From Classroom to Career: 6 Tips for Students to Land Part-Time Jobs and Internships

Written by: Angelika Benesova , September 2024

Finding a part-time job or internship as a student can be a crucial step in gaining valuable work experience, earning extra income, and building your professional network. With the right approach and tools, you can increase your chances of landing a position that aligns with your career goals.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you in your job search:

1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers, especially students. A well-optimized LinkedIn profile can help you stand out to potential employers. Here’s how to make your LinkedIn profile shine:

• Professional Photo: Use a clear, professional-looking photo as your profile picture. This helps create a positive first impression.
• Headline and Summary: Your headline should reflect your current status (e.g., “Marketing Student Seeking Internship”) and your career aspirations. Write a concise summary that highlights your skills, interests, and what you’re looking for in a job or internship.
• Experience and Skills: List any relevant work experience, volunteer work, and skills. Don’t forget to add your coursework or projects that are relevant to the job you're seeking.
• Connections: Connect with classmates, professors, industry professionals, and alumni. The more connections you have, the wider your network becomes, increasing your visibility to potential employers.
• Bilingual Profile (English and Danish): Even if Danish is not your first language, consider writing your LinkedIn profile in both English and Danish. Many companies in Denmark use English professionally, but adding Danish can make your profile more accessible to local employers. You can ask for help from your Danish classmates or language teachers if necessary. Having a bilingual profile not only attracts a broader range of employers but also increases your visibility on the platform, as LinkedIn’s search algorithms favor profiles with multiple languages.
• Engage: Follow companies you’re interested in, join groups related to your field, and engage with posts. This activity increases your presence on the platform.

2. Craft a Strong CV and Cover Letter

Your CV and cover letter are your marketing tools, and they need to be tailored to each job application. Here's how to make them effective:

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. Use bullet points to keep it concise and easy to read. Include relevant coursework, projects, and any part-time jobs or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: A good cover letter should complement your CV by telling a story about who you are and why you’re a perfect fit for the role. Address it to the hiring manager if possible, and be sure to mention why you’re excited about the company and the position.
• Highlight Achievements with Metrics: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. For example, if you helped organize an event, mention how many people attended, the percentage increase in participation, or any positive outcomes. Numbers can make your contributions stand out and show the tangible impact of your work.
• Show Personality: While the CV is formal and fact-based, the cover letter is your chance to show personality. Be professional but don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role or share a personal experience that links to your motivation.
• Keep It Concise: Both the CV and cover letter should be concise. Aim for a one-page CV (especially for students or recent graduates) and a cover letter that is no more than one page. Recruiters often have limited time, so clarity and brilliance are crucial.
• Proofread: Spelling and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Always proofread your documents or ask someone else to review them for you.

3. Attend Job Fairs and Networking Events

Job fairs, industry conferences, and networking events are excellent opportunities to meet potential employers. Making the most of these events can greatly enhance your chances of landing a part-time job or internship. Here’s how to make the most of these events:

• Prepare Your Pitch: Have a quick, compelling introduction ready about who you are and what you’re looking for. Practice it until you’re comfortable delivering it confidently.
• Bring Your CV: Have copies of your CV ready to hand out and/or use a printed QR code, which will redirect them to your LinkedIn profile. Some events may also allow you to submit your resume electronically, so bring a digital copy on your phone or tablet.
• Engage and Ask Questions: Networking isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening and prior research. Ask insightful questions about the company, their current projects, or the industry trends. Show genuine interest in the employer's work and how you can contribute.
• Follow Up: After meeting someone at an event, follow up with a LinkedIn connection request or a thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to help them remember you and do not be afrad to show interest in an internship or student job.

4. Utilize University Career Services

Most universities offer career services that can be incredibly helpful in your job search. Theseafraid services are specifically designed to help students like you transition into the workforce by providing personalized guidance and exclusive opportunities. Take advantage of resources such as:

• Resume Workshops: Career services often host workshops where professionals review your resume and cover letter, offering detailed feedback to help you present your skills and experience in the best possible way.
• Mock Interviews: Mock interviews simulate real-life interview scenarios and provide constructive feedback on your performance, helping you feel more confident when you meet with potential employers. You’ll learn how to answer common interview questions, present yourself professionally, and handle nerves under pressure.
• University Career Centers: These centers are hubs of information, often connecting students to exclusive opportunities. They frequently organize company presentations, employer networking events, and career fairs, offering you direct access to industry professionals. Additionally, many career centers provide one-on-one counseling to help you clarify your career goals and navigate job search strategies
• Job Boards: Universities often partner with employers who are specifically looking to hire students for internships or part-time roles. These opportunities may not be advertised publicly, so checking your university’s job portals/boards can give you a competitive edge.
• National programmes: In Denmark, initiatives like Young Professionals in Denmark are designed to help international students and recent graduates enter the Danish labor market. These programs offer guidance, networking events, and job opportunities tailored. to students.

5. Stay updated on the activities of the International House North Denmark

At International House North Denmark , we regularly organize events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to help international students like you find part-time jobs or internships. We offer career counseling, help with work permits, and host events where you can meet potential employers, build your professional network, improve your CV, and more.

Examples of ongoing activities are:

• Culture Companions : It is a multicultural group of curious and open-minded people living in North Denmark. The programme aims at building many small bridges between newly arrived internationals and the local community.
• Spouse Space : This programme is characterized by its monthly meetings, where the participants are asked to help decide the topics of the meetings. The meetings are organized in two halves; where the first half focuses on specific topics like jobs, networking, volunteer work, entrepreneurship etc., and the second half has a social and networking purpose.
• Internationals’ Fair North Denmark : If you are new in Denmark and are interested in knowing more about all the opportunities that life in North Denmark has to offer, then join our annual Internationals' Fair North Denmark. Here you will meet public authorities, relevant organisation NGO’s and much more useful information for you as a newcomer and expat living in North Denmark.
• Job Search Seminar : To help in your job search, International House North Denmark offers monthly job search seminars, where we guide you through the do's and don'ts of writing your CV, cover letter and unsolicited applications, as well as how you can prepare for the job interview.
• Job Monday and Green Job Thursdays : Each Monday we post a curated list of open job positions from the region, all of which cater to international citizens. We call this Job Monday and the lists can be found each Monday on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages. Likewise, we post “Green Jobs” every second Thursday, also on our Linkedin and Facebook pages, where we list job openings focusing on sustainability and the green transition, and jobs within the green field in general.

Make sure to follow our updates, check our calendar, and join our activities. These are great chances to gain skills, learn about the local job market, and connect with people who can help you on your career journey. By staying involved, you increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.

6. Apply Early and Don’t Give Up

Many internships and part-time job opportunities are filled quickly, so it’s important to start your search early and apply as soon as you find a position that interests you.

Rejections are part of the process, but they’re not a reflection of your potential. Therefore, don’t get discouraged by rejections; persistence is key. Keep refining your approach, and eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity.

By using these strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of landing a part-time job or internship that will help you gain experience, build your resume, and expand your professional network.

Written by: Angelika Benesova , September 2024