Created 25 February 2025
From intern to full-time employee
Meet Mergim Beqaj, who landed an internship at Danske Bank in Kolding in 2021 and is now a full-time advisor.
For some students, their career begins while they are still studying, through internships and/or student jobs. For many, this is their first encounter with the professional world, where they can start answering the big question: What will I do when I graduate?
Campus Kolding has interviewed Mergim, a graduate from IBA Erhvervsakademi Kolding with a Finance Bachelor's degree. He shares his experiences with his internship and how the program opened doors to multiple career opportunities.
Mergim and Danske Bank won the IBA Internship of the Year Award in 2021. You can read more about Mergim and his work during the internship here.
“Your internship could be your future employer, so take ownership, be curious, and make the most of it!”
Why did you choose Danske Bank?
I was interested in Danske Bank from the beginning because it’s the biggest bank, which entails many opportunities. I met them at Career Day at my university, and later, they remembered me and invited me to their "Assessment Day." This is a full-day event where all internship candidates meet and participate in different fun tasks and activities. You are placed in small groups with a focus on both professional and social aspects.
That day gave me the impression of a highly professional environment, and Danske Bank put a lot of effort into selecting the right intern, who could become a long-term colleague some day. It was clear to me that if I got the offer, it had to be Danske Bank.
Shortly after, I got a call from Tanja, my current manager, who said: "You're going to Kolding" – and so I did!
Was there a match between your internship and your studies?
Yes, absolutely! The financial and communication courses from my education were highly relevant and applicable during the internship. I believe this is especially true because many companies prefer Finance Bachelor students, as it feels like "plug and play" for them.
How did you find your internship?
Danske Bank attended Career Day at IBA, where I had a conversation with them. Luckily, they remembered me when the application process began. I later learned that making a good impression was extremely important to my manager, as these are the faces they remember and look forward to receiving applications from. Career Days are crucial! My journey started that day when I was picked out from the crowd.
Now, as a full-time employee, I have also attended Career Days at universities, and I can see that the students who stand out are the ones who move forward in the process. I understand that some students feel nervous or shy and struggle to find the right words. But at Danske Bank, we look for the best candidates, and grades aren’t always the deciding factor.
“My journey started that day when I was picked out from the crowd.”
How was the transition from student life to working life?
As part of the internship, there was a possibility to get a student job afterward. It wasn’t guaranteed, and you had to earn it during the internship. Danske Bank was satisfied with my development, so they offered me a student job. In my final semester, I worked two days a week, which fit perfectly with my studies.
The combination of internship and student job was exceptional, as I learned the fundamentals while also keeping up with the bank’s development. This meant that when I was offered a full-time position, I was ready from day one. There was a clear thread from internship to student job and then to full-time employment. I didn’t really notice the transition from student to employee, except for the fact that I got more responsibilities and my tasks changed.
I know I’ve been incredibly lucky. I went straight from internship to student job to full-time employment, meaning I haven’t worked anywhere else in the past five years. That’s because of my positive experience at Danske Bank and the amazing social environment they offer. This social bond was one of the things that made my internship so special, and it remains one of the biggest reasons I enjoy coming to work every day. It’s truly invaluable to find an internship that not only offers learning but also the best social interactions.
Do you have any advice for others considering an internship?
Attend Career Days organized by universities — it’s the most important thing. I saw it with myself, and I see it now when I attend Career Days with my manager. Many students think they don’t need to go because they’ve already found an internship. But even when I secured one quickly, I still explored other options. Don’t just settle for the first opportunity unless it’s your lifelong dream job!
Take charge of your learning and be proactive during your internship. There’s always a plan, but it will only work if you take initiative and actively seek the best experience. Your internship could be your future employer, so take ownership, be curious, and make the most of it!
“Don’t just settle for the first opportunity.”