Is this programme right for you?

Name: Sofia Livman
From: Sweden

I’m highly interested in organisational development and corporate impact on society. I also think that sustainability is really important, and this specialisation focuses on sustainability in almost every course, which is a big plus for me.

How did you choose your programme?
– Before this, I studied International Business, and information systems. I chose this programme both because of the University and because of the different subjects the specialisation offers. I’m highly interested in organisational development and corporate impact on society. I also think that sustainability is really important, and this specialisation focuses on sustainability in almost every course, which is a big plus for me. I do also like the variation of the teaching methods.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– The people! The friends and people I’ve met and gotten to know through both the University and through the nation life is a great part of my life. I’ve gained close friends, as well as been inspired by professors and lecturers. Uppsala University offers great opportunities to meet and get to know people from different backgrounds, and I feel as I’ve learnt something from each and everyone I’ve met.

What is most challenging?
– I feel that accepting that you’re not always going to be on top is a challenge. It’s easy to get stuck thinking everything has to be perfect, but try to think that you’ll make a comeback next time. Getting through old course literature can also be a challenge! A lot of the old theories and models we use, even today, are dated decades ago and the original scripts aren’t always easy to understand at first glance. It is essential to give yourself time to focus on the material, and to discuss it with course mates – it really helps.

Describe the student life!
– Student life is really one of the best things about studying! The student unions and student organisations, connected to different departments, make it possible to get active in study-related questions. The nations, and of course the student organisations, makes it easy to get to know other students and to socialise with students from other areas of study. There’s something for everyone – whether you’re interested in sports, music, partying, cooking, or study-related questions.

What is your reason for studying, and your ultimate goal?
– I want to get a good stable theoretical ground to stand on when venturing out into working life. We study a broad spectrum of courses with several different perspectives and angles of approaches, applied to different practical examples and cases, which makes your analytical ability develop. I hope to bring it with me outside my studies, as well.

Do you have any tips for future students?
– If you have a genuine interest in organisational processes, business development and management, then I think this programme will be extra interesting and exciting. I like that the programme also implements different perspectives of sustainability in multiple courses. So, if you’re curious about how that, and how it works in practice, then I think this programme is right for you! I also think that it is important to talk during seminars, and ask questions if you don’t understand – there’s more often than not someone else wondering the same thing. To use study techniques that suite you, and not your friends, is also a given.

Two quick questions:
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– The nations dance floors… Eko-parken (the park behind campus Ekonomikum). All the cosy spots by the Fyris river! And the hill by the castle (“slottsbacken”) – perfect for both interval training and sleigh rides on trash bags! Hard to pick just one…

Where is the best place to study?
– The “Master's room” (Digital Library) at Campus Ekonomikum. There are adjustable desks and very comfortable couches!

Autumn 2021.