UNK - Ungt Netværk Kolding

Meet Anne and Klara, who started UNK in 2022 after completing their studies at IBA International Business Academy Kolding.

Ungt Netværk Kolding (UNK) is a career network for young people in Kolding between 20–30 years old.

This network is for those wanting to prepare for the start of their careers through peer support, guest speakers, and practical tools. The network consists of both students and graduates who have entered the job market.

The network is member-driven, and they meet on the last Tuesday of each month at various locations. Meetings alternate between social activities and professional sessions featuring external speakers.

If you'd like to join the network, please email kolding-unk@outlook.dk with a short description about yourself and your reasons for applying.

Follow on LinkedIn.

“A network for young people by young people.”

Network for Young People by Young People

Anne Werner Kristensen and Klara Boyum met each other at IBA International Business Academy Kolding through their individual networks. They started UNK in 2022 because they personally felt the need for a career network of peers with whom they could share ideas and experiences. Since Kolding lacked a network focused on young people in their twenties, they created their own through LinkedIn.

“It was important to us that the network was by young people, for young people. And it shouldn’t just be our own network but one for all young people in Kolding,” says Anne.

Initially, Anne and Klara handled the planning and coordination of meetings, but now the members have taken over. They take turns organizing and choosing locations, making the network self-sustaining. The dream is for the network to continue for many years, even without Anne and Klara.

Preparation for the Job Market

Besides offering peer support, UNK also helps prepare and equip young people for the job market through external presentations.

“UNK was initially intended for peer support, but it also provides tools for our professional and personal toolkits,” says Anne.

The presentations are designed to complement members' individual expertise, covering broad and general tools that benefit everyone, regardless of their background. UNK has already hosted talks on mindset, mindfulness, and motivation, as well as visits from a throw-in coach, an entrepreneur, and a business owner.

It was important to Anne and Klara that financial circumstances wouldn’t limit members’ participation. Thus, the generous speakers have donated their time and knowledge without compensation.

“Luck Smells Like Sweat”

UNK’s first meeting started strong with 40 participants, and Anne and Klara knew they had struck the right chord with their initiative. But it wouldn’t have succeeded without their dedication and hard work.

“Luck smells like sweat,” Klara says.

This motto not only applies to their effort in building UNK but also to their approach to the job market. Landing that first job requires hard work, dedication, and a solid foundation. Here, members in the network can support one another through peer feedback, new connections, and sharing practical tools.

Mads Munk Skovsby and Kristian Tarillon, both part of UNK, reached out to members when planning the student event “Campus Kolding Run” in 2024. They received help with flyer distribution, contacts for potential collaborators, and even drone coverage for the event.