It is becoming a well-known fact that demography and the lack of qualified employees is a factor of concern in Denmark. Finding employees elsewhere may seem a hassle for some companies, and the fear of spending both time and money looking for the right person, that might subsequently leave before the contract runs out, may prevent some companies from investing in people from outside of Denmark. Encouraging companies to take on international students as trainees may increase their confidence in attracting and retaining international staff.

Doing their part, in matching talents to organizations in need, is AIESEC. The independent not-for-profit organization facilitates contact between students and companies all over the world, the Danish branch doing its very best to introduce international students to the opportunities of Danish business life.

These opportunities however take more to create than a dedicated group of students and recent graduates situated in offices at seven of the major Danish institutions of higher education can master. The involvement of Danish companies offering traineeships is necessary for success, and an asset to not only the students, but also the companies in numerous ways.

The matching process is done by AIESEC in cooperation with the company, to ensure that the company gets what it is looking for. All candidates hold bachelor or master degrees, and are offered leadership training through AIESEC that prepare them for work in the “real world”.

The training however is worth nothing, if it is not put to the test. And while companies often seek talent that have experience, making sure the candidates have room to try their theories and giving them a spot in the company, will ensure just that.

But not only will the companies help mold these young future executives and scientists. The international trainees will be able contribute with the newest innovative theories and a cultural knowledge that may benefit the company in new markets. Once a traineeship is done, companies will have a new ambassador promoting the company, and taking his or her experience as a part of Danish business with him/her in their future careers.

To learn more about becoming an AIESEC partner, please go to www.aiesec.org/denmark/

 mah