»My mentor is both my sparring partner and role model«
Julie Buus
Senior Consultant
If you had asked Julie 10 years ago whether she expected to have technical leadership responsibilities at one of the country’s largest IT companies today, the answer would probably have been no. Back then, Julie saw herself more likely in a career in auditing or HR. However, during her bachelor’s studies in Financial Management, she discovered that the technical courses sparked her curiosity and made her want to delve further into the technical field. This led her to question whether she was on the right educational path.
»My older brother was studying computer science, and I quickly became inspired to explore the IT world, which I hadn’t really considered before. This led me to the IT University of Copenhagen, where I pursued a Master’s degree in Software Design.«
The beginning of her studies and her growing interest in IT quickly became an eye-opener for Julie. Her technical skills, combined with a deep passion for IT and programming, set her on an exciting developmental journey:
»I really felt like I had found my true calling when I started my Master’s degree. Programming became my passion. It was challenging but also incredibly rewarding,« Julie explains.
Julie and Nina at Netcompany's headquarters in Copenhagen.
Starting at Netcompany
Julie’s journey in IT truly began to take off during her Master’s degree, but it quickly became clear that this was just the beginning.
After graduating, she accepted a position at Netcompany, where she found the freedom to stand on her own from day one – backed by the solid support of experienced colleagues. Today, Julie is convinced that the combination of independence, a strong support system, and continuous collaboration across the company has been essential in giving her the courage to take on new challenges.
»I started on a small project early in my career at Netcompany. There were only three of us on the project, so it was intense. The learning curve was steep, but it fueled my motivation to continue because I knew I had a strong team behind me and that there was room for development,« Julie explains.
»Once Nina became my mentor, things really began to take off for me.«
As Julie continued to develop, her desire for new challenges also grew. When she joined a new, large project for a client, she met Nina Rolsted, Manager at Netcompany. This meeting with Nina quickly proved to be significant for Julie’s career development, and soon after, Nina became her mentor.
»Nina had ambitions and an energy I could relate to, which made a huge difference,« Julie reflects.
Within just a few months of having Nina as her mentor, Julie was promoted to Senior Consultant. Their close collaboration evolved as Julie progressed, and she is now convinced that Netcompany’s mentorship programme – and the chance to work closely with an experienced colleague – have been crucial to her success.
Today, Julie describes Nina not only as her mentor and sparring partner, but also as a role model she admires. For Julie, having strong role models is essential no matter how experienced one becomes. »No matter how skilled you get, it’s important to stay inspired by and learn from others,« she says.
»In my daily work, I draw inspiration from the many people I meet, and Nina is clearly a significant role model for me. She embodies much of what I aim to achieve in my own career,« Julie explains.
»CrossFit makes me strong – both physically and mentally«
Alongside her professional development, staying active is a cornerstone of Julie’s daily growth — and physical exercise, particularly CrossFit, plays an essential role in her life.
»I feel most refreshed and ready to tackle the day when I kick it off with an early workout. Prioritising exercise in the morning not only energises me but also enhances my professional development,« Julie shares.
For Julie, building strength — both physically and mentally — has become a key focus, enabling her to achieve the career goals she sets for herself.
»For me, the best way to start the day is with CrossFit. It's an energy booster that helps me show up at work as the best version of myself.«
Monthly mentor meetings
Nina and Julie meet regularly, typically once a month, to discuss a range of topics, both large and small. No matter the focus, their talks are always rooted in open, honest, and personal dialogue.
»Nina really motivates me to reach my goals and gives me that extra push just when I need it. She’s always genuine and doesn’t shy away from discussing what’s realistic for me to pursue as I work toward a particular objective,« says Julie.
Having a regular sparring partner—someone who can guide, listen, and ask challenging questions—benefits not only Julie but also Nina. For Nina, supporting young talent has become a major driving force, and she explains how the relationship also challenges her, offering fresh perspectives and insights.
»It’s very rewarding for me to contribute to Julie’s development and see her succeed in reaching her goals. Our relationship is not just about me advising Julie. It’s mutual and also significant to my own growth. A good mentor relationship should be reciprocal. It encourages me to reflect on my own goals and aspirations. In this way, Julie and I make each other better,« Nina explains.
Three tips for a strong mentor-mentee relationship
»Fully commit to the process. This goes for both mentor and mentee. Like any meaningful relationship, the mentor-mentee dynamic requires give and take. If both have this mindset, you can learn a lot from each other.« – Nina Rolsted
»A strong support system is crucial for your development. As a recent graduate, everything can feel new and daunting but having experienced colleagues who encourage and back you gives you the confidence to challenge yourself and improve.« – Julie Buus
»Be open and honest. It’s essential to be willing to open up and to receive the guidance your mentor offers. With the right support and honest communication, there’s no limit to how far you can go.« – Julie Buus
