Beyond Relocation: How Dual Career Services Transform Global Mobility at Universities

Описание: 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/) - https://ism.ku.dk/dual-career/
• Dual Career Brochure (https://ism.ku.dk/contact/brochures-c...) - https://ism.ku.dk/contact/brochures-c...
• ISM Dual Career Newsletter (https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...) - https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...
Monthly insights from guest speakers, recruiters, expats & international spouses.
• International Staff Mobility (ISM) (https://ism.ku.dk/) - https://ism.ku.dk/
International Staff M

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