Be proactive and learn Swedish
Yasmine Igné studied Business Administration at Mid Sweden University as a part of her exchange programme. Her final degree project is made at the company Kühne+Nagel where she is also going to work during the summer.
You are just about to move to Göteborg to do your degree project, please describe what you are going to do.
I am going to do my degree project at the company Kühne+Nagel, I am also going to work there during the summer. Kühne+Nagel is a company with international clients working with logistics and how to make business more effective. I will be working on connections with South America and with some process of optimization and development. I got recommended for the job by my previous internship. I applied and got an interview and got the job!
As I study a programme at a University of applied sciences I have 12 weeks of internships, which I am given credits for, so I have done a number of internships.
In what way have the education at Mid Sweden University prepared you for working life?
Mid Sweden University teach you a lot of self responsibility and creativity. The Swedish university system relies heavily on self-study so you really learn how to structure your work. We have also had a number of guest lectures and all professors have brought up examples from working life. Mid Sweden University also arrange different career activities and I participated in the activity “Living and working in Sweden”, a really good activity that gives you a basic knowledge about how the Swedish system works. I have also taken the opportunity to have my CV checked. In Sweden the CV is more personal compared to how we in Germany write our CV. These are just some of a number activities arranged by the University to provide students contact with working life. Mid Sweden University’s staff was also very helpful in guiding me to the right authority for my matters.
Do you have any tips and advices to other international students looking for jobs and internship in Sweden?
Learn Swedish! It is the most important thing if you are looking for jobs in Sweden. You also need to be proactive and apply to companies of your interest. It is difficult, but you will not get anywhere if you don't make the effort. Also try to participate in activities arranged by the University and the Student Union. It can give you good contacts that might help you find a job or internship. You also need to check how the rules of working permit and tax applies to you.
The authorities are very helpful, but it can take a while for your case to be processed, so be patient. Swedes are very helpful and easy going and I think Swedish companies have a comfortable working environment.
What are your ambitions, your dreams of the future?
I would love to work with logistics! A company such as Kühne+Nagel would be a dream job.