Andreína Vielma Gómez seized the opportunities she got during her studies in Denmark – and worked hard to create them! Growing a network and having a student job was essential for her to land her first job and settle in Denmark after graduation.

After leaving her home country, Venezuela, Andreína earned two full degrees at Aarhus BSS, and created a life for herself in Denmark.

Studies at Aarhus BSS and Denmark

Why did you come to Denmark to study?

I knew Denmark from an exchange stay in high school; I lived in Sønderborg for a year and had a fantastic experience. But I was never meant to stay in Denmark. So, I returned to Venezuela to study a degree in Mathematics. I studied for three years before things got critical in my country, and it felt natural to find somewhere else to live. I knew I wanted to change to an English-taught engineering degree, and Aarhus was always in the back of my mind.

Great rankings, accreditations, and studying a degree in a university that was widely recognized meant that Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University was a good choice for me.

How did you experience your time at Aarhus BSS?

It was an adventure going to Herning! As I come from a city with 5 million people, many thought I was crazy going to such a small city. But I believe that your mindset makes the difference; I saw a lot of opportunities in going to Herning.

Being in Herning was a blessing to me because I had so many opportunities. I think that lesser-known places can offer a good experience and lots of learning for students. It was an advantage to me that we were able to collaborate with local companies and get a lot of experience, and it was easy for me to commute to my student job.

How did you prepare for your career during your studies?

I have always been ambitious on my own behalf. So, I did two internships in China and worked a student job at LEGO for more than 4 years. It helped me gain experience.

To be completely honest, I never had a job before my first student job in Denmark. So, I used the career counsellors at Aarhus BSS to help me with my first resumes to make sure I fit the Danish standards.

>> Learn about the Aarhus BSS Career Centre here

Great rankings, accreditations, and studying a degree in a university that was widely recognized meant that Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University was a good choice for me.

Career and first job

How did you get your first job after graduating from Aarhus BSS?
It was a stress factor to graduate since I had no income, and my student permit would eventually expire. But I was fortunate enough that my student job employer wanted to take me on full-time. So, my student job at LEGO turned into my first full-time job.

After half a year in my first job, I switched jobs to become a Management Consultant. I have always had a curiosity for consultancy, and I had been doing my research at different events with consultancy firms. From my first interview here at Implement Consulting Group, I just knew this was the right place for me.

What skills from your study programme do you use in your current job?

In my job, the entire scientific method of approaching and defining a problem is important; you go to a client and you must ask the right questions and do critical thinking. Research skills are also very important, as well as people skills. Working in a team and balancing being both close and professional is also a skill I learned while being a student. Both my studies and student jobs helped me gain experience with these different skills.

What surprised you the most, working full-time in Denmark?

What surprised me the most – but also what I love the most – is that there is no hierarchy, or at least not as strict as to where I come from. I especially like the lack of hierarchy here in my current workplace, and it suits me really well as a person.

Being an international in Denmark

What do you hope your future will bring?

I have a personal wish to stay in Denmark. With the degree and experience I have I could have applied internationally but my friends are here. I came here without my family and I have nothing to go back to in Venezuela. I lived here in Denmark for eight years. My life is here now.

Tips and advice to international graduates?

Seize the opportunities you get and take the risk! I believe that opportunities come to you when you are open to them. Grow a network; be active, take part in different activities, and volunteer to do things. Also, having a student job is essential, in my opinion.