From Master’s Programme in Nordic Welfare to labour market integration consultant

How did you end up in your current position?

I started to look for jobs long before I graduated from my Master’s studies. I always knew I wanted to work in the public sector, working with and for people. I knew that I needed to start applying early to be able to gain that experience of an interview in Swedish. I did not expect to get a job before I graduated, but I thought being rejected was an important part of the process, to be able to learn and perform better in the next interview. After each interview I asked the recruiter for feedback and used this information to improve.

I actually applied for my current position on three different occasions – once in January, then in March and once again in May. The second time I applied, I got the chance to do an interview, but I was unfortunately rejected because of my lack of experience. They called me back for another interview in May and by that time I was much better prepared, due to experience from several other interviews during the spring. During this third interview, the recruiter told me he was concerned about the fact that the job will involve challenging tasks such as working with people with different problematic backgrounds and asked me how I would deal with this without any previous experience in the area? I answered him very confidently: ”As Pippi Longstocking said, I've never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that.” The recruiter smiled, and I knew at that moment that I had convinced him that I was the right person for the job.

How is a regular day at work?

I usually work with 10 to 20 people at a time, offering them coaching and helping them on their way to the Swedish labour market. At the moment I spend most of my time online and on the phone, since we are not allowed to meet people in person. Sometimes I get to visit a client who is doing an internship to see how it is going and how it can be improved. My work involves cooperation with different institutions in Sweden such as Arbetsförmedlingen, Försäkringskassan, Utbildningscentrum and different parts of the Örkelljunga Municipality. We all need to cooperate in order to ensure that my clients get the best possible help. My work is full of energy and challenges, and that is what I love about it. Working together with my colleagues, coming up with new ideas and sharing experiences and opinions are the highlights of the day. We are usually using our fika breaks to talk about what we can do better and how we can improve our work. I am very lucky to have such an amazing work place and great colleagues that I don’t really need a break from.

Give your top 3 advice for making the most of your Master’s studies?

1. Spend your time wisely

Start applying early for jobs. Even if there are limited chances to get a job before finishing your studies you will get a chance to practice your interview skills and how to reply to a phone call from an employer. You will find ways to improve your CV and personal letter and you will make your name known. When finding a company or position you want, don't be afraid to apply several times. The second time you apply the employer will hopefully remember your first application, and consider you a motivated and determined candidate.

2. Select your Master thesis project carefully

Use your Master’s thesis as a tool to build your career. Be open to different possibilities and be flexible when looking for companies or organisations to collaborate with. Perhaps this will be your future work place.

3. Take the opportunity to build a professional network

Create your own opportunities, do not wait for someone to give them to you. Start networking, be active on LinkedIn, contact employers and make a name for yourself. Show them who you are even if they have not asked for that. It is about making your own success.

What are your future career goals?

I want to continue working with integration in the labour market, but my dream is to have my own business as a consultant within the public sector. I want to focus my work on integration of people with disabilities in the labour market, where my role would be to work as a bridge between the people, the public sector and the employers. I am aware this is a big dream, but I'm taking small steps towards it every day.