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Inspiring story

Bumps on the road to the student job

Published online: 26.03.2021

Finding a student job was not a priority for Laura when she first moved to Denmark. Her focus was on her studies. However, she soon came to realise how important practical experience is in relation to the studies. Here, she shares her journey towards her student job – and the bumps she had en route.

Inspiring story

Bumps on the road to the student job

Published online: 26.03.2021

Finding a student job was not a priority for Laura when she first moved to Denmark. Her focus was on her studies. However, she soon came to realise how important practical experience is in relation to the studies. Here, she shares her journey towards her student job – and the bumps she had en route.

About Laura Detels

  • Age: 23 years old
  • Nationality: German
  • Education: Development and International Relations at AAU in Aalborg
  • Semester: 8th semester
  • Job: Student Assistant at Centrica

Combining theoretical insights with practical knowledge

As an international in a new country, and as a new student at a new university, Laura’s priorities revolved around her studies.

“However, I quickly realised – also through the help of the Young Professionals in Denmark programme – that I wanted to deepen my practical knowledge in addition to the theoretical insights I was gaining at AAU.”

"So, it was important for me not to look for a job at random, but to accompany my studies in the best possible way. Since I am particularly focused on international economics and also on global trade relations with China, I wanted to focus on jobs in this field."

 

Learning how to use job fairs successfully

First, I registered on all possible job portals and for job alerts. The AAU portal, AAU Jobbank, was particularly helpful for me.

Laura Detels

"I tried to structure my job search and not to apply for just any job. Still, it was hard to keep focused for me.”

Laura attended a variety of seminars and worked on improving her CV and her LinkedIn profile.

“I also took part in a number of virtual job fairs and got to know many interesting employers there as well. I have previously attended job fairs in Germany, however, it was in Denmark I learned how to actually use them successfully. This requires not only good preparation, but also follow-up. Unfortunately, my contacts from job fairs haven’t resulted in a professional relationship or a work contract. Nevertheless, I still keep in touch with most of the people I met at the fairs via LinkedIn.”

 

Tests, case studies, a rejection, and a job offer - all in one application process!

Laura became aware of the company Centrica through AAU Jobbank where they had a job opening. She sent them a targeted cover letter and CV to the position she was interested in.

“I was invited to an assessment day where I first had to take a two-hour logical and mathematical test. Afterwards, we did a case study, which we had to work on in groups and present later.”

“After the assessment center, the recruiters contacted me again and invited me to a personal interview. It turned out that not only Trade Support, but also another department was interested in possibly hiring me. Unfortunately, the other department had decided on another candidate in the meantime, although the recruiters had recommended me again personally.”

Later, I had a call again and received a job offer. This time, however, not in the classical Trade Support that I actually applied for, but in another department. This was a great surprise for me, and I am looking forward to a challenging and varied job in a young department.

Laura Detels

The Danish language - crusial in some jobs

Speaking Danish – or not – can also be decisive for whether you might get a specific job, Laura experienced:

“For me, language was always an obstacle I had to face. I got feedback from some companies that I needed to have at least a certain level of Danish language skills to be employed. An NGO even contacted me to ask about my skills because they planned on hiring me. When I told them that I was just starting to learn Danish, I got the feedback that unfortunately that would not be enough, even though I assured them that I was working hard on improving my language skills.”

“If you want to stay in Denmark in the long run, speaking Danish is certainly important, but definitely not the decisive criterion.”

 

Laura's advice for you: keep at it and persevere!

Laura advises you be specific and targeted in your search for student jobs.

“In the beginning, when you arrive in Denmark, there are many things that make you feel insecure. The people may be different from those back home, and you have to adapt to all the other changed circumstances. If you also only receive rejections because you apply randomly everywhere, I can say from experience that it is really difficult.”

It's important not to lose your head. Make an overview of the companies you have applied to and become aware of your qualities. Even if it seems like the perfect job for you doesn't exist in your city, it's worth keeping at it and to persevere.

Laura Detels