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How a student job can help you gain experience

Making connections and networking while studying will increase your chances of nailing a permanent job when you graduate. We'll guide you!

Advantages in having work experience while studying

IDAs market insights show that having practical experience in a Danish work place is a clear advantage while studying. Maybe even more so for internationals who want to continue to live and work in Denmark after graduation.

From our market insights we can document that IDA members with relevant students jobs often get full-time jobs in the same place or spend less time unemployed before that first job after graduation.

The benefits of a student job – no matter if it is relevant for your profession or not – can extend beyond the immediate financial gains. They include personal and professional development, enhancing your overall skill set and making you more resilient in your academic and professional pursuits.

Work is never irrelevant

If, when you are a student, you work as an intern, collaborate with a company on your thesis or find a student job, you often
have an advantage when you enter the job market as a graduate. However, a spare time job at a café is never irrelevant.

Making connections while studying will increase your chances of finding a permanent job when you graduate. And for internationals it is even more beneficial as you get a first-hand experience with Danish work culture from a student perspective.

When asking companies what they recommend students doing to prepare for the labour market, the answer »work while you’re studying« gets the highest score with 73%.

»Companies assign high priority to practical use of theoretical knowledge, and if your CV shows that you’ve been working while studying, employers can see that you haven’t only had your nose in your books, but you actually know how to translate knowledge into output. You know about preparation, cooperation, deadlines and everything you need to be able to do at a workplace. This is a huge advantage,« says IDA career counsellor Sanne Mattebjerg.

Be explicit and show interest

An important point is to verbalise that you want to be employed when you have finished your studies. Because this is not always obvious.

“You should remember to say it out loud. It’s your own responsibility to ask and express a wish. You can’t expect them to guess what you want. Tell your boss: I’d very much like to continue here, and I picture myself doing this and that. Point at the possibilities yourself and do so in good time before you are to leave” says Sanne Mattebjerg.

Stay in touch

If you want to work in the company where you are a student worker, you will have a head start as you are already a familiar face.

“It’s often easier for an employer to hire a person who they already know. They know you professionally and socially. They’ve eaten lunch with you, you’re linked up to the system, you know the culture and so on,” says Sanne Mattebjerg, and stresses that obviously it is important to do a good job while you are there and to show initiative.

If you have stopped working as a student assistant, a thesis student or an intern, it is always a good idea to stay in touch.

This is not only if you want to return to the company in a permanent position once you have graduated, but you never know if the connections you made can help you move forward in other directions. Using your network after graduation to find a job can actually propel you faster into a full-time job than only applying through the same channels every one else is using.

“Try to stay in touch with the place. This may be by offering to present your thesis and by showing up physically if you have a meeting, or just stopping by. Visibility is good!,” says Sanne Mattebjerg.

You can also link up with people on LinkedIn – this is a popular and growing platform in the Danish work setting, where you gain insight into what field others with your profile are working.

Check out our “How to use LinkedIn in your job search” in our From Uni to Job article about “How to find your new workplace” – there are some handy tips that you can use no matter if you look for student jobs or full-time work.

Advantages in having a relevant student job

Cultural integration

A part-time job can facilitate cultural integration by providing opportunities to interact with Danes and understand workplace norms.

Understanding local job market

Gain insights into the Danish Model, understand employer expectations, and potentially discover new career paths.

Networking opportunities

Build connections with professionals in your field, potentially opening doors to internships or future job opportunities. 30% of all jobs are filled via network.

Understand industry dynamic

Develop insights into the real-world application of your academic knowledge and understand industry trends and dynamics.

Skill development

Acquire and enhance skills that are directly applicable to your academic discipline, making you more competitive in the job market.

Time management

Learn to balance academic and work commitments, honing valuable time management skills.

This many companies recommend:

Work during your studies

Make sure to write your thesis/final project in collaboration with a company

Start your job search while you are still studying

Working in a café is also relevant

Finally, she states that you should not despair if you have not had a super relevant student job.

"Some people think: I have only been serving brunch at a café. Rather, you should translate what you've done into relevant competences: Have you kept duty rosters? Then you can coordinate. Have you balanced the cash register? Then you can understand finances. Have you worked with many different people? Then you can cooperate. In fact, there is no such thing as irrelevant work experience."

Sanne Mattebjerg

IDA career counsellor

Advantages in having a student job in general

Networking across disciplines

You never know which line of work might open a door for you, but always stay open to build a broad professional network. These connections may be beneficial for future opportunities or collaborations that transcend the boundaries of their academic discipline.

Adaptibility

Adapt to different work environments, which is a valuable trait in an ever-changing job market. Jobs outside your profession can require interaction with diverse groups of people. This exposure enhances cultural fluency and the ability to navigate various social and professional situations.

Soft skills development

Most jobs can bring you to focus on developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that are universally valuable in any professional setting and very important in the Danish labour market.

Balancing priorities

Learn how to balance conflicting priorities, a skill that is transferable to various aspects of life. This gives you experience with time and task management, what goals to pursue and how flexible you can be at any given time.

Diverse perspectives

Exposure to different industries and job roles can broaden your perspectives and help you discover interests outside your field of study.

Personal and professional development

Working in a field unrelated to your studies may provide a break from the pressure associated with academic pursuits, offering a different context for personal and professional development.

Relevant member offers

ida counselling