- Learning skills
- Increased Career Prospects
- Choosing Your Career Path
- Build Your Network
- Get Future References
If you’re new to Denmark or a fresh graduate looking to start your career in the country, an internship might be one of the easier opportunities available for you. However, these temporary work stints offer more than experience to add to your resume and can change your career trajectory if you take the right steps.
Here’s our take on the benefits of interning in Denmark.
Learning or Mastering Skills on the Job
No amount of training or books can help you cement your knowledge of a particular skill more than learning on the job – hands-on. And that’s what internships let you do. You can master the skills you already have and learn new skills without the pressures of a full-time job. Internships come with patient mentoring, the space to grow and challenge yourself while adding new skills to your CV. This could also lead to more achievements on your resume, which is a win-win in your job search.
The Path for Career Changes and Increased Job Prospects
One challenge for new expats in Denmark is finding a job without local work experience. This is key for several industries that require a knowledge of the local market, such as sales or marketing. Having an internship demonstrates your experience in Denmark, as well as your familiarity with the work culture and market knowledge. This is the same for fresh graduates, who can use internships as a stepping stone into entry-level jobs.
An internship can also be useful for individuals looking to switch careers. Let’s say you want to go from programmer to working in a fashion house. An internship gives you that foot in the door to opening further job opportunities in fashion!
Decide Whether Your Career is Right for You
You won’t know how much you enjoy your career path unless you begin working in the field. Working at an internship gives you a non-committal window to see what the industry is like, your daily tasks, your priorities, and specifics that aren’t obvious from the outside. Academics and courses tend to show you the theory side of your work, and not what it’s like every day, so an internship can bridge this knowledge gap for you.
Create a Network and Find a Mentor
In today’s competitive job market, having a network and relationships with experts in your industry is key to building your career. With an internship, you’re telling the world that you’re in the field – which can be a great conversation starter while connecting with people in the field. You can talk about tech advances in your industry, different approaches to your work and ways you save time doing core tasks.
During your internship, you could also increase your chances of connecting with a mentor. This is someone established in the industry you want to be in, who can offer guidance when you need it. It can be a manager in your organisation, or someone you connect with on LinkedIn who can guide you on your desired journey. You’re also capable of building a solid relationship when you meet them in person, show them your ‘human’ side, i.e. hobbies, interests and goals.
Your mentor can open the doors to a future job opportunity!
Get References for Your Next Job
Many jobs in Denmark require references who can vouch for your work and personality. Building this network during your internship can give you a future reference when applying for a job. You could also get a referral from an ex-colleague who has moved into a new organisation. So, make sure you’re building relationships with your colleagues at your internship.
We have a guide on Danish work culture with tips on how you can build connections at the workplace the Danish way, such as by bringing desserts to work. Now, who can resist one of those!
An internship can be your stepping stone to a permanent role, which is why we recommend that newcomers consider these short stints. Find out how you can elevate your resume and LinkedIn during your job hunt with our insightful books. You can also fill in our evaluation form so that we can offer tailored advice based on your expertise, experience and industry.
