Employability guide
HOW TO LAND YOUR DREAM JOB
Not sure if a career in Northern Denmark is for you?
Let us give you 4 great reasons why it is worth considering!
All UCN study programmes include a mandatory internship. Our experience shows us that it is a good idea to complete your internship at a Danish company.
Here is why:
- Your Danish internship may lead to a job opportunity with the same company. If not, it will always make you attractive to other Danish companies.
- You will most likely receive recommendations from your colleagues and managers.
- You will increase your Danish network significantly.
- You will have Danish colleagues and learn to co-work with Danes.
- You will learn about Danish workplace culture hands on.
- You will acquire skills such as proactiveness, critical thinking and efficiency, which are appreciated by Danes.
- You will be exposed to hearing the Danish language in a professional context. And you will have the chance to practice it with Danes, improving your Danish skills significantly.
Most Danes are fluent in English, and an increasing number of large companies in Denmark have made English their corporate language; so why would you even want to learn Danish? Because many companies do require Danish skills when hiring. For that reason, knowing Danish will give you a lead both socially and professionally - even when the corporate language is English.
You will do yourself a favour by learning Danish, as social encounters, small-talk, and lunch conversations are still carried out in Danish in most companies. Participating is considered a sign of integration, appreciation and thriving, and since social gatherings are highly prioritised by Danish professionals, you are guaranteed to make a good impression by joining in with a few Danish expressions. Be consistent, and remember that you do not have to be perfect, as learning any new language is a process.
If you are a student with extra time and energy, getting a student job in a Danish company or doing volunteer work in a sports club or non-profit organisation may give you some of the same benefits as an internship in Denmark. It will let you dive into Danish work culture, and it will look good on your CV.
It is very common for both Danish and international students to work alongside their studies. Typically, international students who have just moved to Denmark start by working unskilled jobs in restaurants, delivery services and cleaning companies, but many find their way to a part-time, study-relevant job, which is an excellent opportunity to get experience in a particular field of study.
Volunteer work is also popular among international students as it is a great way to gather experience and put school theory into practice while giving something back to the local community.
Often, volunteering comes with perks such as an extended local network and the opportunity to participate in events and situations that are not normally accessible to the public.
Whether you choose to go for a student job or volunteering, there is much you can do to boost your chances of getting a job in Danish companies and organisations.