years are over? Or is it possible to take parental leave during the programme – perhaps inbetween rotations? Have you heard about anyone who has done this?
Just hypothetically. =)
Kind regards,
Emma
Hi Emma,
Please do send your application!
I don’t have knowledge of anyone who had maternity leave whilst doing the graduate programme – maybe any of my fellow graduates have?? But when that is said, I think Novo would come up with a solution should you get pregnant during the two years period.
I don’t think that your plans on children should keep you from applying :-)
Good luck!!