Graduate programme

Open for application now! Start your global career 1 September 2026. 

Our International Operations HR Programme will give you a broad range of invaluable skills and experiences as you work your way across different HR areas and countries. The programme has been designed to develop the next generation of HR leaders and give you the opportunity to make a difference to the millions of people who rely on our products. Are you one of tomorrow’s key people?

First rotation will be in Copenhagen, Denmark. This programme is open for applicant from all over the world.

Read about the application process and learn more about the programme below and in the job advert.

Novo Nordisk International Operations encompasses markets in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America. Employees working within Human Resources in Novo Nordisk have a wide range of roles and responsibilities – but all share the same commitment to excellence and to drive continued success of Novo Nordisk.

During the two-year programme you will undertake three exciting and challenging rotations of eight months each, which will include our International Operations Strategic Operations People & Organisation (HR) department, one of our People & Operations Centres of Excellence, and a global affiliate office.

You will gain hands-on experience with business challenges and risks in the pharmaceutical industry, partner with internal stakeholders and develop a strong P&O understanding to impact the business.

You will build the competencies required to become a future P&O leader or specialist at Novo Nordisk.

We are a successful global pharmaceutical company and the world leader in diabetes care. Your skills, dedication and ambition will help us continue to change lives for the better as we grow our business and help millions of people around the world.

Working at Novo Nordisk, you can therefore make a significant difference to patients and society while also delivering exciting results from a business perspective.

During the HR graduate program, you will receive training and gain knowledge and invaluable international experience leading to both professional and personal development. You will develop your core skills within areas such as HR business partnering, employee relations, HR project management, or possibly in one of our global centres of excellence such as P&O Services & Operations, People, Leadership & Performance, or Global Talent Acquisition.

Furthermore, you will work with senior managers and build an international network of world-class colleagues, establishing yourself as one of tomorrow’s key people in business at Novo Nordisk.

We’ve designed the program so that, following its successful completion, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and experience to become a valued and promising part of our Human Resources function within International Operations.

For the positions starting in September 2026, we are looking for candidates with:

  • A recent Master’s degree from 2025 or 2026 in business or HR related study field
  • Relevant work experience or extracurricular activities obtained next to your studies (max one year between or after studies)
  • No more than 1 year of full-time work experience between or after completing a Master’s degree
  • Above average academic achievements
  • Team-player attitude, excellent communication skills, high drive and an eagerness to learn
  • Fluent spoken and written English
  • International experience, for example from studying a full semester abroad, working or volunteering

You are welcome to apply for more than one track. However, we recommend you to carefully consider which tracks you will apply for and your motivation for doing so. You will have to make an individual application for each programme track and we encourage you to only apply for the tracks that you would be truly excited to join.

Be yourself and share why Novo Nordisk is the company you want to work for. What motivates you and why do you think being a graduate could be amazing. We would like to know who YOU are.

No, our corporate language is English, so speaking Danish is definitely not a requirement. There may be local language requirements for some International Operations (IO) tracks.

Yes, as long as you plan to graduate before the start of the Graduate programme. It is also accepted if you have not received your official graduate diploma before starting in the Graduate Programme, as long as you have finished your studies and are just waiting for the official papers.

This position is designed as an entry-level role, and while many graduates join the program directly after their studies, we also consider candidates with up to one year of post-graduate experience.

Previous pharmaceutical work experience is not a requirement to apply for the programme.

For the Global tracks you will be employed by our HQ organisation and most of the positions will start in Denmark, except for Global Tax, where you will commence your rotations in either Denmark, US or in one of our International Operations locations globally.

For the International Operations tracks you will be employed in one of our specified hiring countries for 2026, where you will undertake your first rotation.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be offered a position in Novo Nordisk, therefore full mobility and flexibility is required as the location is not pre-determined.