PBL - a valuable tool in Miguel's job

“Working within the industry I love makes me feel motivated and happy. Ever since I graduated, my responsibilities in my job have grown each day.”

The AAU method of Problem Based Learning (PBL) has set a very strong professional basis in Miguel’s career journey.

"This is also helpful when I need to become innovative and ‘think out of the box’, while trying to anticipate the next move and being ready with several solutions in my toolbox."

Applying AAU competencies in connecting graduates and companies

Miguel uses his AAU competencies every day in his job as a Project Coordinator at the International House North Denmark.

“We exist to support companies and international citizens in North Denmark. My role in the latest years has been to connect international graduates and the local companies. Beside this, I am involved in several projects where we service companies, and coordinating efforts at a local, regional and national level.“

Miguel supports internationals in several ways:

“To begin with, I often meet with highly specialised expats that either are on their way to Denmark or just moved here. I help them and their workplace with their onboarding process, and I share my knowledge about networking and the nitty-gritties of living in Northern Jutland.”

“At the same time, I support international students that participate in our career programmes. Here, I try to guide and match these students within the local business sector and make sure that they find employment after graduation.”

“Last, but not least, on a daily basis, I engage with many internationals that often just want to obtain information or tips in relation to establishing a company in Denmark or becoming aware of their rights and opportunities as students, employees and in general, international citizens. “

 

Denmark is full of opportunities and help

There are lots of people and organisations ready to help internationals settle in Denmark and become part of the job market.

International House North Denmark has several programmes for internationals – among others the Spouse Space programme for expats’ spouses and partners, and the Expat Host programme, which creates a bridge between internationals in North Denmark.

“I think it is important to mention as well that there are several other regional programs that are aimed at internationals. Several municipalities in North Denmark want to attract qualified workforce and population to their cities, and therefore they are offering support to search for a job and moving there. That is the case of Go Vest in Vest Himmerland, Move North in Frederikshavn, Hobro International Hub in Mariagerfjord or Move To Thy in Thisted, just to name a few.“

Personally, Miguel says that he couldn’t be happier now, doing what he does.

Miguel's path to his great job

“I was quite interested in the topic of internationalisation from a young age. While I was taking my university degree, I was careful to become aware of what exactly I wanted for my career, and I envisioned several ways I could use my passion and education. By the time I decided to take a master’s degree within Culture, Communication and Globalization, I had some experience with local organisations by helping them internationalise and think global.”

“My easiness to build bridges and speak several languages also made me become closer to both Danes and many other  internationals, gathering inspiration and ideas that I still use.”

Miguel actually doesn’t see many challenges as an international in Denmark, now he is well integrated.

“Perhaps the most significant is the distance to my family and the lack of some things from home, such as the hot weather and local food. I enjoy living in Aalborg and being a part of the local society. I am a very active person, and in my spare time I play handball and produce music. I also go fishing both in lakes and in the sea, and I have so many great friends with whom I can always share an evening or go for long walks by the water front.”

 

Finding a job in Denmark: not impossible at all!

Many international students think it can be challenging and difficult to find a job in Denmark – and especially in North Denmark – but Miguel has positive experiences in this regard.