The world is your oyster - as far the job market goes
JASPER JUHL IS A TRAINEE with IBM Danmark. He is a typical entrepreneur; he loves flexibility and hates a 9 to 5 routine. This job gives him the opportunity to develop anywhere in the world.
“Flexibility is the keyword as far as I am concerned and the IT industry is changing constantly. I can feel that there are a lot of opportunities ahead of me and a dynamic and flexible environment suits me perfectly,” Jasper says.
He has a MSc in computer science from Aalborg University and a master’s degree in management from the University of Bath, England. Jasper had three jobs offers, even before he had finished his studies. Jasper is the entrepreneurial type and had several projects on the go while he was studying. He threw computer parties among other things. It all began while he was studying for his higher technical examination (HTX) in Horsens.
“This is where I began programming and designing websites. I managed to win an order for a company where I was working. We designed the intranet for Bestseller and the assignment developed into a larger project along the way. I wanted to read computer sciences because there is depth to the course there is respect for the subject,” Jasper explains.
STUDIES WERE PAID FOR
He went to Aalborg University to study and started his own company right at the beginning of his course. At the same time, he continued to do consultancy work for the company in Horsens.
“It financed my whole degree course.”
When he had finished his course, he went to the University of Bath for his master’s degree.
“Because, already after the first year at Aalborg, I had the feeling that things were going exceptionally well. I wanted to take advantage of this and focus my efforts on the international opportunities I had been dreaming of,” Jasper explains.
1600 applicants were tested and Jasper was one of the 165 who were selected.
“I was the only Dane on the course, which was conducted in English. It was great to meet so many different cultures and, not least, create a global network.”
NOT A CLEVER CLOG
In some people’s eyes, a computer scientist is a clever clog who sits in a corner.
“That is definitely not me. But the commercial world is. It gives me a good insight into the way in which companies are constructed and how they work,” Jasper says.
As a trainee, he will take part in a 12-month program. During this time, he will become acquainted with different parts of the company. Jasper is in the hardware and infrastructure solutions department which operates across all of the company’s departments.
“It is extremely exciting. We work with the biggest customers, and I am allowed to participate, learn and absorb. I am expected to be able to contribute something myself by April.”
In his spare time, Jasper is studying for a diploma at the Copenhagen Business School and will complete the first stage in February.
ACTIVE LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Jasper believes that leisure activities and job complement each other.
“Don’t work 16 hours a day. Your results will not benefit. Some workplaces haven’t understood this yet. You recharge your batteries when you are doing something
different,” Jasper stresses.
The IBM Club offers many different leisure activities, for example a diving club which Jasper will be joining in the summer. In Aalborg, he was the chairman of the Danish Youth Association for Science. He organized some ground-breaking summer schools and camps, such as the Game Development Camp and Future Week, both of which attracted much attention from young people and media alike. For Jasper, it is important to be passionate about a cause.
“I was very involved in these camps. You meet loads of good people with a wealth of ideas and drive. It was the same way with my study course. You have to be able to see the opportunities,” Jasper emphasizes.
Jasper Juhl had three job offers before he was even finished. He chose IBM because the global company offers many opportunities.
Text: Per Vinther
Pictures: Tommy Hvitfeldt
