The European Business Management graduate programme
Novo Nordisk’s graduate programme in European Business Management is a great opportunity to join a successful and ambitious international company. The programme aims to cultivate best-in-class management professionals through the development of pharmaceutical business knowledge and strong organisational networks.
In addition to intensive cross-organisational sales and marketing training, the programme also offers you leadership and teamwork skills development. Wherever you’re placed, you will become responsible for certain elements of the department’s daily projects and hands-on field experience is complemented by further extensive training.
The graduate programme is a great springboard for launching a life-changing career, offering you a unique chance to make a difference to patients and use your recently-acquired master's degree to begin your career in a an ambitious global pharmaceutical company: Novo Nordisk, the world leader in diabetes care.
Structure of the programme
The European Business Management graduate programme is a 2-year journey consisting of three 8-month rotations. The first rotation will typically be in our regional headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. The second rotation will be in a European affiliate and the third rotation will be in another European affiliate or in our corporate headquarters, located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
After successfully completing the programme you will embark on your career at Novo Nordisk with a permanent position - perhaps as a Global Product Manager or an Executive Assistant. 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
Meet Victoria Dell’Orto
Launch your career
Novo Nordisk Europe consists of seven business areas: Germany, UK & Ireland, France & BeLux, Italy & Greece, Spain & Portugal, North & Central and Europe East.
These business areas report to the Novo Nordisk Region Europe headquarters, which is based in Zurich in Switzerland and comprises three departments: Strategic Operations, CDC Europe/Medical Affairs and HR & Communications.
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 European Business Management graduate, you’ll gain experience working in a broad range of areas, including:
- Marketing
- Sales
- Public affairs
- Business information
- Business development
- Business planning & execution
- Project management
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
As a European Business Management graduate you will experience three rotations of 8-months each. The first rotation of the programme will typically be at our regional headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
The second rotation will be as a sales representative in one of our European affiliates, experiencing sales force dynamics in order to enhance the understanding of our customer base. The third rotation will be as a business analyst in a sales or marketing department in another European affiliate or in our corporate headquarters, located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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
Each of the three 8-month rotations will be individually tailored to fit both your skills and development opportunities and at the same time to meet our business needs and focus areas. To ensure you benefit as much as possible from the programme, you will be in close contact with your mentor throughout. Ideally, you will be assigned to major projects, which involve cross-functional cooperation, during the first and the third rotation.
Rotation 1: Business Analyst in Marketing / Sales / Business Information / Business Planning & Execution
The first rotation focuses on developing strong analytical capabilities primarily within the fields of marketing and sales. This rotation as a Business Analyst takes place in our regional headquarters in Zurich.
Rotation 2: Sales Representative
The second rotation as a Sales Representatives ensures experience with customers. Extended on-the-job experience is combined with in-depth diabetes and portfolio knowledge. This rotation may include a sales representative certification if the rotation takes place in a European country with such requirements.
Rotation 3: Project management in Marketing, Sales, Business Development or Public Affairs
The last rotation takes place in another European affiliate, or in our corporate headquarters in Copenhagen. Denmark. In line with the first rotation, the third rotation is typically related to a marketing or sales department, underlining the commercial orientation of the programme.
Who you are
To join the European Business Management graduate programme you must hold a master's degree from a European Business and Life Science school. 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 and at least one of the following languages: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish or Swedish.
If you are highly ambitious, have some international experience, a passion for learning and an interest in business, marketing and sales - then you have got just the right profile.
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.
Helga Tuesta Andersen
- European Business Management
“As a highly ambitious person I wanted a very fast track to reach my goal of becoming a manager in a company that makes a difference and where I can make a difference too. Base Camp offers me this and more.”
My recipe for success
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As the fifth generation in a family of lawyers, I assumed that my career path would follow that of my ancestors. I therefore began a law degree but soon recognised that actually law wasn’t my calling after all. I was much more interested in international business.
This was an important turning point for me and I would challenge anyone to think carefully about what success means to them. I have developed my own recipe for success. Twenty percent is knowing what your goal is. Thirty percent is knowing what is required to get there. The remaining 50% is working hard to reach your goal.
Once I realised which path I wanted to follow I told my family, quit the law degree and enrolled in a business degree. I chose my subsequent degrees to ensure that I had the knowledge and qualifications necessary to take me to the next step on the journey of reaching my goal.
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Why work here?
After completing a Master’s degree in Italy I returned to Denmark specifically to apply for Novo Nordisk’s Graduate Programme Base Camp. Having grown up in Denmark I knew of Novo Nordisk and felt that this was a meaningful company with strong values and a reputation for focusing on its employees’ wellbeing. I also wanted to work at Novo Nordisk as it is an innovative company in a life-changing industry.
I therefore applied for Base Camp as this was the fast-track to my goal - with the opportunity to work in other countries, develop a global network and gain personal development at the same time. One of the questions posed in an article I’ve read, called The War For Talent is:”Why would a talented person want to work here?” I believe that the answer is easy for Novo Nordisk for all these reasons!
The space to reflect
Since joining Base Camp I have come to appreciate the space that is given to me to reflect, learn and develop. Obviously I have to deliver my tasks but being part of Base Camp enables me to look at different aspects in each rotation, such as cultural differences and work environments. I feel very passionate about this as I am able to think about where I am heading and where I may end up in the future. The different challenges set for me enable me to think about my competences – what I can offer the company, and what the company can offer me.
A beautiful challenge
I was prepared for the challenges being part of Base Camp would provide – for example my first rotation, in Spain, has been divided into two placements of four months each. This does not allow much time to settle into a department and learn who everyone is and what they do, let alone understand my task and get it done! But this is also the beauty of Base Camp, as it is thrilling and there is always a new experience on the horizon.
For me Base Camp is like an umbrella that provides my own personal environment in which I can develop during the journey towards my goal. The umbrella covers many different aspects on this journey including different rotations, countries and cultures, learning and networking opportunities and new experiences. I am confident that by the end of Base Camp I will achieve my goal and find a good fit for me, hopefully in a manager position within Novo Nordisk in the future.
My learnings
Click her to read all about my learnings (PPT file)
