From the classroom to industry: in Kalundborg, the search for tomorrow’s workforce begins before graduation

For many students, their first real encounter with the world of work comes only after graduation. In Kalundborg, however, the ambition is different. Here, educational institutions and companies work closely together to give students experience of real-world challenges while they are still studying.

One example of this collaboration is this year’s matchmaking event on 28 October, when Campus Kalundborg brings students and companies together. Students will attend interviews for part-time student jobs and internships that could be their first step towards a career in industry.

“We need to build strong links between education and employment to ensure that Danish businesses have access to the skills they will need in the future. In Kalundborg, we have a unique opportunity to do just that because educational institutions and companies work so closely together. This gives students the chance to put their knowledge into practice, while enabling companies to connect with their future employees,” says Christian Beenfeldt, Director of Campus Kalundborg.

Finding tomorrow’s workforce today

Novo is one of the companies taking part in the event. For the company, collaboration with educational institutions is an opportunity to connect with potential future employees at an early stage. At the same time, students can contribute fresh perspectives and specialist knowledge while gaining experience of tasks closely related to their studies.

From theory to the real world

For students, a part-time job or internship can be an important first step into the world of work. It offers an opportunity to put theory into practice, build a professional network and gain a clearer sense of the direction they want their career to take.

This is also one of the reasons why Michalina Pietras, who is studying biotechnology at University College Absalon in Kalundborg, is taking part in this year’s matchmaking event.

“I think it’s a huge help. Finding an internship or a part-time student job in the middle of a busy semester can feel quite overwhelming, especially when you also have to keep track of application deadlines, stay in touch with different companies and attend interviews – often at different locations. Having a coordinated process for the companies in Kalundborg, with just one application deadline and one day of interviews, makes everything much easier and less stressful,” she says, adding:

“I hope to have some good conversations with the companies and find a match between my skills and their expectations. Whatever the outcome, it’s always good to have the chance to speak to industry representatives and hear more about their day-to-day work and what they expect from future employees.”

The matchmaking event is part of wider efforts to strengthen collaboration between education and industry in Kalundborg. The ambition is to create an educational environment where companies do not simply recruit graduates, but play an active role in students’ development along the way.

This approach could prove valuable well beyond Kalundborg, as access to a skilled workforce will remain a central issue for Danish businesses in the years ahead.