What are the benefits of an internship?

A woman is presenting to other interns at a meeting.

Photographs: Unsplash

Text: Leslea Petersen

I get asked this question a lot from internationals! As a student or an experienced professional, gaining an internship can help you find permanent employment in Denmark. There are tons of benefits to approaching an organisation and finding your first job on a temporary basis that might become long-term.

Here are a few benefits that an internship will afford you.

The Nordic experience may differ greatly from what you are used to

Danish workplaces generally have a flat hierarchy, open communication, and collaboration is a big thing! If, like me, you come from a society that has a clear hierarchy and a culture of working all hours to prove your worth, this will be a steep learning experience.

Danish work culture values creativity, sparring with colleagues, teamwork, and having your say at all levels of an organisation, including interns. Everyone is expected to give input in a meeting, and you will have to get used to being asked for your opinion.

If you are used to being micromanaged, you won’t get that! There’s a high level of trust and belief that you will get the job done, even if you must leave early for a doctor’s appointment or pick up the kids from daycare.

Fast-track onboarding into Danish work life that will set you up nicely for any future opportunities.

Helps you build a strong local network

As an intern, you will have the chance to connect with everyone in the organisation, both internationals and Danes, which will help expand your network and increase your career prospects. Try to introduce yourself whenever possible and ask for opportunities to help with socials. It is a perfect way to find out about the company and the people working there in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Your CV suddenly looks local

As an international, you bring a unique work experience that could be highly beneficial to a specific company. Do you offer language or cultural knowledge that can help that organisation? What can you add to your CV that will help you stand out?

It is all about doing your research. Find companies that may be developing in your region of the world or expanding in your home country. Who better to ask about culture and work life than a native? Suddenly, your global experience is in demand locally, and you get Danish company experience on your CV.

It also helps as a stepping stone into your dream company, as you can now show on your application that you have experienced Danish work culture as a student, even if it is short-term.

People at an event with their hands raised to ask questions.

Possibility of staying on

Many companies in Denmark hire interns as full-time employees after their internship. If you excel in your role, impress your boss and team, and a job offer could be on its way. What a great way to be introduced to the Danish labour market after your graduate? You get exposure, and it is a gateway to building your career and finding out if that career course is what you want.

It can also help you as an experienced professional. Find organisations that could benefit from your years of experience for a short term. Perhaps that could lead to an introduction to a bigger opportunity. Denmark is a small place, and Danes are great at connecting people within their network once they know you and have seen you in action.

Improve your Danish language skills

I recommend you apply to English-speaking organisations until you have Danish language skills on a professional business level. Even so, interning in Denmark gives you lots of excellent opportunities to practice and improve your language skills.

In my first job, I had 12 weeks of Danish, so not much, and the office language was Danish. (I know, I'm contradicting myself, but the job was through a family connection.) It was a struggle to understand, but another Brit translated for me and encouraged me to speak Danish!

Whether you've recently arrived or are a student, even if you're learning Danish with an app, speaking Danish helps you integrate better into the workplace and improves your job prospects, so keep trying to pronounce those trickly vowels!

The great Danish life balance!

Denmark consistently ranks among the best for life balance. An internship in Denmark is more than just a professional opportunity! It is a chance to immerse yourself in the local work culture, develop a strong network, and gain a foothold in the Danish job market.

So, whether you are seeking your first role, a student job in your field, or career advancement, an internship is a perfect way to try out an organisation and add some local experience to your CV. Research well, don’t give up, and keep applying until you are successful.