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

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