Freelancing as a student job

Meet Tobias Rober Jakobsen, who works as a freelance sound technician in his free time

For many students, their career begins while they are still studying, whether through internships, student jobs, or even freelancing.

Campus Kolding has interviewed Tobias, who is studying the Sonic College sound design program at UC SYD. Tobias shares his experiences as a newcomer and how he uses his network and education to take on freelance work in his free time.

See the interview and read the full article below.

How have you found Kolding as a newcomer?

It’s been tough to start a new program and move to a city where you don’t know anyone. But it’s actually been great to "start fresh" and reinvent myself. Of course, I miss my family and friends back home, but it’s been a positive experience.

When you start studying, there are lots of opportunities. For instance, there’s the KONTUR student festival and many other events. There’s so much to do right from the beginning, which really helps build social connections.

Do you have any advice for other newcomers?

Just dive in! Of course, know your limits and when your social battery is running low. It’s okay to say no, but try to embrace new experiences, follow along, and meet new people. The worst that can happen is that you don’t click, and then you can go your separate ways. Be open and greet people with a smile.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done as a freelancer?

One of the most amazing things I’ve done as a freelancer so far is the Trapholt project, where I created sound for Nanna Ditzel. It all started with a project for the Design School’s Christmas Bazaar, which led to someone from the municipality asking me to do something similar for Kolding Municipality’s New Year’s reception. Later, Trapholt contacted me about a sound installation for their Nanna Ditzel exhibition. It's really amazing how networking is apparently a thing.

But how do you capture the sound of Nanna Ditzel? She made furniture, not sound. We focused on the organic and natural elements—everything vibrates at a frequency. It was like the entire exhibition came to life in a whole new way. Seeing people’s reactions, making them happy, and the "instant reward" was amazing and something I hadn’t thought about before.

There are so many opportunities. One thing leads to another, and suddenly you’re building something you didn’t even know was possible. It’s something I’ve never experienced before, and it’s incredible.