Working local globally
Jeppe Petersen
Lead Consultant
Joined Langebæk in 2017
While completing a B.Sc. in Manufacturing Engineering at DTU, Jeppe Petersen joined Langebæk in 2017 to do a five-month internship as part of the undergraduate program. In 2018, he was taken on full-time as a Consultant, and in 2021, Jeppe agreed to move to Norway in the search for new challenges and experiences.
When on your Langebæk career path did the opportunity for expatriation arise?
“I was happy to work at Langebæk and the challenges I was given. After about 3 years, I was ready to try something new, still within Langebæk. In connection with the opening of our Oslo office in the summer of 2021, I got the exciting opportunity. A great and interesting opening for both my workplace and me”, Jeppe explains.
How did you experience working with customer relations abroad?
“For a consultant, the key to a good project is to understand the client's needs and execute the task or the role the customer need”, Jeppe describes. “Norway is a huge country, including long distances, and the time in Norway gave me the opportunity to be physically more present with the customer. I have realized how important a good relationship is. It is not only about solving a professional challenge but about familiarizing yourself well with the customer's business and challenges. And, by having a good customer relation, it will always be easier to solve any challenges that may arise in the project”.
Jeppe continues: “Being part of the Norwegian office has given me a unique opportunity to learn sales processes in a small branch in a start-up phase, including an understanding of the customer's needs, the initial sales phases and scoping”.
Heading home to Denmark, which learnings would you like to highlight?
Jeppe reflects: “Standing on your own two feet. It may sound basic, but there is a lot to think about when moving to another country, also other conditions than just as moving away from home. -Tax, social network, and culture are just some of the parts you need to deal with. And that can be a challenge, even in a neighbouring country with almost the same language and culture”.
“Especially the time it takes to build up a social network can easily be underestimated”, Jeppe states and goes on:
“When I started standing on my own feet in Norway, I also experienced a different harmony in my work. This is also reflected in the relationship with the customer since it makes dialogue and decision-making simpler. At the same time, it removes the top of the pressure that may lie, which gives a better opportunity to keep an overview and deliver a good service”, Jeppe explains.
Any advice along the way to others who want to pursue a career across the boarders?
“I think it is important to have a plan for the process and align it with your manager. Besides being two years in another country, it should also lead to development. Being an expatriate has developed me in ways I didn’t imagine. I was aiming for becoming a better project manager, understanding and get to know the sales process better, and participating in building up and developing the company in Norway”, Jeppe concludes.
