Beginning in spring 2015, alumni panels for this master’s programme were introduced and have been held in-person with only alumni whom stayed in Stockholm. However, in spring 2020, with the programme being taught online and with many alumni working from home and access to Zoom, this presented new opportunities to conduct the panels virtually and connect with alumni in Stockholm and beyond. The overwhelmingly positive response and experience in having the panels via Zoom has continued on in the programme. 

The purpose of the panels is to give both first- and second-year students in the programme the opportunity to learn from the career trajectories of alumni who have successfully made the transition from student to career professional; as well as receive advice, tips and inspiration for the path ahead. 

Alumni from all around the world 

Both alumni panels in spring 2021 featured alumni from all around the world and with a variety of different professional roles in both the private and public sector. A total of 39 students attended the two panels and eagerly asked questions during the Q&A to the 10 alumni that participated in the conversations, both moderated by Programme Administrator, Emma West. In addition to students and alumni, several teachers as well as the Programme Coordinator, Ulf Fredriksson, attended both seminars, signaling programme commitment to the student experience and long-term relations with former students. 

The alumni on the panel attested to the value that the master’s programme had added to their professional lives. It was evident that the time elapsed since graduation as well as years of work experience had garnered an appreciation and understanding of what they had learned during their time at SU and what it had given them. 

Programme content as well as the international experience of learning alongside colleagues from all around the world, with such diversity of experience and perspective, gave them all an edge when approaching their professional lives in international environments. Another testament to the time at SU was the sense of community that was created during their studies by the staff and teachers involved in the programme. Quality, diversity and community were the key condition for creating the productive and stimulating environment that became a springboard to their careers. 

The panel was asked a number of questions about their journey from studies to their professional life. The alumni had a lot of useful and constructive advice for the students listening. Several factors (that the alumni deemed as pivotal for their trajectories) were reoccurring in the different stories told and experience shared. The importance of networking, connecting with a mentor, making use of the relationships and connections was a big one. Also, setting and re-setting career path goals, applying for short-term contracts as stepping stones into permanent employment, and taking chances, where common themes between both panels. General and practical competencies such as being a team player, communication, coordination and analytical skills, were all mentioned as important in performing in their professional lives.  

The alumni and students found the panel to be inspiring, motivating, and also rewarding, in being able to connect with individuals whom have a shared experience of being in the same programme. As one alumnus commented, “It is always a pleasure to keep in touch with our Department. I truly miss Stockholm and it's the least I can do to give something back to an experience that gave me so much!”

By: Erica Öjermark Strzelecka and Emma West

Stockholm University Alumni Network

By staying connected with Stockholm University and our greater network of alumni you can expand your horizons both socially and professionally. We welcome you who have completed at least one course at Stockholm University to join the alumni network.

Stockholm University Alumni Network