The project "International Brainstormer" gives you the opportunity to get something extra out of your graduate degree. Doing a company project work will be a mandatory part of your graduate programme, but you will earn ECTS-points by doing the company project work*, and the full graduate programme still consists of 120 ECTS. The company project work in a chosen organisation might give you the inspiration and materials you need, in order to write your master thesis for the organisation.
*depending on which master programme you are enrolled at, the internship will count for between 15 and 30 ECTS.
Furthermore, as an International Brainstormer you must commit yourself to taking courses in Danish language, culture and society, as well as courses on job search in Denmark (including how to make a Danish CV and cover letter). These courses are a mandatory part of being an International Brainstormer, and will give you an extra work load compared to “non-Brainstormers”.
Educational Course
Your graduate programme will look similar to your fellow graduate students' programme:
* extra work load per week in average
Course descriptions
Job Hunting in Denmark
Career and network in Denmark
Study Skills
Decoding Denmark
The courses are offered by the Career and Counselling Centre at SDU, but International Brainstormers are first priority. However, it is important that YOU register for the courses, which can be done by following the links above. Transport to Odense is free for students in Esbjerg, Kolding and Sønderborg.
Danish Language Courses are offered by LærDansk and take place on all campuses.
Company Project Work
It is your job to find a company of interest in which you will do your company project work. However, the University of Southern Denmark is always working on creating contact between companies and the university, which gives you an edge when searching for companies. Searching for a company project work is a part of the practice before searching for a regular job after study. It is also your responsibility to find projects you can do, as well as accounting for what you can add to the company.
As an International Brainstormer, you will get a recommendation from the University of Southern Denmark, which will give you an edge compared to other students when you look for a company project work.
Master Thesis
It is out aim that you write your master thesis in collaboration with the company where you did you company project work, though it is not a requirement. You will get a counsellor connected to you master thesis. The thesis can be seen a way to improve your special knowledge about the company, and thereby increase your chances to get a job.
Career Mentor
As an International Brainstormer you have the opportunity to become linked to a career mentor during your study. Career mentors are alumni from the University of Southern Denmark, who use their own experience from different business areas to guide you in your job search and help you make a career. A career mentor can for instance assist you with:
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Insight into a specific area of business
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Clarification of your competences and qualifications
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Feedback on your kob applications and CV
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Open your eyes to other career opportunities
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Guide you in job and career opportunities
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Creastion of a bigger network
The mentor scheme typically consists of meetings, of which the Career Centre will help you arranging the first two meetings. We hope you will take this opportunity and benefit from the career mentor. The mentor/mentee guide is a good tool to prepare you with the mentor meetings.
After the Programme
When you have completed your master's degree and thereby also International Brainstormers, you will get an official diploma along with your certificate for having completed International Brainstormers. The diploma can be useful when you are applying for jobs in Denmark, since it is a proof on your motivation for integrating in Denmark.
The University of Southern Denmark is always working on creating contact with companies who have interest in employing international students. Moreover, the Career Centre and Counselling Centre are always open to answer your questions about job search, but it is your job to get in touch with companies you would like to work for.