Building a strong professional network.

Photographs: Pexels

Text: Leslea Petersen

One of the best ways to start your career is to build a strong network. You might have read how difficult this can be, but once you have made some strong local connections, stepped out of your comfort zone, networking becomes a goal rather than a challenge.

As an international arriving in Denmark, even if you are married to a Dane like me, you must start your network from the beginning. It can be daunting, especially as an introvert (Yes, I know I am not one, but a lot of my clients are), but like I say to said clients, you don’t have a choice due to the cultural differences of applying for jobs here.

Danish culture is relationship-driven

Danes appreciate working with people whom others have recommended they know and trust. So, it is vital that you build connections and, hopefully, relationships with people. It becomes easier to ask for a recommendation when you have developed a level of trust and understanding. Having someone to give you a reference will help open doors.

Where to even start!

What steps can you take to build a network and make it work for you? Do it in phases so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Phase one – Set the foundation

Sign up for one of your local municipality initiatives, like ‘First Job Copenhagen’. Go through the process of building a CV, cover letter, LinkedIn and developing your ‘elevator pitch’. You will then have local knowledge of the job search and have a profile that will help you with your visibility.

Go to industry events: Join one of our events! At English Job Denmark—brazen plug, I know—but as internationals, we know exactly how this process works as we have lived it.

Search what is happening in Denmark that could give you access to key organisations and an opportunity to meet businesses working in your area or sector. For example, if you are in the tech industry and an entrepreneur, then TechBBQ would be an ideal setting. A real insight into Scandinavian business culture. Just one example of where you can network authentically and maybe get the right conversation that will launch your career (You can also volunteer – go for it).

Phase two – Connect authentically

Find a mentor: What is the career you are looking to develop? Find people in your field and connect on LinkedIn. Be bold, and if you have a mutual connection, ask them to introduce you. Ask if they could mentor you or give you a coffee meeting to talk about what is happening within your sector and any guidance they could offer. Focus on learning, not asking for a job, and you will get a better reaction. You might have to approach a few people to be successful, so don’t stop after a rejection (I have to say ‘no’ a lot).

Volunteer: This is not just a way to keep you busy, but also to practice your Danish and meet locals. Depending on the type of volunteer role, this might also lead to a recommendation for a permanent job or an introduction to a key player in your industry. Again, be bold and ask!

Join local clubs that aren’t necessarily work-related: What is better than meeting people doing something you enjoy, whilst informally chatting to Danes and internationals? Danes are very open in casual settings and give advice freely when asked. When you meet someone new, they ask Where are you from? Do you speak Danish? What do you do? Am I right? Here’s your chance to use your elevator pitch that you have practised and see where it will lead. Even casual connections can help you in your career if you are prepared.

Phase three – Build your visibility

You have now been ‘out there’ meeting people and connecting in the organisations that you love. You have met like-minded individuals in clubs and been present at every event that you could fit into your diary. Now it is time to start sharing your expertise!

Create content on LinkedIn: Spend time creating a few short posts that will help your network see your value. Share about a recent event and your top takeaways, or what you have learnt in your volunteer role. Sharing an article in your field and your take on it with an example of your experience gives your connections insight into your credibility and how you would fit into their team.

And finally, stay consistent. Networking isn’t something you stop; it should be a habit you keep developing, as it will help your career in Denmark in the long term. Don’t stop connecting even when you have a job. The more ‘present’ you are, the more opportunities this country will afford you.