What is it like to work in Denmark?

Great work-life balance 

Denmark is widely known for having a great work-life balance with room and flexibility for a life with family and friends outside of work. Combined with relatively high salaries, this makes Denmark an attractive place to settle down and build a career. It is true that the tax levels are quite high, but, in turn, this means universal access to free education and health care.

The average Danish workweek is around 37 hours, with office hours generally being from 8-9 am to 4-5 pm, earlier on Fridays, leaving plenty of room to socialise with friends and family. In addition, Denmark has an effective public day care system that can accommodate families with working parents.
Former VIA student Irma from Lithuania now works as IT Project Manager at Arla Foods, Denmark’s largest dairy company:

For me, there are so many great things about living and working in Denmark, but the best three are: feeling valued and appreciated at work, the social and healthcare systems and the good salary and work-life balance – which allow you to enjoy life and fulfil your dreams Irma Valantanaite

Read Irma’s graduate story here

Open and informal working environment

At Danish workplaces, the relationship between employee and manager is generally relaxed and open – much as is the case between Danish students and lecturers.

Critical questions are encouraged and the culture is based on open dialogue. As a result of this culture, individual employees are given a high degree of autonomy, but are also held responsible for their own areas of work.

Former VIA student Ruxandra from Romania now works as Project and Portfolio Manager at the engineering and consulting company Rambøll:

I work in an open office space in a relaxed atmosphere, which fosters an 'open door' culture and free discussions. Empowerment is one of the key values of the Danish workplace. I receive a lot of responsibility, but I'm highly accountable for the results I produce Ruxandra Rafa

Read Ruxandra’s graduate story here

Innovative environment

Denmark is among the frontrunners when it comes to architecture, design, construction and green development, so if you have an interest in working within one of these fields, Denmark is the place for you. Currently, there is a shortage of educated candidates, especially in technical fields and engineering, so there are plenty of job opportunities.

Denmark has a great entrepreneurial spirit and offers practical support and counselling to individuals who want to start their own businesses.

Bálint from Hungary is currently studying Marketing Management at VIA:

I hope to be able to start my own e-commerce business here in Denmark at some point. Denmark is a very entrepreneurial country with tons of rising start-ups and growing companies Bálint Révész

Read Bálint’s story here