In a small company, every hire counts. By employing students in part-time roles, we lower costs, reduce risk, and build long-term talent. A student can save us over DKK 400,000 a year – and after one year, we know exactly who to hire. It’s not just a saving. It’s a strategy to attract and retain the right people. – Henrik Wendelboe, ASA Software
At ASA Software, it’s about more than just getting tasks done. It’s about recruiting strategically – and building a team that can grow together.
“In a small company without an HR department, every hire matters. By employing students instead of full-time graduates, we reduce risk, lower costs, and build long-term talent,” says Henrik Wendelboe, Director at ASA Software.
More than DKK 400,000 saved annually
Instead of hiring a newly graduated engineer at around DKK 500,000 per year – often with limited output in the first six months – ASA Software frequently opts for part-time student hires. This saves them more than DKK 400,000 a year and allows for a gradual onboarding and development process.
“After one year, we have a clear picture of who we want to offer a permanent position. We avoid costly mis-hires, which can easily amount to DKK 250,000 in six months – without delivering real value,” Henrik explains.
In some cases, the company also takes on students in unpaid internships as part of SDU’s programmes. This can bring the total savings close to DKK 1 million – while providing a solid foundation to assess whether the candidate is the right fit.
When university knowledge becomes business value
It’s not just about numbers. Students also bring fresh insights and up-to-date knowledge.
“Our latest AI student started just last week and is already contributing to key projects. But what’s even more valuable is how he’s educating our team on the latest AI developments from the university. The knowledge he brings is immediately transferred into practice in our business,” Henrik adds.
A message to other companies
“It doesn’t take more onboarding than with a Danish employee – and the value is significant, especially during peak periods. For us, it’s not just a saving. It’s a smart and long-term way to attract, develop, and retain the right people,” Henrik concludes.
International students in Sonderborg are a tremendous asset. They bring knowledge, language skills, and motivation – but in order to stay and contribute, they need job opportunities alongside their studies.
At Fri BikeShop Sønderborg, international students have become an essential part of the team. They bring fresh energy, new ideas, and real value from day one – in the workshop, in marketing, and in the team’s culture.
At Bitzer Electronics, working with students has made a real difference. Through project collaboration, the company gets to know the students’ skills and mindset – many have gone on to become full-time engineers and grown into key roles.