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In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Mary Kagendo Kobia, Senior Global Mobility Consultant at the University of Copenhagen. Mary shares her decade-long experience supporting international researchers and their families as they transition to life in Denmark. From practical relocation challenges to creating a sense of belonging, Mary explains why dual career services are essential for retention, well-being, and tapping into hidden talent pools. She also offers insights into tailored career support, intercultural integration, and the evolving role of global mobility in academia.
Whether you’re a researcher planning a move, a university administrator, or simply curious about international talent strategies, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.
Key Topics Covered
- What are Dual Career Services?
Why they matter for researchers and their families. - Retention and Well-being
How supporting spouses impacts researcher satisfaction and institutional success. - Practical Support for Families
From childcare and schooling to housing and tax advice. - Career Coaching and Networking
Tailored support for spouses, including CV feedback and job search strategies. - Collaborations Beyond Academia
Partnerships with companies, municipalities, and international networks. - Impact and Success Metrics
Data on employment outcomes and growing demand for services. - Personal Stories
Real-life examples of transitions and the importance of asking “What do you really want to do?”
Question Timestamps
- 00:02:01 – What is dual career support and why is it important?
- 00:03:07 – Context: University of Copenhagen’s scale and international staff.
- 00:04:43 – Why dual career services matter for retention and belonging.
- 00:06:02 – How the program started and evolved over 12+ years.
- 00:06:45 – How researchers and spouses can access these services.
- 00:08:52 – Real-life story: The importance of “being real” behind the services.
- 00:13:01 – Are opportunities limited to universities or also in companies?
- 00:14:47 – Tailored support vs. one-size-fits-all solutions.
- 00:21:02 – Support for families: childcare, schooling, and social services.
- 00:23:26 – Story: From burnout to new beginnings in Denmark.
- 00:25:01 – Success rates and popularity of dual career services.
- 00:27:01 – Short-term vs. long-term contracts: Who benefits?
- 00:28:01 – Closing thoughts: Why supporting families means everyone wins
DUAL CAREER RESOURCES, REPORTS, AND ARTICLES
DUAL CAREER SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN
- Dual Career ~ Spouse Network – University of Copenhagen - https://ism.ku.dk/dual-career/
- Dual Career Brochure - https://ism.ku.dk/contact/brochures-checklists/brochures/Dual_Career-web-050220.pdf
- ISM Dual Career Newsletter - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pLWFjNvnR2qXgXLqNGdrwOKHw9-YxVXI
Monthly insights from guest speakers, recruiters, expats & international spouses. - International Staff Mobility (ISM) - https://ism.ku.dk/
International Staff M
30 episodes
