The road to the first job can take many paths

I was always told that with a degree in Agricultural Economics (AØ) it would be easy to find a job. However, my path to a job has not been straightforward.

In December 2023, when I was a month short of my degree, I started looking for a job. I wasn't looking to become a farm manager, but a sales advisor at a company that sold animal feed.

My dream was to join Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab (DLG) as a sales trainee. However, the timing was not quite ideal as they only started interviews for their trainee positions in May. I therefore had to find a job in the meantime.

Sarah is 28 years old and graduated as an agricultural economist in January 2024.

Impatient to find a job

I searched the whole month of December with no luck, and I got a bit desperate, so just to get a job, I applied for a job as a groom rider. This is someone who is responsible for both training the horse and for all the practical work around the horse. I got the job, but I didn't have it for very long because the job had to move to Germany and I was fired.

So I kept searching, but without much luck. Often, when I was rejected, the answer was: "we've found someone with a little more experience". That was also the answer I got, even though they were actually looking for someone who had no experience whatsoever. When I applied as a trainee at DLG, they unfortunately also chose someone with more experience.

I was looking for new education

I got a bit discouraged about finding a job as an agronomist, so in the fall of 2024 I applied for a job as a prison guard. I passed the physical test and just needed an interview. Unfortunately, I'm a shy girl when it comes to job interviews, so I don't always get to say what I want to say. I was told that I was too sensitive and that's why I couldn't get past that.

Having unemployment benefits gave me peace of mind

I found being unemployed stressful because I really wanted to find a job that suited me. It was stressful to have to apply for several jobs a week when there weren't exactly the jobs I wanted. Therefore, I also tried several different options that were not within my education.

It meant a lot to me that I could get unemployment benefits while looking for a job, otherwise it would have been even more stressful to find money for rent and food.

For me, it has never been an option not to be a member of both an unemployment insurance fund and a trade union, my mother taught me that you have to. That's why I joined when I got my first job at the age of 18, and it gives me great peace of mind to know that I have that security.

Finally, the job came

In November 2024, the job finally came. I applied for an advertised position as a warehouse worker in a warehouse with goods for farmers. I was called for an interview and had a really good interview where I felt comfortable. I got the job and nothing could be better when you are a trained farmer. I have the best colleagues and the most wonderful workplace, so I couldn't be happier. I've been there for almost 4 months and I love it so much. 

If I have one piece of advice for other recent graduates, it would be to keep going, no matter how hard it looks. A job will come your way, and sometimes you have to take some detours to get to the job you want.