Now – At the moment you and many other viable candidates are sending in applications to become some of the few who move on to the coming rounds of the recruitment process. It is clear that in order to become one of the few you need to be motivated to do so, simply applying for the sake of applying won’t work. Thus I would encourage you to think about your motivation for applying and from where that stems and tell us about it. Have you been a Globetrekker during your early years and want a company that can encompass that? Are you passionate about the need to provide for others? Bring this across in your application and thus explain why you actually want the position for which you are applying, not just because it is a great career opportunity.
During – Once you then join the program in September of this year you will go through a number of situations and processes which will help make it clear to you why you are here from a personal perspective, finding out what it is that you wish to gain from being part of the program. As with many other situations, the program will give you certain things, however it is largely what you make of it yourself. If you choose to be ambitious and driven and attempt to excel above the rest you will be given the opportunities to do so. (on a side note – if you don’t then perhaps the graduate program isn’t where you should be heading) Even in your day to day life going being willing to, and seeking the opportunities for going that extra step will define your experience.
After – Upon completing the program you will be equipped depending largely on your efforts during its term. You will be one few highly profiled individuals in a global organization. You will undoubtedly have a network spanning the globe, a network which you must care for in order to foster the opportunities for future employment, as it is likely through it that you will find your next job. You will also likely be presented with some sort of opportunity, however in most circumstances the ideal ones are those which you seek out yourself.
Thus for those unsure about joining the graduate program, I would encourage you to reflect on your motivation for doing so and what you wish to accomplish. For the rest, making your motivation clear to us is half the battle of an application process. The other half is us making sure you are the person for the job and for Novo Nordisk, and in short the best way to meet that is be yourself, and recognize that you also need to fit the organization personality-wise as well as in terms of proficiency.
Hope those thoughts helped, should you have any questions please post them in the comments below and I will try to answer as best I can.
11 Comments to Why (& How to) join the Graduate Program?
and in English too:
Hey Max.
I have seen the video of Jakob and Tamara, and read your post. I have a Ph.D. from the faculty of Health Sciences, KU, from the summer of 2010. I am looking for at job in RA. My question is whether you are open to applicants with my profile – with some years of experience after my masters – are in the grad programme?
Best regards,
Michala
Hey Michala,
Thanks for your question. With a Ph.D. you are indeed eligible for our two R&D Programs: Global Development & Regulatory Affairs.
You mention however that you have years of experience after your masters? Are these separate from your Ph.D if so it may be prudent to evaluate whether the graduate program is applicable or not. It is designed for individuals who have just completed their education and have at most 2 years experience.
Should you find it to be not matching then we do have a graduate programme which is designed for MDs, perhaps it is relevant for you – I can’t answer any questions on this sadly: http://www.novonordisk.com/careers/return_fellowships/pharmaceutical-medicine-programme.asp
For careers in R&D visit: http://www.novonordisk.com/careers/business-areas/research-and-development.asp#
For our many fellowships and scholarship as well as opportunities for PhDs, see http://www.novonordisk.com/careers/phds-and-postdocs/fellowships-scholarships.asp
Hope this helps, if not please ask away and I will do my best to help you out.
Best Regards,
Max
Hello,
I am interested in the RA graduate program offered by Novo Nordisk. I have a bachelor of science in biology, MPH in epidemiology, and a Juris Doctor. However, my work experience is limited. I was wondering if the JD is a degree that would be useful for such a program.
Hello Max,
Thanks a lot for the post. I am an aspiring Global Finance program candidate.(September 2012). Although I have already sent my application, your post will definitely guide me through the process,if selected:)
Regards,
Krishna Prasad
Hey M. Patel,
I am not sure I am the right person to answer that question, as I know little of the legal side. I have therefore asked my colleague from Regulatory Affairs to step in and answer your query in the next few days.
Should you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Max
Hi Krishna,
Glad you found my post helpful, should you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Max
Hi M.Patel,
I am one of the current RA graduates, and for the application what is required is a Masters degree in a scientific field. The JD experience may come in useful since a lot of the job entails knowing and leaarning about the different pharmaceutical regulations in different countries. However, we are looking for persons with limited work experience.
Hopefully this answers your question and please do not hesitate to contact me for more clarification.
Good luck with the application!
Tamara
Hello Max,
I am interested in applying for two Graduate programmes: Global Development & Regulatory Affairs and I do have a Masters and PhD in Life Sciences. My question is: what should I include in my application as a scanned copy of my latest degree? Master’s transcript or PhD ?
Best Regards
Antonios
I am a Gambian in third worldAfrica at the west coast.I am eligible to join the program and if so how can I apply to join.
Hello Mbayang,
You can apply if you fulfill the criteria, which include having a master’s degree, international experience and up to one year of working experience. You can apply and read more here: http://www.novonordisk.com/careers/graduate/graduate-programmes_uk.asp
Good luck, Lise.
Dear Antonios,
Please include relevant transcripts from your Bachelor; Masters and PhD.
Lise