Read a former portrait of Vibeke on the Danish Alumne Portrait site?

What kind of industry is your company/organisation a part of?

I work within the professional field of HR, providing counselling and coaching to companies and organisations. This includes strategic organisational development, organising work environments, and addressing themes related to well-being and mental health, management and team development, and competence development. Additionally, I assist private clients who wish to work on their personal development.

Name things you spend the most time on in your work?

• Every day as a self-employed professional, I nurture my clients and relationships in a positive way
• Understanding and being able to see the needs of organisations as well as other people
• HR tasks in a very broad as well as specific context.
  Communication
• Coordination, coordination, coordination.

What has your career path looked like until now?

I have been very privileged to have a wonderful career so far. I am always curious about new knowledge and new beginnings, and the more mature and experienced I have become, the better and the more exciting the tasks are. It is also easier now to take on new tasks as I have tried my hand at every type of HR-related tasks.

I have gone up and down the career ladder, depending on the time I've been in and the phases of my life. This feels very natural for me, as life is constantly changing and it is important to listen to your inner self. The content of my assignments and jobs are more important to me than job titles.

As I have grown older, I have become better at prioritising, at listening, at maintaining an overview, and specialising after spending many years gaining experience. To be a proficient HR professional, it is crucial to understand the fundamental tasks and be willing to learn them. This pays off significantly, even before you are capable of leading others. It is important to comprehend what your colleagues spend their time on and that you respect all types of HR tasks.

How does your typical working day look like?

My work involves processes, task management and collaborating with others every day. There is a lot of research, meetings and communication involved. Maintaining a calm demeanour and positive attitude is contagious, and I remind myself of that every day when I get out of bed.

What is the most important learning in your working life so far?

Always go for what you are motivated for, be flexible, curious and humble ¨C help others where you can. Be good at picking up tasks and completing them thoroughly; be meticulous. Being a leader is not a goal - what truly matters is being human along the journey.

What motivates you?

Being surrounded by professional, humorous people with a sense for people motivates me - and it also motivates me that I can motivate others which I am also making a living by today.

What have you done with your degree and your AAU professionalism?

I have developed my competencies in the field of HR and today, I have a very packed CV full of wonderful experiences where I have met and gotten to know people both in Denmark and abroad.

What made you choose AAU?

I love Aalborg and back in 1990, Aalborg University was still growing and with a very innovative mindset because everything was new to AAU. We were pioneers, and that experience has stayed with me ever since.
Today, innovation has reached new and different heights and I'm proud to follow this, not least because my own first 10 years in the labour market were with AAU as my employer.

What made you choose your specific programme?

I have chosen the absolute best background both as who I am personally and professionally. I could not wish for anything better. I loved studying and working my first job at Aalborg University as it gave me a great start and introduced me to human resource as a field of business.

Your favorite memory from AAU?

The love for language, grammar, culture and the high study spirit ¨C in Denmark as abroad.

What were your dreams for the future when you graduated?

To work as a coach and a leader within HR which I succeeded in.

Your career advice for students and recent graduates when they enter the job market?

Be insisting, positive, endurant, humble and grateful to whatever your surroundings and network teach you ¨C and realise too that you also bring good energy to others. This will take you far.
We all need each other, and one day you will be on an equal footing with the people who helped you get started and made you realise who you are. You will use that knowledge later.

With the knowledge and insight you have today, what advice would you give yourself if you were to start studying at AAU?

Be flexible, be hard working and take lectures on other faculties to meet co-students with different mindsets and professional insights. Be active in a student organisation or participate in their events to get to know people and build valuable networks.