"Being an international student, fluent in French and with a relevant extracurricular experience, gave me a serious advantage comparing to other applicants. Furthermore, a classmate was already a student worker there, so yes connections do give you a little push, so always maintain and expand your network."

"During my recruitment interview, I expressed my intention to have a permanent position, and articulated my will to learn and adapt to the environment."

The career counsellors at AAU highlights the importance of doing research of the company before writing your application and going to the job interview.

You will get credit for showing that you have done your homework when presenting yourself as being knowledgeable about the company, its products or services, as well as the career opportunities. The better prepared you are, the more probable it is that the company will recognise your enthusiasm, drive, motivation, maturity, and thoroughness.

 

Showing growth and mastery in my internship

"And thus, I started by doing small administrative tasks, and then I moved to doing translations for important documents, like projects methodologies, and at the end of my internship I was selected by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) as logistics assistant to coordinate events in Central Africa."

"At my evaluation meeting, my manager inquired about my professional intentions again, and of course I let them know that I am interested in a full-time position."

"Now I am a project consultant at NTU International, working in the project acquisition department, and taking interesting challenges in the field of International Development Projects."

 

How to continue your employment after the internship

Sohib says: “From my point of view, we (students) should remember that there are no “magic recipes”, or “do this and your position is guaranteed” solutions. From my humble experience, the process can be very “constructionistic”, meaning that as a job seeker you must adapt and constantly analyse the social and professional contexts you are in. I am saying this, as a student coming from an entirely different environment and social context."

During the phases of going to interviews, doing your internship and end of Internship, the student (job seeker) should be aware of the company’s needs, and how he/she as a candidate, fit or match them, professionally in terms of: skills, ambition, discipline or others. And socially in terms of: friendliness, humor, hobbies and overall interaction.

A very crucial detail is to talk to your recruitment manager and superior about the opportunity of staying at the company, making your intentions very clear. People in Denmark in general, tend to be very clear and straight to the point. You should know that as an intern, you represent a considerable investment to the firm, and if you give yourself the opportunity to become an asset, that brings more to the firm, why would they start over, and take the risk with a new one?

The career counsellors confirms Sohib in terms of interns being a great asset to companies. Statistics show that about 25 % of interns will be employed afterwards at the same company.