Mardhatilla Pefiza Sidik was always interested in Scandinavia. When it came time for her to apply for her master's, there was no question where she would aim - a land very different from her home country of Indonesia. Having secured a student job at LEGO, she has learned the ins and outs of the Danish work culture. Now in her final semester of earning her MSc in Commercial and Retail Management, Mardhatilla has taken full advantage of everything the university offers its business students.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, she reflects on her experiences in Aarhus, which have led her to where she is today.

Studies at Aarhus BSS and Denmark

Why did you come to Denmark to study?

“I have always been interested in Scandinavian countries, so I narrowed my options to the universities here. I visited the Aarhus University (AU) booth at the student fair EHEF 2 years ago in Jakarta. I was interested in the study opportunities aligned with my passion and previous work experience. I met a Aarhus BSS alumnus at the fair, and hearing about his study experiences at Aarhus BSS and how it changed his entire life inspired me to come and try to have the same experience. On top of that, we were given the chance to get support from the Danish Government Scholarship alongside our studies.” She smiles. “That’s how my journey started at Aarhus University.”

How are you experiencing your time at Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University?

“Det er spændende (It’s exciting)! I can’t mention all of it. However, there are some highlights. We are constantly challenged and given limitless opportunities. For instance, there are tons of case competitions held at AU to challenge our critical thinking and problem-solving. During these competitions, we can get into brainstorming sessions with our lecturers on specific topics or even meet a company’s CEO or managers to just say ‘Hi’ or discuss any topics without feeling hesitant. Additionally, the support system from our peers, lecturers, and student unions helps us with our studies.”

What has been the most challenging experience so far?

“I would say the ability to do so many things at once, yet feeling overwhelmed at the same time has been the most challenging part.” She continues, “Attending classes, studying, working part-time, and going to sprogskole (language school) in addition to meeting up with friends and networking and doing sports - all of these can be a lot sometimes.”

What has surprised you the most?

“As I mentioned above, I’m truly grateful to be able to get through it all. It shows my flexibility and growth as a person.”

How did you prepare for your career doing your studies?

As a student at Aarhus BSS, Mardhatilla explains that “it’s important as a business student to be able to show your critical thinking skills and agility, so I had joined some case competitions during the first and second semesters, then continued with working as a student assistant alongside my studies.”

Do you have a favourite spot in Aarhus?

She ponders this question for a moment. “I really can’t say my favourite spot,” she chuckles, “but it could be my room as I enjoy relaxing. Also, being outdoors in general and engaging in physical activities, like biking or running with friends, can have positive effects on our mental well-being.”

Student job and preparing for a career in Denmark

Do you have a student job, and how did you get your first job(s)?

“I’m working as a student assistant at LEGO and am involved in the Nordic business unit. I applied for the position through their job portal, had two interviews with the hiring managers, and eventually received an offer.” This brings a smile to her face. As a non-EU student, Mardha can work up to 90 hours per month alongside her studies. This law allows non-EU students to help support themselves financially while studying in Denmark. In addition to the financial motivator for working, she adds, “I wanted a student job during my studies not only for the practical experience, which was very important but also to gain experience in the Danish work culture. These aspects of being a student worker in Denmark prepare me for my future career here.”

How will your student job help you prepare for a career in Denmark?

“Being integrated within the Danish working environment is important to prepare for my career in Denmark because there are some things that you cannot learn by the book but rather by experiencing it, so I would definitely recommend others to do so, especially as a non-EU student.”

What surprised you most about working in Denmark?

With confidence, she replies, “There is no such thing as hierarchy, meaning that you can talk to anyone, even the higher-ups, and even have lunch with them,” she says with a hint of awe in her voice. “Another thing is saying ‘God morgen’ (good morning) when you arrive from one side of the office to the other side, and doing the same thing with ‘Vi ses’ (see you later!) before you leave, is fun every time I go into the office. In the Indonesian work culture, we don’t say good morning to everyone, and it can feel isolated. Here, saying it means that we acknowledge each other as colleagues; I like that feeling. You know, sometimes when we say ‘morgen’ (morning) and others know that we just had a vacation, for instance, they will ask us questions. It feels nice that someone asks you how you feel. Feeling that you belong in the circle is nice.”

Are you learning Danish?

Beaming with pride, she cannot help but answer in Danish. “Jeg lærer dansk på sprogskole. Jeg taler lidt dansk med min kollega på arbejde. Det er sjovt for dem at se jeg kunne tale lidt dansk. Min kollega blev overrasket fordi jeg bestiller kaffen på dansk.”

In English: I learn Danish at a language school. I speak a little Danish with my colleague at work. It's fun for them to see I can speak a little Danish. My colleague was surprised because I ordered coffee in Danish.

Future

What do you hope your future will bring?

“I’m hoping for the best outcome for me and for you guys who are reading this. One thing for sure is that I always try my best and never give up.”