Gerolf Aurig
"My demanding studies during the two years in Lund passed by quickly. I applied for jobs in my field, mostly in Germany and Sweden, but without success. So I remained in Lund, and started to take on different kinds of jobs outside my field. At the same time, I improved my Swedish skills in order to increase my chances of getting into the job market I was seeking by I visiting different language cafés in Lund. Here I met my partner, who is from China making Swedish our everyday language."
I came to Lund for my studies. Why of all places Lund? At the beginning of my undergraduate studies in Germany, where I am originally from, one day I discovered a poster informing about a Master’s Program at Lund University which sounded very interesting. However, during this time the program seemed far beyond what would be possible for me.
I have always been curious about other countries as well as cultures, and have travelled abroad whenever I had the chance to do so. Not only visiting a foreign country, but also living there for real has always been a dream of mine.
At the end of my undergraduate studies I remembered Lund University and started dreaming about the international environment that was somewhat limited at the German University. As my first application was turned down, one year later I tried again and succeeded.
My demanding studies during the two years in Lund passed by quickly. I applied for jobs in my field, mostly in Germany and Sweden, but without success. So I remained in Lund, and started to take on different kinds of jobs outside my field. At the same time, I improved my Swedish skills in order to increase my chances of getting into the job market I was seeking by I visiting different language cafés in Lund. Here I met my partner, who is from China making Swedish our everyday language.
In 2015 I started to work with unaccompanied minors which was a good match as I could share the knowledge that helped me to adapt to Swedish society. Eventually the youngsters I worked with became independent adults and needed less and less assistance. Thereafter, I started to search for a new opportunity.
Digital analytics was a hot topic around that time, consequently a friend recommended an occupational school in Malmö that offered the perfect launching pad for a new career. One huge advantage with this program are the two internships which provide excellent opportunities to meet potential employers. I eagerly started my first internship in Helsingborg. However, it quickly turned out to be a mismatch and I decided to quit. I contacted a lot of people via LinkedIn in order to find a new internship. Among them was Martina who became curious and invited me for a meeting. Everything else is history. I gained new knowledge during my internship at the International Citizen Hub Lund and contributed with the skills that I had attained at school so far.
In summer of 2020, I finished my studies as a web analyst. What bad timing! The competition in the job market seemed really tense and employers were hesitant to hire. It took several weeks before landing a fantastic job at one of the best digital agencies in the Nordics. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to learn from kind individuals that are leaders in the industry which is also one reason why I did not have to think twice to commute to Copenhagen. Thanks to Öresund’s bridge for making this commute possible.
/ Gerolf Aurig
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