He is a recent graduate with a self-funded MBA from Coventry University and the IBA International Business Academy. And it is that leadership training he is extremely eager to put to use in an international company over the coming years.
He has several years of experience in building business relationships for companies in India. He has already held various part-time jobs with Danish companies, and he loves using Danish phrases when chatting with customers in his current role as a chef at Royal Pita Bar in Vejle. Indeed, 28-year-old Nikunj N. Patel is very enthusiastic about meeting new people – even when he’s waiting at the bus stop near his flat in Lundeborgvej, Kolding.
Perhaps that’s why he has never experienced even a hint of discrimination during the year and a half he’s been studying in Denmark.
“I have never felt any racism – never. I try to greet everyone with a smile and have a quick chat with as many people as possible. I respect the culture and try to be as open and approachable as I possibly can.”
After the summer holidays, Nikunj will continue at Module 3 (out of six, ed.) at the language school in Kolding – especially as he finds Danish pronunciation difficult. Not least because of the silent D’s that should not be pronounced.
But Nikunj is pressing on, driven by his curiosity about people, which motivates him to speak better Danish. At the same time, he is genuinely happy to be living in Denmark and is keen to gain international work experience that will teach him even more – especially since, in 7-9 years, he sees himself back in India to Contributing to his Community.
“I would really like to find a job within sales, strategy, and project management here in Denmark. In particular, I want to use my experience in professional networking, my knowledge of Business Development, Stakeholder Engagement and Project Execution, as well as my newly acquired leadership strategy skills”, Nikunj says energetically.
His wife is from Burma and previously worked as a Category manager for Nestlé. She’s ahead of him in learning Danish and will soon begin Module 4 at the language school. They are both highly motivated to secure full-time positions in Danish companies and have each attended a couple of job interviews in recent weeks.
“I’m full of hope that we’ll succeed within the remaining six months of my Post Study Work Visa”, Nikunj says with a smile.
