Natália went from being a student to full-time Engineer
February 2024 Natália Santos graduated with a bachelor's degree from Absalon in Kalundborg. Shortly after, she began her first full-time position at Novo Nordisk Manufacturing Kalundborg.
As a student, Natália has gained a good portion of theoretical and practical understanding, through books, lectures and working closely with local biotech companies.
Countless options in biotech
Natália was finalizing high school in France, when she decided to move to Kalundborg to continue her studies.
“Then I started to consider my career opportunities on the long run. I soon realized that there are tons of opportunities within biotech when it comes to innovation and finding new solutions in many different industries. For instance, within pharmaceuticals, food, beauty and so on.” She says.
Although Natália never doubted her study path, the decision to move to Denmark to study, was still new and exciting.
A growing student city
Natália is originally from Portugal and started her first semester at the Bachelor of Engineering at University College Absalon in Kalundborg in 2020.z
“I realized that Kalundborg is a small city that is growing, because a lot has happened in the years I have lived here. There are new cafes and stores that keeps opening, and more people moving to the city to study or work.” Natália says.
"It is very peaceful and quiet in the city, and it is located in a nice place close to nature. You will always meet someone you know walking down the streets, or someone you have common friends with from school or work.” she says and is looking forward to staying in Kalundborg, now that she has found a job in the city.
In her spare time Natália enjoys the nature and trying new activities such as going to the cinema, reading books, painting and playing padel tennis with colleagues.
Good network opportunities
Shortly after Natália graduated, she began a full-time position as Process Engineer at Novo Nordisk Manufacturing Kalundborg within purification.
“The transition from being a student at Absalon, and now working as an engineer has been quite smooth. During our semesters we have collaborated with several biotech companies, and since the sixth semester I have collaborated with Novo Nordisk during my internship. After the internship, I was offered a student assistant position which I kept until I was about to write my bachelor thesis and graduate. You are getting exposed to a lot of good opportunities with the local companies when you study at Absalon.” Natália says.
Take-aways from Absalon
Going forward awaits many new learnings as Natália is starting her career at Novo Nordisk Manufacturing in Kalundborg.
“In my new job, I get to apply many things I’ve learned at Absalon, however, I haven’t stopped learning new things. I’d say that is the most exciting part of the job, and I expect to just keep building even more knowledge. And when you are a new graduate, everyone is very supportive and helps you by guiding.” Natália reflects, and conclude:
“I would advise students to keep an open mind regarding the city they are about to move to or live in. The same goes for the career opportunities, as there can be so many opportunities. When you study engineering, you really do have a lot of choices to pick from in Kalundborg. Perhaps you already come with a career choice in mind, which is great. However, try to look at this education as a toolbox and don’t be afraid to try a field, or job position you haven’t thought about before, as you can be surprised about how interesting many subjects can be.”
Read more about the Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology
