Expat Advice: Working in Aarhus, Denmark

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Aarhus

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

There are a lot of industries in Aarhus, but as it is Denmark's second biggest city, there is a lot of businesses based in or around the city. Danes tend to find new jobs through networking, so jobseekers need to make sure that they are on LinkedIn and/or attending career networking events, of which there are plenty, in the city.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

I am a marketing manager for the UK market for a Danish fashion start up - www.trendhim.co.uk. I am a student so I work here alongside my studies. I found the job through a flyer posted on a noticeboard at my school, I went for an interview and luckily got the job!

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

Because of EU rules I didn't need to have a work permit to work in Denmark but I did need to register as a citizen here. My advice for EU residents would be to register to get a CPR number (citizen registration number) as soon as possible as the process can take a couple of months and you won't be able to get a job until you have one.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

All international students and employees in Denmark are eligible to attend free Danish lessons and I have taken advantage of this. I don't have to speak any Danish at my workplace but I think that making the effort to learn Danish goes a long way and is recognised and appreciated by potential employers. Socially, learning Danish is also a great way to feel involved in the day-to-day happenings in the office.

If you were transferred abroad by your employer, were you guaranteed a job upon repatriation? What type of mentoring programs does your employer offer?

N/A

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

You need to put yourself out there and really sell yourself! If an employer had to choose between you and a native speaker then they would most likely to choose the latter because it is an easier option. Therefore, you need to make yourself stand out and find a way to give yourself an edge over your native counterparts! That could be learning the language, doing volunteer work, doing an internship etc.