It hasn't been difficult for me to get involved in the work at the embassy. We worked with many projects and received feedback from our teachers on a regular basis on the educational programme, so I feel well prepared. Katja Anker Sørensen on her internship at the Danish embassy in Spain.
My educational programme
I chose the Global Business Engineering programme because it provides many skills and job opportunities. You can specialise in the technical or commercial side or in a combination of both. In high school I took both language and mathematics at high-level.
I’ve always had a little trouble limiting myself and would like to keep all options open, which is why this educational programme suits me perfectly!
An internship abroad
I chose to take my internship in the 8th semester abroad. My placement is at the Danish Embassy in Madrid, Spain. I work in the Trade Department, where there is another intern, two trade advisors and the trade manager, who is a diplomat.
We advise Danish companies on exports to the Spanish market. We work with marketing and market analysis. We plan network meetings and events for companies and help with contacting state authorities.
Well prepared for the work
It hasn’t been difficult for me to get involved in the work at the embassy. We worked with many projects and received feedback from our teachers on a regular basis on the educational programme, so I feel well prepared.
I’ve many tools to draw on, e.g., within market analysis and business communication. I find I really do have something professional to offer. It’s a good feeling.
Working in Spanish
I had German in high school, but chose to study Spanish in my sabbatical year and have been interested in the language and country ever since. I also worked in Tenerife for a while before I started studying. And I participated in a student exchange to Valencia in the 6th semester of my educational programme.
This means that I know the country and the culture, and I feel comfortable as an international intern.
Internships give invaluable knowledge
The embassy is an exciting workplace that gives me invaluable knowledge about the Spanish market, business and corporate culture. I can use that knowledge later in my professional work life.
I might end up working for a company that exports to Spain. But I can also imagine myself living and working abroad.
I believe that an international internship is a good thing to have on your CV. It shows you are willing to move out of your comfort zone in Denmark.
My advice
- Take advantage of the opportunity to take your internship abroad.
- Be proactive about finding good internships. The embassy had a notice on their website, and my application received a prompt reply.