Isabella Jul-Jørgensen is an Analytical Scientist at Novo Nordisk
Where did you graduate from and with which degree?
I graduated in 2020 with a Master’s degree in Physics from University of Copenhagen, where I also obtained my Bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, I went on to do an Industrial Ph.D. with Novo Nordisk A/S and the department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU.
Please give a description of the work you do in your current position.
I work with process analytical technology (PAT), more specifically with spectroscopy as a technology to perform faster and preferably real-time analysis during production processes. My role could also be described as a data scientist, with a focus on spectroscopic data.
What motivated you to study physics or engineering in the first place?
Originally I was very interested in philosophy, so I became very interested in quantum mechanics. I also enjoyed math and since the job opportunities are better for physics graduates than philosophy graduates, it seemed like an easy choice.
What made you decide to pursue a career in the private sector?
During my Master’s degree I was beginning to wonder if academia was too competitive for me, but I still wanted to do research. I therefore did my Master’s thesis with a company on spectroscopy to test how to use my physics background in the private sector. I enjoyed that and then wanted to continue researching in the private sector with an Industrial Ph.D, also on spectroscopy.
How do you use the skills you learned as a physicist or engineer in your work?
Every day I use data analysis, statistics and programming. Furthermore, I use analytical and logical thinking, which is very beneficial for e.g. trouble-shooting. Some knowledge of optics is of course also needed, but I also work with a lot of people who do not have a background in physics, so it is not a very extensive knowledge that is required.
What does being a physicist or engineer mean to you?
Having a background in physics, I think you are educated to always wanting to find the deeper and full explanation of something. Furthermore, you are educated to be analytical and logical, which affects my thinking both in my professional and personal life.
What advice would you give to young people (in particular women and minorities) with a background in physics or engineering who would like to pursue a career in the private sector?
Interact with the private sector through either student assistant jobs and/or doing projects. It is not always easy to know where the skills of a physicist or engineer are required, so I would encourage to go to e.g. job fairs or seek information from people who have already graduated.
I originally applied for a student assistant job in statistics in Novo Nordisk, which I did not get. However, they saved my application and offered me another student assistant position, which was not related to science in any way, but I still accepted as a way to get into the company. There I met the person, who later became my Ph.D. supervisor from Novo Nordisk. So this is just to say that sometimes the path to a job is not that clear and I would encourage young people to get their foot in the door in the companies, where they think there could be interesting opportunities. It can give a network, and at the very least it gives some experience in the private sector, which is always very helpful when applying for jobs after graduation.
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