To help you decide which program might be the one for you, here I have 3 of my fellow graduates sharing why they chose their program.
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Bengali, Hindi, Gujarati
Bachelors: Biochemistry & Biotechnology, St. Xavier’s College
Masters: Business Administration (MBA), Yale University
Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin
Previous job: Research scientist and project leader at Altus Pharmaceuticals
Why did you choose Novo Nordisk? I chose Novo Nordisk for of a number of reasons. My education has revolved around the field of biological sciences; I worked as a research scientist and was an integral part of a team that developed a drug to cure Cystic Fibrosis. I chose to go to business school to learn more about the healthcare industry and how to deliver affordable drugs to the underprivileged. Hence, it made sense to look for opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector. Next, it was very important to me that the company I work for be acknowledged for its ethical approach towards conducting business. Novo Nordisk’s Triple Bottom Line approach towards business checks that box. Finally, I wanted to work for an international company, but with European roots, since having lived and worked in the US for all of my school and adult life, I felt the urge to explore a different setting.
Why the Business Processes program? The Business Processes program, unlike other programs, provides a very broad overview of the entire company, but at the same time can be tweaked to be focused on one track. Under this program, a candidate can do rotations in a plethora of areas, such as global marketing, corporate finance, supply chain management, corporate strategy, and business development, to name a few. It is this aspect of the program that appealed to me the most and hence I chose to apply to this track.
First rotation: My first rotation is in the Insight & Forecasting group, which is part of Global Marketing. We are responsible for forecasting sales, market research, and delivery of key insights, all of which feed into the entire strategy planning process for the company. My projects have included creating long term forecasts of our diabetes markets for a number of key countries, conducting macro-economic studies of future markets, and providing insights on a number of topics to key stakeholders that include Novo Nordisk’s product supply division, corporate strategy, and the executive board.
Key tip to candidates: Be clear on why you want to join this very company and the track of your choice. Be structured, succinct, and lucid in your answers. Relax and enjoy the process!
Nationality: American
Languages: English, German, Spanish
Bachelors: BSc International Business, BA German Linguistics
Masters: MBA
Work Experience (internships): Industrial marketing for a branch of the German government, international product marketing for a major German industrial producer
Why did you choose Novo Nordisk? I am an individual very driven by principal and conviction and, put simply, there were only a handful of major companies worldwide that met my own internal benchmark for what I want to stand behind as a person. That Novo is so selective in its recruitment process reinforces to me furthermore that perpetuation of their unique culture and belief system is of paramount importance; the people here are the foundation for the evident success that we have within our industry.
Why the Global Marketing program? To be honest, there are many corners of this great organization that interest me and that I would like to explore in greater depth—GM is but one of the many pillars that, in the aggregate, support success on a wider scale. That said, at the time of my hire I felt as though the GM program fit best with both my previous experience working internationally in marketing but also the path that seems most relevant to me to continue moving forward with as a developing professional. I have an open mind though, and would relish the chance to see my own niche with different eyes.
First rotation: I am working within GM Market Access—my principal task looks into international readiness of market access launch criteria in our top EU+NA markets in advance of a forthcoming product we are bringing to market.
Key tip to the candidates: The old saying about first impressions is 110% true: your application materials are our initial impression of you. Careless spelling, inconsistent formatting, vague descriptions and conflicting information are the written equivalent of showing up to a formal interview half dressed! Make everything count.
European Business Management Program
Nationality: Mexican
Languages: Fluent: Spanish and English. Intermediate: German and French
Bachelors: B.A. in International Business, in Mexico and 1 year in Singapore
Masters: M.A. in Strategy and International Management, in Switzerland
Previous job: Internship in the Strategy and Transformation Dept – Siemens IT Solutions and Services, in Germany
Part-time employee in Operations Department – Cavas Submarinas, in Mexico
Internship in the Trade and Traffic Department – Ryder, in Mexico.
Why you did you choose Novo Nordisk? I really liked the idea of working for a company that makes products with a real and positive impact on people’s lives. Also, I was attracted by the focus on employee’s development, both professionally and personally. The last point was the commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Why the European Business Management program? I was looking for a graduate program that would allow me to try different functions in the company, so the GM program was a bit too narrow in focus for me. Deciding between BP and EBM was a bit harder, as they are both broad programs. But I finally opted for narrowing the scope, exclude areas such as Production and keep a more commercial focus, plus I decided to stay in Europe – so this led me to the EBM program.
First rotation: My first rotation is in a department called New Product Planning. We work with early stage projects in the pipeline, and we look both at commercial aspects and financials for the drugs on the early development stages. I am currently supporting in the financial valuation of two assets and I am involved in the market research activities which support our market models as well as our commercial assessments.
Hope this helps you in making the right decision!!
















