The Business Processes graduate programme
Novo Nordisk’s graduate programme in Business Processes offers future business leaders a fast track to an exciting career in a successful and ambitious international company.
As a member of our graduate programme you will develop a broad range of invaluable skills as you work your way across different business areas and countries to accomplish your goals. You will be starting a lifelong adventure as you gain experience working in a broad range of areas, such as Analysis and Forecasting, Production and Quality, Sales and Marketing, New Product Planning, Strategic Pricing and Regulatory Issues.
The graduate programme is a great springboard for launching a life-changing career, offering you a unique chance to use your recently-acquired master's degree to make a difference to patients and begin your career in a an ambitious global pharmaceutical company: Novo Nordisk, the world leader in diabetes care.
Structure of the programme
The Business Processes graduate programme is a 2-year journey consisting of three 8-month rotations. Two of the programme rotations will take place in our corporate headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, while one rotation will take place in one of our global affiliates. With each rotation you will face new challenges in different environments while acquiring knowledge and skills.
After successfully completing the programme, you will embark on your career at Novo Nordisk with a permanent position - perhaps as an executive assistant, internal consultant or international product manager. While you could be based in Denmark, your broad network and international experience from the programme will enable global career opportunities.
Meet Programme Manager Ove Munch Ovesen
Launch your career
The Business Processes graduate programme gives you a complete picture of Novo Nordisk’s global business. Covering a broad range of business functions such as Analysis and Forecasting, Production and Quality, Sales and Marketing, New Product Planning, Strategic Pricing,and Regulatory Issues.
We are keen to contribute to Novo Nordisk’s triple-bottom line philosophy by making a significant difference to patients and society through our passion and innovative products, while also delivering exciting results from a business perspective.
Join us and you could make a difference too!
Development opportunities
As a Business Processes graduate, you’ll gain experience working in a broad range of areas, including:
- Analysis and forecasting
- New product planning
- Strategic pricing
- Regulatory issues
- Sales and marketing
- Production and QA
Furthermore, the programme will provide unique insights into the global operation and exposure to key stakeholders and leaders - two influential factors in shaping your future career path.
Scope of the programme
The Business Processes graduate programme comprises three 8-month rotations. The first of these usually involves analytical work and will get you acquainted with corporate life.
The second rotation is normally more sales focused, and the third centres on production-related issues. Each rotation will, however, be tailored to suit the individual graduate.
You will complete your second rotation at one of our affiliates located outside Denmark - giving you true international experience in a global organisation. Our recent graduates have worked in China, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Russia, the USA, Australia, Spain, Turkey, the Netherlands, Poland and France.
Throughout the programme you will be working closely with your mentor to plan your rotations and enhance your professional and personal development as much as possible.
Learning journey
The flow and content of your three job rotations are shaped individually to fit both your skills and development opportunities and at the same time to meet our business needs and focus areas. However, you will be exposed to a variety of tasks and departments throughout the programme.
Rotation 1
The first rotation usually involves analytical work and will get you acquainted with corporate life. During this time you might work within New Product Planning, Strategic Pricing, Lean Manufacturing or Business Analysis.
Rotation 2
The second rotation is more sales/marketing focused and will take place at one of our affiliates located outside Denmark - giving you true international experience in a global organisation. Our recent graduates have worked in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the USA, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland and France.
Rotation 3
Your last rotation could be within Product Supply with tasks in project management for various work streams activities, such as investment and financing analysis. Responsibilities could also include communications plans and tasks assumed by an Executive Assistant to Senior Management.
Who you are
To join the Business Processes graduate programme you must hold a master's degree in a relevant subject, for example within economics, management, international business, marketing or a related field. You have an outstanding academic record and came top of your class.
Only recently graduated, you have no more than 1 year of work experience and you have an excellent command of both spoken and written English.
You are a strong individual who is results oriented, ambitious and able to adapt to change. You will need to be able to work as part of a team and enjoy learning new things in a fast-paced environment.
Joining Novo Nordisk appeals to you, not because of the competitive salary we offer, but because the work we do is so rewarding - as we make a difference to the lives of people with chronic conditions around the world.
Christopher Hedquist
Christopher is from the US and has a master's degree in Business Administration as well as International Trade and Investment Policy
“I have always been very driven. I believe you should expect the exceptional, not just the standard – from yourself and from those around you.”
Competitive nature
I'll admit, I like a little healthy competition. I always strive to be the best at what I do, whether competing as a World Cup athlete for the US Skeleton team (similar to bobsleigh) or acting as a leader of my MBA class. I've found that the best way to improve and realise my full potential is to surround myself with people who are equally driven to excel. The graduates at Novo Nordisk are exactly these kinds of people.
When I joined the graduate programme I was impressed by the calibre of my new colleagues. They were so ambitious and intelligent, with amazing academic qualifications and experiences. I guess I don't mind being one of the crowd – when it's such an exceptional one.
Global experience
During my time as an athlete for the US Skeleton team (2002–2007) I spent many months competing overseas – in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and Japan. Out of season I worked and gained experience in many different areas. I worked on Capitol Hill for a congressman, as a sales/marketing associate for a hockey team and as an international business analyst for an aerospace communications firm.
When I graduated in 2009 the financial world was crashing around me and the US job market was less than ideal. My MBA trained me to be international, so I wanted global experience. Novo Nordisk is financially secure and growing and the graduate programme offers me the opportunity to work in Denmark and another country. It's a perfect fit for someone like me seeking global experience.
The real deal
My dad actually has type 2 diabetes. So, for me, working at Novo Nordisk hits close to home. I really feel I'm making a difference in the lives of people like him, while at the same time doing good business.
Many companies talk about social responsibility, passion and commitment. But Novo Nordisk is in a world of its own. When you're on the outside it's hard to know what's real and what's a façade. But since joining the graduate programme I've realised that everyone truly believes these ideals and puts them into practice.
A complete picture
I chose Business Processes as my graduate programme because it gives me a complete picture of the business. I'm looking forward to expanding my experience across a broad range of business functions during the course of my three rotations. It can be challenging at times to keep pace with some of my colleagues who've been here for years. But hopefully I bring a fresh perspective and different experience to the team.
It has been interesting adapting to a new management style, one that is centred on deliverables rather than hours spent in the office. But this gives flexibility and is a productive way to work. I'm also enjoying the consensus-driven culture where either everybody jumps or nobody jumps! This means that you're never alone and there's always a safety net – so I've enjoyed testing the water and pushing new ideas. It's great working for a company that is as invested in you as you are in it.
