Unique programme for best-in-class students

Master thesis programme aims to attract best students to Coloplast.

A new Master Thesis Programme just launched by Coloplast is the only programme of its kind for business students in Denmark.
"By giving successful applicants to the Programme their own office space, laptop, and full access to our data before they write their theses, we're offering something no other company in Denmark currently provides for students," says Rasmus Hannemann Møller, Head of Strategy and Portfolio for Continence Care in Coloplast, and one of the people behind the Programme.
"It's a great start to a student's future career before it's even underway," he adds.

 

Reaching out to the best

As well as immersing the students in the commercial heart of Coloplast, they are also mentored by employees on the company's Unique Potentials programme, get to travel and meet key people from other parts of the organisation, and receive feedback from the top commercial managers they have to report their progress to each month.

"Graduate students typically aim to get into large companies or consultancies. What we're doing is reaching out to the best students before they graduate, offering them help not only with their studies, but also in establishing them as excellent candidates for jobs within Coloplast," Møller continues.
The Programme was started as part of an idea to increase Coloplast's profile within Denmark's Copenhagen Business School. 
Rasmus Hannemann Møller hopes to expand the scope of the Programme to the whole of Denmark and then internationally. "We are a global company and there's no reason why we couldn't give the best students in other countries similar opportunities with our companies outside of Denmark."

 

That something extra

A significant number of highly skilled students at the top of their class applied for the Programme, but Coloplast only took in six, emphasising the company's determination to take only the best. The students work in pairs on a thesis, which is common practice in Denmark. "When deciding on an applicant, we look at their grades, what their thesis is about, and any past work experience. But we also look for that something extra, something that shows their drive and determination. For example, one of the applicants was also a semi-professional footballer in Germany."

The current programme began in February 2009. Applicants for the 2010 Programme will be able to apply towards the end of this year.