In recent years there has been an increasing interest in retaining international graduates in Denmark after their graduation due to economic benefits for the Danish society and industry. However, there are not so many studies exploring this matter. This Master Thesis purpose is to fill the gap in the existing literature and to provide a holistic view on the challenges and obstacles encountered by newly international engineering graduates who decided to remain in Denmark and to search for an employment in the Danish Engineering sector.
Our research paper presents an exploratory case study of the outcomes of international engineering’ employability situation. In addition, a mixed methods research design is applied in or order to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. We have conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with international graduates from the Engineering field of study. All of them obtained their higher education degrees in Denmark and remained in the country after graduation to seek an employment in the Danish labour market. In addition to this, we have conducted a quantitative online survey in which participated 13 companies from the Engineering industry sector in Denmark. The survey aimed to expand the awareness of our research problem and to supplement the findings from the interviews, by tackling another perspective different than the one of the graduates.
In order to enrich and broaden the knowledge on the phenomenon under study the data was approached on three different levels: institutional, individual and organizational level. The gathered data is interpreted based on relevant theoretical perspectives, such as Neoclassic theory, Bourdieu’s forms of capital theory, Communication adaptation theory, and Diversity management theory. Our main findings include the international graduates’ challenges and experiences of transitioning from higher education to work. In addition, the Danish employers’ perspective and attitudes towards hiring international engineering graduates as well as the input of the European and Danish policies on labour market integration, diversity and mobility are taken into consideration. Overall, the idea to make the connection between international
graduates and Danish companies is seen as a complex integration process that needs the support of all three levels in order to be successful.
Finally, the findings of this research study will be useful for current and future international students as well as for policy makers, Danish companies and other researchers exploring the issues of international graduates’ integration and employment.