Will Thompson is a rising junior at Rowan University with a personal connection to Novo Nordisk – as a patient himself. Will relies on Novo Nordisk products for his Factor VII deficiency during emergencies and surgeries, and the medication once saved his life during a surgery complication at the age of five.
This wasn’t Will’s first time interning at Novo Nordisk, either – during his first internship in summer 2023, Will became immersed in the Rare Bleeding Disorder marketing team, and this year he was able join the Rare Endocrine Disorders team. His favorite aspect of the internship? Building meaningful relationships and absorbing knowledge from his colleagues, from knowledge about the business to being the best version of himself.
Will shared, "My internship at Novo Nordisk has had a profound impact on my professional journey, shaping it in ways I never imagined. The invaluable knowledge, guidance, and impactful projects have not only honed my skills but also strengthened my passion for making a meaningful difference in the world of healthcare."
Throughout the 9-week program, Will seized numerous opportunities, including traveling to Chicago for the Magic Foundation Convention, where he formed genuine bonds with patients, drawing from his own experiences and understanding of the challenges related to their conditions.
Will’s early introduction to Novo Nordisk through our products instilled a true appreciation within him for the company's mission. His decision to intern here was fueled by a desire to leverage his patient experience, offering a unique view to the rare disease team. This, along with his work ethic and the impact he made in the previous summer, led to him returning for a second internship in 2024.
Currently pursuing a master's degree at Rutgers University, Leander Galimba's journey to Novo Nordisk is marked by resilience and a commitment to himself. Leander’s role as an intern on the People & Operations team allowed him to dive into Human Resources practices, and his favorite part of his internship was networking within his team and throughout the organization. At Novo Nordisk, he found an environment rich with meaningful connections and learning opportunities.
Leander is no stranger to the challenges of professional growth. Following a period of uncertainty and adversity, including losing his job during the pandemic, Leander embarked on a new educational journey, earning his undergraduate degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations at Rutgers University. Currently, he is completing his graduate degree in Human Resources.
When asked how he felt about his internship, Leander shared, "Having this opportunity reminds me that no matter how uncertain you feel about your direction in life, great opportunities will happen. All you have to do is seize them."
Leander's discovery of the Novo Nordisk’s internship program was sparked by his familiarity with the company stemming from his family’s history in the healthcare space. Coming from a family of nurses allowed him to understand more of the challenges of treating patients and how Novo Nordisk’s medicines are driving change. His drive to better himself and how the company’s mission resonates with him made for an unforgettable experience he is incredibly grateful for.
Originally from Miami, Florida, Marlee traveled miles away to pursue her internship at Novo Nordisk, living with family in New Jersey for the summer. A master's student at Florida A&M, Marlee immersed herself in Novo Nordisk's Privacy & Data Ethics department, where she gained a deep appreciation for the wealth of learning experiences it offered her.
Marlee’s path to Novo Nordisk was a culmination of deliberate steps, from discovering the internship opportunity via LinkedIn to her decision to relocate to New Jersey, underscoring her commitment to growth and adaptability.
She says that her experience at Novo Nordisk was nothing short of welcoming. From the start, she found herself in a supportive environment, encountering individuals who are not only helpful and encouraging but also resourceful. Despite being in a department seemingly unrelated to her educational background, Marlee found herself thriving in her position.
Marlee's favorite aspect of her internship was the diversity of teams at Novo Nordisk. She found that success at Novo Nordisk does not solely rely on educational backgrounds but is rooted in transferable skills and an environment for growth. Marlee enjoyed learning more each day about the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry – working within continually shifting regulations, she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of an ongoing learning experience.
A special thank you also goes out to Jesse Taylor, Novo Nordisk's 2024 Corporate Brand and Digital Strategy intern, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate this recognition of our summer 2024 interns. From selecting candidates, arranging and conducting interviews with her fellow interns to eloquently communicating their stories, she served as a valuable team member throughout her time at Novo Nordisk. Thank you, Jesse!