"Economists are needed in all organisations"

Why did you choose to the Bachelor’s Programme in Business and Economics?

"I chose this programme because it is one of the few degrees that allows you to work in almost any industry. Economists are needed in all organisations for more than just handling finances. You can also contribute by analysing markets and products, identifying new investments, or acting as a project manager, for example. Simply put, I wanted an education that would give me a broad foundation for many different types of roles, while also enabling me to contribute to my future workplace in meaningful ways, such as offering new perspectives."

What would you like to have known when applying for the programme that you know now?

"That high grades do not have to be the main goal of a course. When I focus on understanding the content instead, I find that everything becomes much more interesting and studying becomes enjoyable rather than just something you do to achieve good grades.
Also, the same study technique does not necessarily work for all types of courses. The programme is very broad, including both courses with clear right or wrong answers and others that lay the foundation for further analysis, where there are no black-and-white answers. It has been important for me not to stick to just one study method because, when it stops working, it is easy to become frustrated."

Have any parts of the programme stood out or been particularly exciting so far?

"For me, the business simulation at the end of the first year was the most memorable part. It was extremely rewarding to be able to apply all our knowledge again and experience a taste of 'real life' in such a fun way. It also demonstrated that a group can achieve far more together than any individual could alone. 
The other group projects in different modules have also been valuable, as they often resemble real-life working situations. Having encountered similar situations before, I feel much more confident in my skills and in my ability to contribute in a workplace."

Have any lecturers inspired you particularly strongly?

"I recently attended a lecture organised by the Women’s Network of the School of Business, Economics and Law (HKN). A panel of women active in company boards talked about their journeys and the obstacles they had overcome. I left feeling motivated and with a sense that I can take up more space and make a real contribution, both now and in my future professional life."

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced during your studies?

"Finding the right balance in how much I need to study has been a challenge. An important part of achieving that balance has been establishing good routines. There is a lot of independent study, particularly in the latter stages of the programme, and without routines it can be hard to keep up."

Which specialisation did you choose in semester four, and why?

"I chose Business Administration because those were the courses I enjoyed the most during the earlier semesters. It is also the specialisation that best aligns with my goal of being able to work in any organisation, whether large or small, and in any industry."

What is it like to be a student at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg?

"Even though most universities have an active student life, I feel that the School of Business, Economics and Law and the student societies within the business and economics programme have particularly strong links to industry. Student associations often organise events in collaboration with companies of various sizes, and there are also several large career fairs where employers clearly want to engage with students. The University of Gothenburg has many different venues and partners that enable new and established student organisations to hold enjoyable and high-quality events."

Have you used any of the School's resources that you were not previously aware of?

"I have been involved in SMART, which focuses on personal development and soft skills. Discussing everything from communication styles to goal setting and collaboration with other students has been very rewarding." 

What would you like to do after you have finished your studies?

"I am very interested in working in the Swedish industry. I believe that Sweden has the potential to become a sustainable producer and regain its position as an innovative country. In the future, I can see myself working for a large industrial company, contributing new ideas and helping to streamline and optimise financial and operational processes in a sustainable way.

I am driven by the mindset that 'sustainability is the future' and by the conviction that we cannot afford to lose all our production to countries with poorer conditions for employees and the environment simply because we are inefficient."

Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the Bachelor's Programme in Business and Economics?

Don’t forget to have fun – your studies are not everything! Take part in the events and societies that interest you; you won't regret it. It is also important to create routines and set priorities. You won't be able to do everything, so make sure you prioritise what matters most to you.