From the US to Denmark: My Journey to Landing a Dream Job Abroad
In October 2022, I decided to pursue my goal of living and working in Denmark. At the time, I had no idea what lay ahead and how I would achieve my goal. All I knew was that I was ready for a change, and to pursue a dream I held since 2006. Fast forward to November 2024, and I found myself on a plane from Washington, D.C. to Copenhagen, heading to an amazing opportunity at a large multinational Danish company.
This piece is a follow-on to the March 2024 article, “Tips for Networking and Job Hunting in Denmark from Abroad.” (Note: CCDK Associates can access the full article via our associates-only webpage.)
Here’s how I made it happen—and how you can, too.
Starting the Journey
When I began applying for jobs in Denmark, I quickly realized I was stepping into a highly competitive market filled with skilled candidates from across the European Union. As an American citizen without an active work visa, I knew I had my work cut out for me. I was leaving the federal government industry after fifteen years, and had a lot to consider before I could get started.
This included thinking about the following:
What are my core skills and how can they be applied to the new industry?
What are the key Danish and multinational companies who are open to hiring international workers?
What is the culture like at those companies?
Where is the job market demand?
What are the common career paths for people with my background?
From there, I needed to tailor my CV and cover letters to Danish standards and common practices. For instance, some companies expect a photograph – others state not to include a photograph. Some job postings include names to contact for more information on the role, some require more research and cold-calling to get connected to the right person.
Building the Network
It is common knowledge that your network is the most important part of job hunting in Denmark. While I had strong personal relationships with friends and my Danish host family from my time studying in Denmark in 2006, I did not have a good network in the global communications and marketing industry. In fact, I barely had a network at all.
It was time to start from scratch.
First, I researched people from my current network: the organization where I worked in the United States, the higher education institutions I attended, and the people I knew from my Danish study abroad program. Did any of them have connections to Danish companies, tips for applications, or other advice to offer?
Next, I looked into both online and offline communities for professionals in Denmark. I joined the ones that fit my interest (such as Career Club Denmark, aka CCDK), and attended as many webinars and virtual networking opportunities as possible. I became active in CCDK through the Associate’s program, which offered me one-on-one mentoring with a new person each month, regular virtual meet-ups with ladies in the Associate’s group to share our career-related goals and needs, and access to the woman who became my career coach: Nischa Don Maak.
Lastly, I put time, money, and effort into visiting Denmark. I was fortunate to have a fair amount of vacation days built up in my prior job, and I became good at spotting deals on flights between Washington and Copenhagen. Between April 2023 and August 2024, I made six in-person visits for the purposes of networking. It wasn’t all business, though! I met my Danish boyfriend on an early visit, and had many opportunities to connect with my host family, friends, CCDK members, and my favorite professors. They were key in encouraging me throughout the ups and downs of the job hunting process, and were a huge help when the time came to make the international move.
Nischa always says that, “Not networking is not working,” so I kept that in mind throughout my journey. While I did not know anyone in the company that ultimately hired me, I know that my preparation and the helpful information gained from my networking ultimately helped me land the job.
Time Management and Time Zones
Applying for jobs in a different time zone added a layer of complexity. Denmark is six hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast, which meant virtual coffee chats or interviews often took place early in the morning for me. I quickly learned the importance of scheduling and planning my days carefully.
One tip I can’t emphasize enough: use a calendar to block out time for job applications, research, and interviews. Color-code the pieces that are part of your job hunting journey, and make sure that you do something – anything! – each day towards this goal.
Treat your job search like a part-time job (or a full-time job, if you have the time). I dedicated two to three hours each day to researching companies, networking virtually, and fine-tuning applications and cover letters. This was on top of my full-time job in the U.S., caring for my dog, volunteering with a samba band, and maintaining a social life.
Overcoming Challenges
Rejection is inevitable, and I experienced my fair share through over 100 applications. For every interview invitation, there were multiple applications that went unanswered or received the form rejection email. It was discouraging, and at times I thought I would never achieve my goal. There were tears of frustration and exhaustion, and feelings of being stuck in a constant loop of applying for, and being rejected by, jobs in Denmark.
During one of the CCDK Associate’s monthly Wingwoman Online Meet ups where we share contacts, resources and advice, Nischa shared a piece of advice that stuck with me: “rejection is just a redirection.”
Rejection is just a redirection.
Let that sink in. Each rejection is an opportunity to refine your approach and learn more about what Danish employers were looking for.
It gave me a boost of energy I did not realize I needed, and a positive approach to the job hunting process. In those final months, the positive outlook kept me on-track despite how tiring my routine had become.
The Breakthrough
In August 2024, I received an offer that felt like the culmination of all my hard work. The role was exactly what I had been hoping for: challenging, aligned with my skills, and at a Danish company with a stellar reputation.
The best part was the interview process. From start to finish, everything felt so RIGHT in the people I spoke with. Even the writing test was fun! Accepting the offer was a dream come true.
It also marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Moving to Denmark and living this long-held dream has been one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences of my life. The journey was far from easy, but it taught me the value of persistence, adaptability, and staying true to my goals. If you’re considering making a similar leap, know that it’s possible with the right mindset and preparation. Denmark has a lot to offer, and with determination, you can find your place here, too.
Article by
Nichole Allem
CCDK Board Member, Newsletter Director
