“In short, it was a top-notch course. I was quickly given more responsibility than I had expected, and I always felt like a proper employee rather than just a trainee,” says Robert Vergo, who is now moving onto a position as team leader in Finance in Novozymes in Bagsværd.
He was accepted onto Novozymes’ graduate program immediately after completing his master's in Economics and Business Administration, and in the course of two years he got around a lot and had a number of different duties in Finance. Among other things, he represented Finance in Novozymes’ industry strategy group within feed enzymes, and he was posted to the office in Beijing for six months, where he worked as a controller for Supply Chain Operations throughout Asia and the Pacific Region.
“It was a great experience – both professionally and personally. And I learnt a lot about getting on in the Chinese culture and its way of thinking and communicating. I have also benefited from this enormously here at home because we are often in contact with colleagues from China by mail or phone. This means that I am actually better off than those who were employed in the normal way,” says Robert.
Another invaluable benefit of starting through the graduate program is that you build up a big network in the process. This has already proven its worth for Robert because, even before his trainee course had come to an end, a job turned up with his name on it. He therefore cut six months off the course, which normally takes two-and-a-half years, and will soon be starting as team leader for Asset Management, the department that manages Novozymes’ assets.
Unique freedom
It is not only the professional challenges that Robert is enthusiastic about – it is the “full package”.
“Novozymes is a fantastic place to work in lots of ways, and on many occasions I have recommended to my student friends that they should apply here if they get the chance,” he says.
One of the things that Robert appreciates most about the working conditions at Novozymes is the extremely flexible working day.
“Here freedom with responsibility is not just a cliché – I can plan my time pretty much as I want to, as long as I deliver what is needed. I can see that this is an almost unique freedom when I compare it with other workplaces that I know,” says Robert, who is also keen to throw in the fact that he really appreciates chatting with colleagues over a beer on a Friday in the Novo Group’s Leisure Center.
Novozymes’ profile and excellent reputation are also a big plus for Robert.
“I attach a lot of importance to who I work for – and it means something for me that I’m working for Novozymes, a firm with a high status,” says Robert, who can’t really imagine anywhere else that he would rather have a job:
“I hope to be allowed to work here for a long time if the opportunities keep presenting themselves. And they certainly have so far,” concludes Robert.