I am a 27-year-old mechanical engineer, and looking back, choosing to study and build my career in Denmark has been one of the most defining decisions of my life. Today, I work at Alstom, where I started as a Junior Mechanical Engineer after graduating in 2020 and have since progressed to the role of Technical Leader.
Discovering my passion for engineering
My journey into engineering began with a simple curiosity. As a teenager, I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed physics and mathematics. As my confidence in these subjects grew, so did my ambition.
What truly inspired me was realising that I could turn ideas into something tangible – designing components and bringing them to life through 3D models. That combination of creativity and technical expertise made mechanical engineering the obvious choice for me.
Why Denmark stood out
Choosing Denmark as my study destination felt like a natural fit. The country is internationally recognised for its strengths in innovation, design, and engineering. Being surrounded by industries at the forefront of pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing with brands like Novo Nordisk, GN Group and LEGO was incredibly motivating.
Studying here meant being close to where development and innovation actually happen – and that made my education feel relevant from day one.
Gaining experience while studying
One of the most unique aspects of studying in Denmark is the opportunity to gain real work experience alongside your education. For me, the concept of a studiejob [student job] was a complete game changer.
Working part-time in a role related to my field allowed me to apply what I learned in class to real-life projects. I built practical skills, gained confidence, and, importantly, started developing a professional network early on.
Internships also played a key role. Spending time working full-time in a company environment gave me valuable insight into how engineering projects are carried out in practice. These experiences made the transition from student to professional much smoother.
In fact, my early connection with Alstom through work experience was a crucial step towards securing my full-time role at the company after graduation.
Working life in Denmark
Since graduating, I have spent six years working in Copenhagen, continuing to grow both professionally and personally. The Danish work culture has had a strong impact on me.
There is a clear focus on work-life balance, flexible working hours, and mutual trust. The organisational structure is flat, which means everyone’s voice is valued.
A culture that encourages your voice
One of the biggest differences I have experienced is the openness in Danish workplaces. You are encouraged to question ideas, challenge decisions, and contribute your own perspective – regardless of your role.
For me, this has been incredibly empowering. It creates better collaboration and ultimately leads to stronger, more innovative solutions.