About European Business Management

The European Business Management Graduate Programme aims to develop best-in-class management professionals with thorough Pharmaceutical business knowledge and strong organizational networks.

Programme details

Novo Nordisk Europe consists of seven business areas: Germany, UK & Ireland, France & BeLux, Italy & Greece, Spain & Portugal, North & Central, ...

Meet Programme Manager Ove Munch Ovesen

Programme brief

The European Business Management Graduate Programme is a great platform for steep career climbing, offering you a unique chance to use your Master's degree to push for the top in a global pharmaceutical company: Novo Nordisk, the world leader in diabetes care.

The programme consists of an intensive two-year, cross-organisational sales and marketing training period, as well as leadership and teamwork skills development. Hands-on field experience is offered and complemented by further extensive training. The graduate becomes responsible for certain elements of the department's daily projects.

European experience is enhanced through three rotations. The first eight months of the programme typically be at our headquarters, located in Denmark. The second rotation will be as a Sales Representative, 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 country. The rotations will be tailored to each graduate and are crucial for further career development. To ensure you benefit as much as possible from the programme, you will be in close contact with your mentor throughout.

Brief

Novo Nordisk Europe consists of seven business areas: Germany, UK & Ireland, France & BeLux, Italy & Greece, Spain & Portugal, North & Central, and Europe East.

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Rotation details

Rotation 1: Business Analyst in Marketing / Sales / Business Information / Business Planning & Execution

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Requirements

We are seeking the most qualified, top performing and highly ambitious Master graduates from European Business and Life Science Schools for the Business Management Graduate Programme.

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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

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.

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)