Which programme to choose? The ultimate guide – Meet the graduates!

Psyched about Base Camp but not sure which programme to apply to? Meet the graduates here and hear what got them excited about their track.

 BUSINESS IT
Adit, Indian
Masters in Information Systems and Management

Current rotation in… Project Execution, IT & CD, HQ Denmark

Before that in… Sales & Marketing, IT, Zurich, Switzerland

I am in IT because… In a career, I seek a challenge and new experiences preferably accompanied by a steep learning curve. When I interviewed with Novo Nordisk back in 2010, the Graduate program marked all 3 check boxes. In addition to this throw in a great work culture, easily approachable colleagues and travel and that paints a good picture of the Graduate Programme. This position focuses on ‘you’, puts you in the driver’s seat and gives you control over where you want to go. What more do you want, really?

I love … to spend quality time with my family and friends, do anything associated with the beach, play basketball, pursue my quest for classic house tunes, track the evolution of electronic dance music and DJ.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Luigi, Italian
MSc in Finance & Management

Current rotation in… Obesity Marketing, Global Marketing, Copenhagen

Before that in … Future Insulin Marketing & Strategic Projects, Rome

I am in EBM because…  Since before the graduate programme, my ambition has been to start my career as a Sales and Marketing professional in Europe. At the same time, I want to feel connected and share in a global mind set. The Novo Nordisk European Business Management programme perfectly combines both my motivations and also fulfils me from a personal standpoint given the business the Company operates in.

I love … to be engaged and energetic both in my personal life and at work – every day should be a fun adventure!

GLOBAL MARKETING
Britta, German
Master in International Business Administration and CEMS Master in International Management

Current rotation in… Diabetes Marketing, NNTL (Turkish affiliate) in Istanbul

Before that in… Primary Care Sales Representative, Manchester, UK

I am in GM because… For me, marketing is the most exciting part of doing business: You are close to the market, to the products and to the customers while working with a lot of stakeholders e.g. the sales force and the medical team, creative agencies and consultancies. You need to be able to put yourself in the shoes of your customers: what do they want, what do they need, what do they think? And how can we make them believe in our products. In marketing, you need analytical skills and think strategically, but there is always room for new ideas and a creative mind. Marketing is simply fun :) :) :)

I love … to juggle and implement great ideas that can have a real business impact….while having a great time at work!

BUSINESS PROCESS
Lise, Danish/American
MSc Business Administrations and Economics, Spec. International Business + CEMS Master in International Management

Current rotation in… Corporate Strategy, HQ Denmark

Before that in… Marketing, Biopharm and Diabetes, Sydney, Australia

I am in BP because… I am a generalist by education and interest and I thrive combining strategy, analysis, marketing and finance. I have a great passion for what Novo Nordisk does; for changing the lives of patients and I find the pharma industry very exciting! In a few years I could be in Paris, Princeton or Perth, who knows – I see a world of opportunities, and that world is my playground.

I love … to bake delicious cakes and go sailing (not necessarily simultaneously)

EUROPEAN FINANCE
Melanie, Swiss
MSc International Accounting and Finance

Current rotation in… Controlling, Operations & Finance Spain, Madrid

Before that in… Business Information, Strategic Operation Region Europe, Zurich

I am in EF because… I have a truly European background, having studied in Switzerland and the UK, speaking 4 European languages. I felt that I could leverage my experiences the most if I worked in a European setting. Moreover I was intrigued by the fact that Europe is a very diverse region, and despite being developed and already a significant sales contributor for the global Novo Nordisk business is facing challenging times, where opportunities to develop and learn are endless.

Another important reason was that this is one of the few graduate programmes where you have the change to rotate in an affiliate, a regional office as well as HQ – you really know Novo Nordisk from a 360 degree view. Lastly I was intrigued by the fact that the European Finance Programme would give me the chance to not only get an understanding of the financials but also a great insight into Novo Nordisk’s sales and market performance.

If you like numbers but would also love to be close to the business and understand our products and competitors, I can fully recommend you to choose the European Finance track.

I love … to go running, currently at “El Retiro” in Madrid.  

GLOBAL FINANCE
Anders, Danish
MSc Applied Economics and Finance

Current rotation in… Financial Planning & Compliance, NNPL, Tokyo, Japan

Before that in… R&D Finance, HQ Denmark

I am in GF because… because it is a unique opportunity to explore and build competencies within many areas of finance by working in 4 different departments in at least 2 different countries within one of the best finance organisations in the pharma industry. Throughout the program I have interacted and learned from other ambitious, clever and international minded individuals at all levels of the organisation, which has allowed me to enjoy a steep learning curve and build a good network that spans several countries and departments within the organisation. Last, but not least I have developed many new friendships with truly interesting and great people, most recently during my current rotation in Japan, which is something I cherish a lot.

I love … to cook dinners for my friends and family, play basketball, travel the world, meet new people and dance the night away.

SUPPLY CHAIN (not recruiting this year)
Martin, Danish
MSc in Management Engineering

Current rotation in…PS Finance in Søborg, Denmark

Before that in… Business Support, Clayton, NC, USA

I am in SC because… I chose the programme for several reasons and some very ordinary such as a great reputation and a strong growth potential, and with an international culture focusing on a global sustainable business model. All of this are true, however, retrospectively I’ve realized that I also chose the programme because of the mental (personally and professionally) stride I take every day. I’m constantly moving forward and being out of my comfort zone which oddly enough is where I feel most comfortable.

I love … that I’m finally getting some airtime on Lise’s blog :) !

REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Tamara, Trinidadian
MSc in Biotechnology from the University of Pennsylvania

Current rotation in… RA, United Kingdom

Before that in…RA, HQ Denmark

I am in RA because… I chose Regulatory Affairs because I thought it complemented my education, since it involves all aspects of drug development without being too research focused, and it seemed like a fun, fast paced work environment. The graduate programme also allowed the freedom to try different areas of regulatory affairs as well as a different part of the company, which would give me a broader view of the entire process which was exactly what I was looking for in a job.

I love … I love to dance, drink tea, take up new hobbies, meet people of different cultures and tackle challenges, personally and professionally :)

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Julie, Danish
BA in Nursing Science, Master in Human Nutrition

Current rotation in… International Trial Manager on an Obesity trial in HQ in Denmark

Before that in… project manager in Novo Nordisk in Princeton

I am in GD because… It complemented my eduation perfectly as it involves both my sicence background, drug delevopment, and focus on research but combined with a very strong operational focus. Also the GD track has given me the opprtunnity to work with many different stakeholders, who all contribute to broaden my knowledge within the field of drug development

I love… cooking, spending time with my family, and wakeboarding whenever the weather permits (the season is unfortunnatly very short in Denmark)