"When you follow your interests and passions, success tends to follow naturally"

Curiosity about global business led him to the School 

During his bachelor's degree in business, Fraz developed a keen interest in understanding how multinational companies (MNCs) operate across different cultural regions. "I was particularly fascinated by how these companies adapt their strategies and goals to navigate both internal and external factors unique to each country they operate in," he explains. This curiosity about global business dynamics led him to pursue the MSc IBT programme, where he could delve deeper into these complexities.  

Memorable courses and lecturers 

Two courses that stood out for Fraz were International Business in Asian Emerging Markets and International Business Environment Analysis. "The first course offered valuable insights into the unique opportunities and challenges of doing business in emerging markets compared to developed ones," he recalls. "For example, while emerging markets often offer advantages like lower labor costs, they also present challenges such as political instability, which businesses must navigate."  

The International Business Environment Analysis course provided a thorough understanding of the various internal and external elements that impact a company's operations. "This course helped me appreciate the delicate balance businesses must strike to remain true to their identity while adapting to diverse market conditions," says Fraz. A standout experience was developing a sourcing strategy for Volvo. "This project was particularly memorable because it gave us the opportunity to apply academic theories in a real-world business setting," he adds.  

Fraz appreciated the balance between individual assignments and group project work in the MSc IBT programme. "This structure taught us how to approach problems independently, while also developing the crucial skill of collaboration in a team setting," he explains. "The combination of both individual and group work helped me gain a well-rounded approach to tackling tasks, which has been invaluable in my professional life." 

Real-world perspective on business 

The programme offered fantastic opportunities for contact with businesses through guest lectures from both public and private organizations. "These sessions provided a great opportunity for students to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of various industries," says Fraz. One guest lecture that stands out for him was from a senior employee at Volvo, who spoke about how the company was managing international suppliers during the pandemic. "He discussed the specific actions Volvo was taking to navigate these challenges, giving us a real-world perspective on how businesses adapt in times of crisis," he recalls. 

Fraz believes the programme prepared him well for working with sustainability issues. "The programme provided students with a solid, general understanding of sustainability issues, which is becoming increasingly crucial in the global business landscape," he explains.   

"Follow your interest and passion” 

Fraz is uncertain about his exact future plans but aims to gain more experience working with multinational companies. "I’m also eager to take advantage of any opportunities to work abroad that come my way," he says.  
Fraz advises prospective students to choose a programme they are truly passionate about, rather than focusing solely on job prospects after graduation. "When you follow your interests and passions, success tends to follow naturally" he explains. For those who are uncertain about their specific area of interest, Fraz recommends doing market research. "Tools like LinkedIn are great for exploring the types of jobs companies in your field are hiring for and the skills they’re seeking" he suggests. By staying informed about industry trends and talking to seniors from different programmes, students can gain a clearer idea of which programme aligns best with their goals. 

The graduate trainee programme led to a permanent role 

Fraz began his career with an 18-month graduate trainee programme in marketing at Husqvarna Group and has since taken on a permanent role as a Digital Marketing Generalist. "As the title suggests, I’m not a specialist in one particular area of digital marketing" he explains. "Instead, I’m responsible for a range of tasks, including in-app marketing, email newsletters, website enhancements, social media management, and content creation and deployment." 

His work primarily focuses on improving the digital customer journey. "This entails ensuring that customers who visit our digital platforms—whether it’s the app or website—have a seamless experience and can easily access the information they need to take action" he says. The MSc IBT programme equipped him with invaluable soft skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which have been instrumental in his career development. 

Studying in a new culture 

Studying in Sweden exceeded Fraz's expectations. "I appreciated the teaching methods, pace of study, and grading system" he says. Although adjusting to the campus culture was a challenge, he found the opportunities and scholarships offered by the School to be fantastic. "When I first discovered that students could study abroad for a semester without having to pay for tuition fee, it was mind-blowing!" he recalls. "Beyond studying abroad, the School also provides funding opportunities for research, which is fantastic for students who want to go the extra mile in their projects."