IECP: A unique opportunity for personal growth and career development

Opportunities for career growth, a sense of purpose, and global exposure consistently rank among the most valued attributes applicants look for in an employer. Research shows that 96% of professionals see skill development as important, while 93% believe international experience can be life-changing.¹ Recognising this, 10 months ago Octapharma created the International Early Career Program (IECP) – a global, two-year development journey designed to recruit high-potential professionals into permanent roles, offering international rotations, tailored learning and mentorship.

Unusually for graduate schemes, IECP participants step directly into roles linked to business needs – making real contributions while growing into our future leaders.

“The 2024–2026 IECP cohort has now completed the first half of the program, with most participants taking part in an international rotation of 2–3 months,” says Eirini Anagnostou, Group Manager Learning & Development. “It is truly inspiring to witness the power of Octapharma’s cross-site collaboration in action, which is not only enabling participants to contribute meaningfully but also to demonstrate their strong motivation to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges, wherever they are.”

At this half-way stage, we spoke to Susan, one of the program’s early participants, to hear how the experience has shaped her professionally and personally. Susan’s journey is a window into what this kind of experience unlocks — not just for individuals, but for Octapharma as a whole.

Learning the language of industry

“For someone with a predominantly academic background, joining the IECP has been a golden opportunity, giving me a perfect introduction into the complexities and rewards of the pharmaceutical industry,” says Susan, who began her journey at Octapharma’s site in Vienna.

Her first rotations at Octapharma Springe and at Stockholm were eye-opening. “They offered me my first real glimpse into industrial-scale production,” she says. “But more than the technical knowledge, it was the people – their daily problem-solving, teamwork and openness – that taught me the most.”

From there, whilst hosted by the Operations Support teams in Springe and Stockholm, she gained hands-on insights into production workflows and product-specific processes, working directly with colleagues in production. “I saw how technical expertise blends with the rhythm of daily work, whilst appreciating the value of cultural variety and the necessity for constant problem solving.”

Participants’ rotations wouldn’t be possible without the openness of rotation hosting teams. “As Host Manager, you empower talent by offering meaningful experiences in new settings,” says Fany Chauvel, Group VP Human Resources. “You help shape participants’ journey and foster the exchange of ideas across sites.”

Small moments, big impact

IECP participants are encouraged to reflect on their learning. For Susan, that has meant recognising that transformation isn’t always necessarily found in grand achievements but also in small, powerful moments.

“There have been a few ‘Aha’ moments,” she shares. “Like recognising how the dynamic, productivity and working culture of a team can shift when every voice is genuinely heard. Inclusivity doesn’t just change the atmosphere; it shapes how we work together and the outcomes we achieve.”

Even brief interactions have impact – a hallway conversation, an encouraging word, or a shared insight that sparks a new idea. “It’s about appreciating these small moments for what they are, without chasing big breakthroughs. Recognising each individual often leads to the most meaningful outcomes.”

The chemistry that matters

Susan describes the personal chemistry she has developed with her team, manager and her mentor as one of the most rewarding parts of the experience so far. “I’ve always believed the people you work with are as vital as the work itself. That belief has deepened through this program.”

Her mentor, Torben Schmidt, she says, is more than a guide. “He’s created a space where I feel safe to reflect, ask questions, and challenge myself. That’s a rare and valuable gift.”

When asked to describe the IECP in one word, she doesn’t hesitate: “Synergy. It’s about more than collaboration. It’s about synergy – harnessing individual strengths to collectively achieve results beyond single efforts.”

Encouraging the next generation

As the recruitment cycle for the next IECP cohort is soon due to begin, Susan offers this advice: “Be a listener. Be an explorer. Let go of assumptions. Allow yourself to be surprised everywhere you go and by everyone you meet. You’ll learn as much from observing as from doing.”

The current cohort will complete their program in September 2026. The next cohort will then train from October 2026 to September 2028, filling roles across Europe.

^{1. EY Mobility Survey, 2023}