Marie Sorivelle speaks about her experiences with getting a job in Denmark which was tougher than expected!
Which kind of help did you get from the Dual Career – Spouse Network? Mary Kobia, the program’s Dual Career Consultant, offered insightful information on aspects of the work culture in Denmark, which I was unaware of. While I possessed an impressive CV, Mary suggested a ‘daring’ way to personalize my CV and Cover Letter. That was a major thing!
Marie met her Danish husband while he was at Cambridge. The couple decided to return to Denmark. Marie’s husband started a two year postdoc at the University of Copenhagen, and Marie eventually found a job at the Danish Patent and Trademark Office, first using salary subsidy program, which was then immediately followed by a short term contract from the company. When Marie’s contract ended finding another job was a bit challenging and she was directed to the Dual Career Program for help.
At first I was a bit hesitant but thought that it did not hurt to try. So, instead of highlighting work experience chronologically, showing companies around the world where I had worked, more focus was placed on emphasizing my vast and unique skills, knowledge and experiences. Mary also suggested arranging ‘coffee dates’ with key persons in companies matching my skills and interest. Coffee dates provide both parties with a neutral environment where they can speak informally and get to know each other. More often than not, coffee dates may not lead to an immediate job offer, but allows industry to put a face and personality to the person reaching out to them, and provides the job-seeker with
access to a wider network, and ultimately someone who may be able to help the job seeker liaise with person and institutions, or explore career fields originally not considered. Access to such services and programs offered by the Dual Career – Spousal Network helped me to increase my professional network while keeping active and focused during the anxious and stressful job searching process. I eventually found my ‘dream job’ at the Teknologisk Institut, where I work with internationalization strategies of the Centre for Ideas and Innovation. I have awesome, supportive and creative colleagues, and interact with diverse international clients on amazing projects worldwide. I recently assisted my company in winning a Europe Aid project, which is currently being implemented in Tanzania, Africa.
Was the process of finding a job in Denmark much different from other countries you have been living in? I worked in the US before. It was relatively easy and perhaps even more so being an alumna from one of the top 10 law schools (Northwestern University School of Law) in America. Getting a job in London was also relatively easy, due to the school’s known reputation and the vastly diverse companies based in the city.
When I came to Denmark, I was aware that opportunities may not be as numerous in comparison to London and America because of the language, legal system and culture. While Denmark understands the benefits of having a more international and diverse workforce, its follow through/implementation is lower compared to the UK or the US.. With the Dual Career – Spouse Network you are provided with a sort of ‘middle man’ who understands and supports your international perspective, and can then show you how to put that beside the Danish system to make it work to your advantage, while helping you to not feel alone.
Do you have tips for accompanying partners regarding their jobsearch? Be prepared for a roller coaster ride! If you’ve never been exposed to the Scandinavian culture it’s going to be different. Be persistent and really know what you would like to achieve during the time here. It might be difficult to achieve it initially, but you’re not the first to go through this, and you will not be the last. Just be aware that it will get rough at some point, but keep focused on your goal! Use the services that are available to you. Do your research. It helps you not to feel alone.
Enjoy! Even if it is hard. It can be stressful to work fulltime too when you have kids. But just make use of the services available to your kids and enjoy being with your kids. When you start working and taking Danish language courses it is going to be even more hectic and you will be thinking “oh I wish I had some down-time.” Just appreciate it for what it is because Denmark is what it is and you can’t change it in the short term, so work with it, accept it as it is and make it work for you.
Are you happy with your current workplace? Yes! I absolutely love it. I have great colleagues and I love being there. It’s kind of scary because I’m only there for a one year contract. I ask myself what happens if I don’t get an extension, then I’ll be completely crushed, but nothing to do about it now. I also love it because of the respect for the work-family balance. It makes you want to help the company grow because you are provided with the flexibility that you need so then you want to give back to your company’s growth.
Is language an issue at work today? No, because we speak English and I am also taking Danish lessons. Jeg taler dansk med dem nogen gange.
My workplace provides me with support for Danish lessons, which I do via Skype, once a week for an hour with a private instructor. It means that I don´t have to attend traditional classes. With an active three year old and a full-time job, it is really nice to have this flexibility.
THANKS SO MUCH, MARIE!