From classroom to career

Making Denmark your professional home.

Photographs: Pexels

Text: Leslea Petersen

You have graduated - the celebrations have started, but what's next? For international students in Denmark, the end of university life often brings the big question: Can I stay and work here, and what are the possibilities? The good news is yes, you can, but it isn’t always easy to find that first job after graduation.

Here are my top tips for transitioning from student life to a professional career in Denmark.

What conditions allow you to stay and apply for work in Denmark?

Do you need a job-seeking residence permit? When you complete a Danish degree program, you’re eligible for a job-seeking residence permit that allows you to stay in Denmark for three years while you look for work.

Most graduates are automatically granted up to three years after completing a full-time degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) from a Danish higher education institution.

This gives you time to look full-time for an entry-level role (unless you also have previous experience) and affords you an extended period to find the right job. For full details of permits and sponsorship, I always recommend you look here via nyidanmark.dk for the latest rules and regulations.

If you find a job during this period (depending on your EU or non-EU status, of course, as the rules are different), you can transition to a work residence permit under schemes like: Fast-track Scheme/ Pay Limit Scheme or Positive List Scheme (for professions in high demand). All the details can be found in the link mentioned. Make sure you access the correct information; it is important for the future.

Create a great CV and cover letter

Now you know you can stay and find a job; your first thought might be, what can you offer an organisation? What skills and experience do you bring? And how can you communicate this well?

With your CV: Keep it to one or two pages if you have previous experience. Focus on skills that you have learnt during your studies in a student role in your field (Perfect if you managed that) or even in a temporary role when you have been working in a bar or coffee shop. Highlight some of the core skills needed in any role, great communication, listening and working well in a team, and what part you play to give an organisation an idea of what and who they will get if they hire you.

All experience counts, but tailor it now to the job you want. Summarise what you have studied, if that helps, and what experience will help in the job and company.

With your cover letter: Personalise and show how your skills match the job and why you want to work in that company.

You don’t see many entry-level roles if you don’t know where to look.

Some sectors in Denmark are booming, especially for international talent, such as engineering, IT and software development, biotech and life sciences, and business and finance. However, the competition is fierce, so leaving your job hunt until after you graduate will put you at a disadvantage! For those of you still studying, your job search starts now.

Check out job portals like Graduateships, a website and organisation tailored to graduates. So, whether you want to access a graduate program or an entry-level role, this is the best job portal for you.

LinkedIn is your buddy, not just for finding jobs but for networking and making those connections.

And don’t underestimate the power of networking. Attend job fairs, alumni events, and professional meetups to connect with the right people.

Get your Danish on. Now is the time to polish those difficult words!

While many workplaces operate in English, learning Danish is a huge asset. It shows commitment, helps with general chit chat when you get a job with Danish colleagues, and opens doors to more job opportunities. It also helps in the long term if you plan to stay in Denmark. You might want to go for permanent residency, so you will need to pass a Danish exam as part of the process. Keep upskilling in the local language.

And finally..

Be patient, persistent, and proactive - the 3 P’s.

Landing your first job may take time. Don’t be discouraged by rejections - they're part of the process. Use the time to volunteer or intern to gain Danish experience. You can also improve your language skills and connect with locals to learn more about Danish work culture and expectations.

Staying in Denmark after graduation is more than a practical choice. You have probably grown to love the Danish lifestyle, quirky foods, and life balance, even the long, dark winters! So, landing that first job is now a priority. There are career opportunities across industries, and Denmark isn’t just a place to study. It can be the place where your career truly begins.