Between dreams and inclusion

In this feature, Aamna Tauheed traces Cveta’s path from Albanian aspirations to Danish challenges, uncovering what inclusion truly demands.

Photographs: Personal Pictures

Text: Aamna Tauheed

Cveta first arrived in Denmark in 2019, not with plans to build a career or fully embrace Danish life, but out of curiosity. She visited as a tourist with her fiancé to enjoy its cobblestone streets and experience the concept of Dansk hygge (Danish cosiness). Her short trip gradually became something more meaningful. "When you visit a country that matches your vibe, that was Denmark for me," she shared while smiling at the beginning of our virtual meeting.

An economist chose Denmark with heart and hope

Born and raised near Lake Prespa, a region divided among Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, she was at a crossroads of different cultures, part of a minority population with its own traditions and values, yet respecting the Albanian one.

Cveta earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and completed two master's degrees: one in Marketing from Tirana, Albania, and another in International Economic Relations from Sofia, Bulgaria. "Professionally, I am an economist, and in my hometown, I worked closely with local communities and led the implementation of environmental and sustainable projects on-site. "That's how my professional journey began," she recalled.

Cveta loved her work, but living in a rural area felt limited due to a lack of opportunities. "I love home, but when I think about building a family and career success, it's not enough. There were no schools, no infrastructure and no opportunities to flourish. I am inquisitive by nature and have always wanted to explore, thrive, and achieve both professionally and personally. When I visited Denmark, I fell in love with it because I love countries with history. Certain places tell stories through their streets and the people who inhabit them. Denmark has a unique magic and beauty. Its tranquillity, orderliness, and social safety are strongly appealing, and that’s why I shifted here in 2022 with my partner,” said Cveta while discussing her reasons for moving to Denmark.

Starting over - and starting again

Adjusting to Danish life, she quickly signed up for a language course and completed it efficiently within the course time. "I'm a language person," she says with a smile. "I speak seven languages, so Danish wasn't difficult for me. I just needed to practice."

Her daughter was born in Denmark, which she considers a boost that has made her new life even more meaningful and inclusive. Denmark is a symbol of safety, a good healthcare system, excellent education, and social security, which gives Cveta peace of mind as a parent. Despite this peace, she feels frustrated and tired because she is struggling professionally, regardless of her multilingualism, academic degrees, and professional experience.

The struggle to sustain the professional identity

Cveta's job hunt began months before she even arrived. She researched Danish companies, tailored her CVs, connected with career advisors, and sought advice from employment agencies. "I got all the tips and tricks to approach companies, and I learned how to write a Danish-style cover letter. In my opinion, I did everything right, but still no results in these four years," said Cveta woefully when I asked about her job-seeking experience as an international in Denmark.

Besides her extensive professional experience, she applied for even entry-level positions but rarely got interviews. “Companies considered me overqualified for entry-level roles. It’s not that I mind starting again from the bottom, but due to my experience, I believe I am past that phase." Her frustration isn't unique because many expatriates have similar experiences in Denmark. They sent thousands of applications before landing a professional job in Denmark. The entire job-seeking process in the challenging Danish market, with constant rejections, can trigger feelings of self-doubt among many internationals. "At first, you blame yourself," Cveta admitted during our conversation. "Initially, I thought maybe I'm not good enough and don’t know how to find a professional opportunity here. After meeting several career advisors and guides who analysed my CV and called my professional experience incredible, I realised that something was beyond me. I don’t want to blame anyone, but perhaps the recruitment system in Denmark needs improvement, especially for internationals”.

The recruiting labyrinth and limitations of networking

Cveta's challenges extend beyond her personal story. She straightforwardly stated that, "The hiring process in Europe is a bit of a mess, not just in Denmark." Sometimes people are searching but unsure of what they want. I applied for jobs for which I was well-qualified, but I never received even a screening call to discuss my skills”.

She has established connections with other international professionals by attending numerous networking events, but none have yielded success. In her view, networking events may help newcomers in Denmark during their first years, but they are not sustainable over the long term. "I am not against attending networking events, but for me, they help people emotionally rather than practically. It gives a sense of relevance that many people are facing the same challenges and seeking professional opportunities like you, but this is not the solution - what's next?" said Cveta about her experience with networking in Denmark, which many consider a key to accessing the Danish job market. She argued that there's a missing bridge between motivation and real opportunity. "By the third year, one needs a plan rather than comfort. After attending the required or necessary courses, CV workshops, and volunteering, one is expected to grab at least one professional opportunity in the Danish job market."

The emotional toll of unemployment

Three years into her journey in Denmark, Cveta balances freelance work as a remote fundraising officer for an international organisation with local employment opportunities. The gap between her skills and available opportunities weighs heavily on her.

“Looking for a job isn't just about not having professional continuity. It's about losing touch with your skills, confidence, and identity, and this continuous struggle takes a toll on your emotions”.

Despite her professional struggles, Cveta’s motivation remains rooted in her daughter, and she wants to be a good example for her. "I don't want to put pressure on my daughter by sacrificing my professional dreams for her safety and security in Denmark. In fact, I want to show her that her mother built herself up so she can build upon me because a child can't be happy if their mother isn't happy,” said Cveta softly.

Denmark has potential - but we need more than potential

Cveta carefully chooses her responses when asked about the government's and businesses' support for foreigners. She said, "I think Denmark has a welcoming approach to internationals; however, it needs systemic improvement because welcoming foreigners in the country and actually giving them the integration space are two different things.”

Initiatives like #TheForgottenGold matter to her because they reveal the systemic gap and highlight the struggles of internationals living in Denmark. She described it as a movement for change and a voice for internationals seeking visibility and professional opportunities in Denmark. "There are so many skilled internationals who are invisible here. They are not incompetent or underqualified; they're just stuck between systems that don't connect. This is a good country, but I want to see it live up to the values it represents - inclusion, equality, opportunity."

As our conversation concluded, her final message for both policymakers and overlooked foreigners was: “We didn't come only for work purposes. We came here to live, contribute, and belong. Belonging begins when someone believes in your potential."