No. 2 2025
Frame your future
Umeå Universitet
The Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics student association, HHUS is a volunteer association for all students at the Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics. We are a non-political, non-union, and non-religious association, with the purpose of handling and supporting our members’ interests. We work towards good contact between our members, our school, and Businesses.
Editorial Group
Felicia Fors Editor in Chief
JoAnna Sundqvist Creative Director
Lina Vikström Writer & Content Creator
Nikan Sinaiee President HHUS
Mats Bergman Principal USBE
Rickard Lindberg Career center
Eric Back Head of Education HHUS
Madison Quigley Vice President HHUS
Emma Andström Head of Finance HHUS
Havin Colak Head of Business HHUS
Hillary Mondoñedo Head of Marketing HHUS
Evelina Berg Alumn USBE
Sonia Wallenius
Anton Haldin Event General HHUS
Editor Notes
Dear Readers,
The future isn’t something we simply stumble uponit’s something we shape, step by step, often through the people we meet and the chances we choose to take. As students, we are surrounded by opportunities, even if we don’t always recognize them in the moment. A conversation after a lecture, an event we’re unsure about attending, or a new role that feels just a little outside our comfort zone - these are often the very things that move us forward.
Networking can feel intimidating, especially when we hear the word and imagine stiff handshakes and formal small talk. But in reality, it’s about connection. It’s about being curious, showing up, and letting others get to know who you are - not just what’s on your CV. The people around you today may be the ones who open doors tomorrow.
This issue is all about taking initiative, embracing growth, and being brave enough to say yes - even when it feels uncertain. Whether it’s joining a student association, applying for that internship, or simply introducing yourself to someone new, every step you take adds to the story you’re writing for your future.
For me personally, some of the most valuable experiences I’ve had started with a single decision to get involved - to put myself out there, even when it felt scary. It’s rarely about being fully prepared; it’s about being willing to learn along the way.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take that next step - this is it. Reach out. Ask the question. Say yes. Because growth doesn’t just happen - it’s created by the moments we dare to act.
I hope this issue inspires you to explore the possibilities around you, and reminds you that the future is not something you wait for - it’s something you build.
With excitement for what’s ahead,
Editor in Chief
Felicia Fors Editor in Chief HHUS ekbladet@hhus.se
Mr President´s
Column
The semester is underway, and the halls of Samhuset are crowded once again with both new and returning students. Whether you are just embarking on your academic journey or are already well along the way, HHUS is here to support you in achieving the goals you have set for yourself for your future. HHUS – the Student Association at the Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics – has been supporting its members since its founding in 1997. For over two decades, the association has been a unifying force for business and economics students, aiming to make student life meaningful, enjoyable, and full of opportunities for personal growth. HHUS is not just an organization – it’s a network of driven, curious, and engaged students who shape both their education and their time at university. Over the years, the association has evolved, but its core mission remains unchanged: to serve its members.
Nikan Sinaiee President HHUS president@hhus.se
From career fairs and educational advocacy to social events and industry networking, HHUS creates opportunities, builds community, and amplifies the student voice – both on campus and beyond. The story of HHUS is a story of what happens when students take initiative, collaborate, and dare to make a difference for your future.
If you want to set yourself up for the future, engage in HHUS! Getting involved in HHUS is more than just participating in student life – it’s an investment in your future. By being active in the association, you gain valuable skills that go beyond the classroom: leadership, project management, communication, and networking. These are experiences that make a real difference – not only during your time at university, but also when you take the next step into your career and for your future.
Kind regards
Principal´sColumn
What does the future have in store for a business-school graduate?
We often hear that the future is more uncertain than ever. Climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and the new multi-polar and fractious world order makes everything uncertain. What a contrast to 1992, when the Berlin Wall had recently been torn down and political scientist Francis Fukuyama published his famous book The End of History and the Last Man! We thought all countries would soon be democratic market economies, reasonably well-off and peaceful.
Now, everything is in turmoil. Even if we only consider the impact of AI on employment opportunities for business school graduates, uncertainty looms large. Many scholars believe white-collar professions will be among the most affected — and white-collar professions are where most graduates with degrees in business and economics end up. Though not a common profession among our alumni, radiology is a dramatic case in point. A well-paid white-collar profession – but AI already outperforms the best radiologists in evaluating medical images for cancer. No one should study radiology anymore!
Mats Bergman Principal USBE mats.bergman@umu.se
Not so fast, argues Agrawal, Gans and Goldfarb (2018). 1 Only two of 29 tasks in the radiologist’s workflow can easily be replaced by AI. The human is still needed to advise patients on the best course of action, for example. But then again, perhaps the advisor doesn’t have to be a radiologist? Maybe the general practitioner is better positioned for that task, with the help of sophisticated AI that evaluates images. For some tasks, AI will substitute the human; for some tasks, AI will instead augment human capabilities.
Several roles that are traditionally pursued by economics and business graduates are considered high-risk due to their routine cognitive nature.
1 Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence. “[A] must read for business leaders who need to know where AI is heading and how best to harness the new technology” according to one review.
Some authors have suggested that financial analysts, junior accountants, market research analysts, customer support and basic consulting are among those where AI soon can substitute humans. AI can digest immense amounts of text and data in virtually no time, hence automate spreadsheet analysis, financial forecasting, generation of earnings reports, analysis of customer sentiments, trend analysis, consumer behavior simulation, due diligence studies… Professions with standardized data inputs and templated outputs are especially vulnerable.
Conversely, some professions where business-school graduates can end up are less susceptible to automation and more likely to be enhanced rather than replaced by AI. This is typically thought to be the case for strategic management and executive leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation management, public-sector analysis, and human-resources occupations, among others. These roles involve high levels of human judgment, interpersonal interaction and negotiations, long-term decision-making, culture building, and ethical considerations.
As large language models and other AI tools become integrated in our daily work, young professionals will need to cultivate hybrid skills. Agrawal, Gans and Goldfarb emphasize the importance of "AI fluency” – the ability to work effectively with AI systems. This includes understanding data biases, ethical implications, and system limitations. The comparative advantage will shift toward individuals who can synthesize AI-generated insights with human judgment and domain-specific expertise.
The labour market for business and economics graduates will likely change in significant ways but exactly how it will change is difficult to know. Still, it seems likely that roles centered on repetitive analysis and standardized reporting are most at risk and that professions that require strategic thinking, human interaction, and complex decision-making will continue to be in demand. I would put my money on a combination of technical literacy and critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills!
We don’t know what the future has in store, but so far USBE’s focus on a responsible approach, data literacy, digital competence, self leadership, problem solving, and communication seems to be reasonably future-safe.
Ai for dummies, or will AI make us dummies? Written by an AI dummy
What can we see happening here and now?
The most common quote I see around AI is;
“AI will not take your job someone using AI will”
Critical individuals as we all hopefully are (but I would argue many are not) it is interesting to track that quote to its originator. A quick search says Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA and you might argue that they have their purpose of creating a hype around AI. As AI itself conclude; “NVIDIA is not just a chipmaker-it is the central enabler of the AI revolution, providing the hardware, software, and ecosystem partnerships”.
Shifting to a bit of more philosophical mindset you might ask; “What would be potential drawbacks in human psychological development if the majority of people would start using AI instead of thinking, reflecting and creating themselves?”
AI itself says; If the majority of people begin to use AI as a substitute for thinking, reflecting, and creating, there is substantial risk of negative psychological consequences, including cognitive decline, increased emotional stress, weakened social bonds, and impaired personal development.
These effects are definitely something that we do not want to happen:
Diminishing individuals’ sense of responsibility and control over decisions. This can negatively affect happiness and fulfillment.
People may become less engaged in active thinking, leading to a decline in cognitive capacity and increased laziness. This can result in a gradual erosion of professional skills and the ability to perform tasks independently.
Overreliance on AI advice has been experimentally shown to negatively affect human cooperation
With this said it is still difficult to deny that there are also a lot of potential positive effects and that you as individuals in current educational development should try to grasp the ongoing development and of course also experiment and try it out although with the potential drawbacks in mind parallel.
Why not create a recurrent AI-topic-page in Ekbladet with tips, advice and reflections on the topic? You can all contribute or use a few writers reflecting different professional interests and I would also suggest to balance pros & cons in the writing.
Prompting skills are one of the keys in utilizing AI services like ChatGPT, perplexity or Copilot. I would however argue, as in real life overall, that to make good questions you also have to have enough background knowledge.
Ai Prompting
I would not say I have explored all the different ways of prompting myself and if you look at some structural advice and alternatives you can for example see these different approaches in using AI:
Creative
Unique content such as text, images, audio, and video, possible to pitch further using additional queries like “in the style of….”
Informative
Gather and synthesize information, from data or uploaded resources like PDFs. Use informative AI prompts to get summaries or insights.
01 02 03 04 05 06
Interactive
Mimic real-world conversations, such as mock interviews or role-playing scenarios.
07
Keywords
Point your AI tool in the right direction, whether it’s to extract insights from data or create images using specific keywords.
AI as your Excel consultant is also a potential. I would however be curious to know if you are able to do that effectively without being at least an average skilled user. Once again coming back to that you need to be able to raise the right question (write a good prompt).
You might have explored this already but if not you might look up some online example to reflect if you have the skills needed or not (one example is “Från risk till möjlighet AI och framtidens arbete för ekonomer” available on youtube, go to 28 minutes for the excel input)
Instructive
“Explain this process in 5 steps.”
List Item
Compile lists, from simple to more detailed and structured. For example, ideas on certain topics.
Reasoning
Analyze information and draw conclusions. For example, use a prompt to identify a target market from sales data.
You can of course also find tools for career related issues as well. I would however raise a sign of warning that AI cannot create you to become a superstar unless you have done the real-life actions yourself. But, AI can hopefully support you in the process once you have worked up a solid foundation. Prompts to help you explore job roles in relation to your skills or preparation for interviews etc are worth exploring.
A final general advice I have found is to have a dialogue with AI instead of asking for a single answer. Ask it to ask you questions to find out what you really want to know. (I do however still think that real life conversations with the right people might beat that so welcome to reach out for that or apply for a mentorship)
I am currently planning for a guest lecture to explore this topic more in autumn. The working title here and now is “AI hype, statistics and common sense. What is what and how do you keep up?”
Streaming & Music
“Smartare än hjärnan” on SVT play addresses some of the psychological aspect to consider in relation to AI development.
Onward to music, perhaps an encouragement to interact with both other people and AI –“Conversation starter” with Tomode.
Oh, and by the way, new email from me/Career Center so now I hope you keep a lookout for career.usbe@umu.se and as always you are welcome to contact me at rickard.lindberg@umu.se when you want to discuss initiatives for activities, personal development opportunities, job considerations and the future labor market.
The SummerEnjoy
Rickard Lindberg Career Center USBE rickard.lindberg@umu.se
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, strategy, transaction and consulting services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. With EY, you can make a meaningful impact, your way, and build a career as unique as you are. So, letʼs take a look at what we do at EY!
Kickstart your career with Assurance
We help clients to enhance the reliability and quality of their financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management. Assurance builds trust in the capital markets and drives long-term value for organizations.
Some examples of assurance services are: Audit, Financial Accounting Advisory, Financial Reporting Services, Forensic & Integrity, Climate Change and Sustainability
Shape The Future of Business with Consulting
As part of Consulting, youʼll be helping our clients to transform their businesses, people, processes, and technologies, to achieve their strategic objectives and create long-term value.
Consulting covers a broad spectrum of services, such as Business, technology, Risk and People Consulting, Sustainability
Strategize and drive success with Strategy & Transactions
By joining Strategy and Transactions, you can help our clients to make better, more informed decisions as they buy, sell, separate, integrate, reshape, restructure, or rethink their business strategy.
Some examples of our services are: Valuation, Modelling, and Economics, Transactions Due Diligence, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Finance, Turnaround and Restructuring, Real Estate Advisory
Master the complexity of Tax & Law
Businesses can sometimes struggle to manage their taxes and legal obligations. They may lack the necessary knowledge or experience, and thatʼs when EY steps in to help.
Meet some of us!
Boróka Jeney Vintersten
Service line: Consulting
Internal Role: National Lead for
EYʼs Student Relations Team
Education: BSc Business
Administration, MSc
Management, Stocholmʼs University
This is the best thing about my job:
The People! Everyday, I am surrounded by inspiring people, and I am keep on learning from them. As a plus, they are not just my colleagues but also became my close friends!
We offer a variety of services in Tax, including: Business Tax, Indirect Tax, International Tax, Transaction Tax, Tax Controversy, Tax Policy, Tax Technology, Law
Anton Eckerbom
Service line: Tax & Law
Internal role: National Lead for EYʼs Student Relations Team
Education: Master of Laws LLM, Lundʼs University
My best tip for new joiners:
Be curious and dare to make mistakes! During the first years, the focus should be on learning, so try to work as broadly as possible with as many different colleagues as possible. Only when you have tried most things can you know what you want to do
Embrace Uncertainty to Pursue your
TWhen someone asks the question what is your dream, what comes to mind? I think this is a question that often gets forgotten when we think about our future. Sometimes things in life tell us that our dreams are not realistic, or that we have unreachable goals, but I am a firm believer that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. This question is also something incredibly valuable to answer to map out what it is you want your future to look like. What does your dream life look like? As vividly as you can imagine, think about this question to assist you in narrowing down potential paths to get closer to that dream.
he future is unknown, and full of possibilities. This is something that can be full of excitement or absolutely terrifying. When we start University there is the expectation and hope that we should start making choices now that lead the trajectory of our life.
These choices lead us towards better understanding ourselves, our career aspirations, and what we want out of life. But how can we really prepare for such decisions when so much of the future is unknown?
I suppose there is a balance to be found. No, we cannot predict the future and sometimes our expectations need to be flexible but that shouldn’t mean that because anything can happen, we shouldn’t make choices now to get closer to our goals in the future. We can make choices today that set us down a path to get closer to what we want out of life. While those wants can change, it is about exploring, learning, growing, so our future becomes clearer.
University is a great step toward adult life, and self-discovery. It is a time to dive into subjects that challenge you and spark your interest. While some arrive on the first day knowing quite clearly what it is they want to do after graduation, others may feel lost hoping that something will bring them that clarity. Hopes to gain exposure to an unfound passion that allows them to discover more about themselves, and what life after University looks like. Both positions to be in are perfectly okay! University is not a straight path towards a predetermined career but is instead a place we get to learn about ourselves, learn to fail, thrive, and grow. Our interests may change over time. As you take more courses pay attention to what it is that interests you. Look into joining student associations, networking events, alumni or guest lectures, as this helps build perspective, gain more understanding to the world outside of University, and narrow down more of what it is you really want!
Learning happens not only in the classroom, but outside of it too. While I have a lot of work experience, it was important for me to also gain more soft skills, which is why I chose to get engaged in HHUS. It has allowed me even more hands-on experience and practical skills that prepare me for the workforce. Say yes as much as possible to networking events, conferences, or guest lectures to better understand what is out there waiting for us after school. Sometimes you may think a career path is the best fit for you. So when presented with the opportunity be sure to speak to someone working in that field, this will help you understand if it is a good fit, or if it is completely different than your true interests. Likewise, you can learn that a field you never thought was for you sounds the most exciting, therefore better understanding what you should do now for a better chance to work in that field. Even group work for class can help you explore more soft skills like communication, teamwork, addressing conflict, persevering, all things that will benefit you in the future.
Some of us may have a 5-year plan carved out with a clear vision for what we want our future to be. Some of us instead may not figure out what we truly want for another 5+ years. The reality is, our interests and wants will evolve over time. What you may think your dream life, or dream job is today could change entirely. I have heard some people who enter the job they always wanted, only to learn they wanted to shift their trajectory entirely. Some who stayed on the path, landed their dream job, and are thrilled about the life they have. The point is, wherever you are at in your journey is okay. It is important not to pressure yourself through comparison. Instead, begin each day thinking about what it is you want, and make choices that help you reach that goal. The unknown is motivation to write your own story. The future comes before we know it, take advantage of the time you are given today to learn and discover what it is you want out of this life you are given!
Madison Quigley Vice President HHUS vice.president@hhus.se
If I ask you, “what is your dream?” I advise you take the time to sit down and write down everything you can imagine having in your life and want. Even if something does not seem realistic write it down anyway, it can be within reach more than you know. Having that visualization can act as a guide with short term and long-term goals, so you can take steps closer to reach the outcome you want. Remain curious and open to the potential you have, continue growing throughout your educational career to help you get to where you want to be. One thing my Dad always said to me that helps me think about my future is, “what you think about, you bring about.” Don’t let the future scare you, dream instead, and be intentional with your decisions to live inside that dream in the future!
Fast Lunches for Finals Week
| Recepie & Picture ICA.se
Chili sin carne
Offer vegetarian Friday cosiness in the middle of the week, chilli con soy! A tasty chilli stew with a secret ingredient – cocoa. The soy mince also takes on the flavour of oregano, pasta sauce with chilli and kidney beans. Served with cooling sour cream, rice and crunchy tortilla chips.
Serves 4
Ingredients
• 4 ports of rice or other grains (preferably whole grains)
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 300 grams of soy mince
• 2 dl water
• 1 vegetable stock cube or stock (1 stock cube equals 1 1/2 tablespoons stock)
• 1 cup pasta sauce with chili or arrabbiata (à 390 g)
• 1 tsp of cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• salt
• pepper
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans (à 380 g)
• 1 pot crispy lettuce
Do the following
1. Cook the rice according to the instructions on the package.
2. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
3. Fry the onion chops in olive oil in a pot with the frozen soy mince for a few minutes.
4. Add water, bouillon cube or stock, pasta sauce, cocoa, chilli powder, oregano, sugar, and tomato paste. Let simmer together for about 5 minutes. Season with pepper.
5. Pour the beans into a colander, rinse them in cold water and drain. Add the beans to the pot and let them get hot.
6. Cut the salad into pieces.
Thai stew with chicken & rice
A yummy Thai stew rarely goes wrong. With just 8 ingredients, you can stir this one together, and it’s ready in a snap, as good as it is quick to cook.
Ingredients
Serves 4
• 4-portion rice or noodles
• about 640 g chicken fillet
• 1 tbspon oil
• salt
• pepper
• 1 can of mini corns (425 g each)
• 1 cup Thai stew base (à 400 g)
• 1/2 bag of carrots (à 500 g)
Do the following
1. Defrost the chicken (if frozen).
2. Cook the rice according to the instructions on the package.
3. Cut the chicken into strips and fry them in the oil in a large frying pan, season with salt and pepper.
4. Cut the mini corn into pieces.
5. Stir the stew base and mini corn into the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Cut the carrots into sticks.
7. Serve the casserole with rice and carrots.
Make the Most of Networking as a Student
How to build connections that open doors
How to build connections that open doors – during and after your studies Networking might feel intimidating at first, but it's one of the most valuable tools you have as a student. At the Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE), several initiatives are in place to help you take the first step toward future career opportunities – and many of them are closer than you think.
How to Maximize Networking as a
Dare to reach out
Dare to reach out. Send a message to alumni on LinkedIn – mention that you're from the same school and ask a genuine question.
Attend events
Career fairs, guest lectures, and alumni meetups are perfect opportunities to mingle – and having a short elevator pitch ready helps.
Set goals
What do you want to gain from a meeting or a mentorship program? Clear goals lead to more rewarding conversations.
Student
Update your LinkedIn
Use a professional photo, write a clear “About Me” section, and highlight relevant projects or engagements.
Prepare questions
When you get the chance to talk to someone – ask about their journey, mistakes they’ve made, and what they wish they knew as students.
Mentorship Program
One of the most impactful initiatives is the mentorship program, which connects students with alumni and professionals from the business world. Through regular conversations, guidance, and shared goals, students gain personal development and a broader perspective on their future plans.
Student Portrait: “My Mentor Gave Me Confidence for My Career”
Interview with Hillary Mondonedo, international student and former mentee in the mentorship program
How did you get your mentor?
I heard about the program early through former board members who spoke highly of it. I applied as soon as it opened, describing what I hoped to gain — career guidance, leadership skills, and help navigating the job market.
What was the mentorship like?
We met on Zoom once or twice a month. It took time to find a rhythm, but we created a plan with discussion themes. My mentor, Eva Lundström, shared experiences and gave honest feedback, which really helped me grow.
What did you learn?
Eva challenged me in a supportive way. She helped me understand how to manage stress, set priorities, and build confidence in myself as a student and a leader. She also reminded me to not take on too much — something I hadn’t fully realized before.
What do you wish more people knew about mentorship?
Mentorship isn’t just about advice — it’s about breaking down your goals, expanding your network, and gaining the confidence to act. Eva encouraged me to reach out to professionals and showed me what kind of doors a strong connection can open.
Can you see yourself becoming a mentor?
Absolutely. I’ve mentored before, and after this experience, I’d love to pay it forward. Eva was a great role model — she helped me be less self-critical and more self-aware.
What USBE offers
• Mentorship Program – Matches students with alumni for personal and professional growth.
• Guest/Alumni Lectures – Hear from inspiring professionals and get real-world insights. They often also open for further dialogue via LinkedIn etc after their visit
• Workshops – Get to know yourself and how to match traits, skills and goals with a behavior to actually succeed.
• Individual coaching sessions -Book a personal meeting to discuss your considerations and get feedback on CV and possible actions going forward
• Interested in finding a mentor, discussing your own approach or have ideas on career related activities/events? Reach out to Rickard for more dialogue at rickard.lindberg@umu.se
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karriar.grantthornton.se
Våra mötesplatser i norr
Umeå
Luleå
Kiruna Östersund
Go Abroad - Grow Within
Many are thinking about exchange studies, which are in the third or fifth semester, depending on your program. You can apply for exchange studies through the Economic and Business University through its deals with several universities in, for example, France, Austra, Hong Kong and Mexico, among other countries.
Exchange studies can be a wonderful experience where you can make new friends, see the world, and study courses you want to read. When you apply to exchange studies through Handelhögskolan and the website Solemove, where the application period is often during February, you need to include papers in your application: a CV and a personal letter about why you should be allowed to study abroad.
What do I need to know?
In your application, you also need to decide on the top five universities where you want to study, and you will need to include a person who will be an emergency contact. On the day of application, you can have a maximum of 22.5 points, which are failed points, aka modulus and courses where you have failed, up to 22.5 points. If you, during the application period, have a re-exam and can get the answer before the application ends, you can apply because on the day of application, you need to have max 22.5 unfinished university points.
You can have merits, such as being active in HHUS through work in management or on the board, which can support your nomination for the university, but you can be nominated without this merit.
After you have been nominated, the partner university to which you have been nominated will contact you. You need to request potential documents, which you need to send in before any deadlines. The contact person of the receiving university can give you information about what applies to you. If you need university documents, you must contact the responsible study advisor at Umeå University for the country you have been nominated to well in advance of the deadline.
You are admitted "for real" when you receive a confirmation from the partner university. It is extremely unusual that the receiving university chooses not to accept students we have nominated.
To see which countries you can go study in, follow the following steps: Go to Solemove.
Select Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics as your home unit. Click on search to see available universities.
Exchange Story
University of Limerick, Ireland
Autumn Term '24
Sonia Wallenius
Which country and university did you go to, and when? I went to the University of Limerick in Ireland during the autumn term of 2024.
Why did you choose to go on exchange studies?
I liked the look of the campus and was considering continuing my studies there in the future. Going on exchange felt like a smart way to try it out and see what life in Limerick was like.
What was everyday life like – school, housing, leisure?
My accommodation was clean, close to campus, and nicer than many others I’d seen. The campus itself was beautiful and made you want to spend time there — I especially miss the library. Classes were structured differently than in Sweden, with several courses running at once and a mix of lectures and smaller tutorials, where teaching assistants helped with assignments.
In my free time, I often hung out at the student pub, which had food, drinks, pool tables, and live music. On weekends, I travelled around Ireland and the UK with friends.
What was the most challenging? What was the most rewarding?
Balancing multiple courses at once could be tricky — you really had to manage your time well. But the most rewarding part was meeting new people and building a network beyond Umeå. Even though I was the only one from my university, I made lots of friends.
Do you have any advice for others who are thinking of going?
Find housing close to campus as early as you can. Don’t be afraid to say yes to things, even if they feel a bit awkward — those moments make the best stories later. And most importantly: have fun and make the most of it!
My Journey:
From Business Student to IT Consultant
A Leap Into the Unknown
Two years ago, I was wrapping up my thesis, filled with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and nerves. Today, after two years in the professional world, I’d like to share some insights from my journey — in the hope it inspires others who are about to begin theirs.
Discovering My Passion
Before moving to Umeå, I spent three years working as a ski instructor — an experience that sparked my passion for understanding customer needs, building strong relationships and improving organizations. This led me to pursue a business degree with a focus on Service Management. When I started applying for jobs, I was open to various industries and initially targeted trainee programs. As I explored the job market, IT and digitalization stood out as fast-growing fields with strong demand. Although I had no technical background, I was driven by curiosity and a desire to learn.
I landed a role as an ERP Consultant through a trainee program, where I supported companies in streamlining their business processes. It didn’t require programming or platform knowledge but did demand collaboration and problem-solving.
After more than a year, I realized I wanted a new challenge. I was offered a position as a developer within the ServiceNow platform. This sparked my interest in companies that bridge IT and management — the world of business technology. Since January this year, I’ve been working with ServiceNow, implementing HR systems. Again — no prior experience with the platform was required. What mattered was the motivation to learn and the ability to deliver customer value.
Life as an IT Consultant
Working as an IT consultant is far from monotonous. Every project is unique — some last months, others span years — but many follow a familiar rhythm: pre-study, project kickoff, agile development, testing, and system launch.
What stays constant? Flexibility, personal responsibility,
Name: Evelina
Current role: Business Technology Analyst at Sofigate Education: Business Administration – Service Management, USBE
Graduated: 2023
collaboration, and countless opportunities to grow. Just like in student life, there can be intense periods — but thanks to flexible working conditions, I’ve been able to manage my workload effectively.
One thing is clear: in IT, you’re never really “done learning.”
Both of my employers have also placed high value on company culture and social activities — something that’s made a big difference to my overall job satisfaction.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: The Pulse of IT
The demand for digital transformation continues to rise — driven by trends like AI, automation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. With this comes the need for adaptable, curious professionals.
There’s a wide variety of roles available: project managers, transformation consultants, sales professionals, developers, solution architects, analysts, and more.
Even if you don’t see IT as your long-term home, the skills you gain — like needs analysis, problem-solving, and customer engagement — are highly transferable across industries.
Quick Facts
Berg
Skills That Matter: What Helped Me Most
Top Competencies:
“Curiosity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of sales.” Understanding customer needs and business challenges
Asking value-driven questions — open vs. closed, digging deeper (e.g., “Why is that the case?”)
Adaptability and a mindset of lifelong learning
In my experience, soft skills are the most crucial for being a successful consultant. Technical knowledge can often be learned on the job, especially during projects or when you have internal time to explore new tools. That said, if you want to start early, here are some tools I’ve found helpful: Helpful Technical Tools: Analytical tools: Power BI, Qlik Platforms: ServiceNow, SAP, Visma Programming: JavaScript, Python, SQL Tip: Free online courses (like on YouTube or other websites) are a great way to start building technical foundations.
Reflections: Advice to Students
Stay curious and open to paths you hadn’t considered. Your first job isn’t your final destination — it’s just the beginning. Be patient: some job offers come late. I received mine just weeks before graduation. Build self-awareness: Understand your strengths, areas for growth, and how your experiences have shaped you. The way you tell your story matters!
Standing Out in Recruitment
What recruiters look for
Best practices
Genuine curiosity and engagement
The ability to reflect and show personal growth
01 02 03
Personalized applications (avoid generic templates)
In case interviews, manage your time effectively and communicate your thought process clearly. These are just a few lessons from my journey — and I know many more await. My final advice? Trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to take on challenges that feel unfamiliar. Things tend to work out. Feel free to contact me on LinkedIn if you’d like to know more.
Reflect on key experiences that shaped you
Use a structured format to explain them. Example: Situation - Goal - Result - Your Contribution
01 02 03
Research the company — your effort will stand out
Case-based Quiz With the Finance Group
As Head of Finance, I get a front-row seat to what the future of finance might look like. Ambitious students, exciting ideas, and a growing Finance Group. Whether you're planning to work in banking, become an entrepreneur, or just want to understand your CSN a bit better – finance is part of your future.
This spring, we’ve welcomed new members to our group, bringing fresh energy and perspectives. In the spirit of looking ahead, we’ve also put together a fun little case-based quiz – so you can find out what kind of investor you really are.
Let’s dive in
You’re an intern at a mid-sized investment firm. Your team is considering acquiring a fast-growing e-commerce company in the Nordics. The company has doubled its revenue the past two years, but operates with thin margins and high customer acquisition costs. You're asked to give your view at tomorrow's morning meeting.
Question 1:
What’s the first thing you want to look into?
A) How much profit they actually make – growth is cool, but money talks
B) If they’re riding a trend or if the business is built to last
C) If they’re doing business sustainably and ethically
D) If their TikTok is fire – it’s 2025 after all
Question 2:
Your team says: “They spend a lot on ads to grow fast.” What’s your take?
A) “Sounds risky – what happens when the ad budget runs out?”
B) “Smart! Spend money to make money.”
C) “I’d rather see them invest in keeping customers, not just getting new ones.”
D) “Same strategy as me during Black Week.”
Question 3:
The deal looks… maybe good? But not per fect. What do you suggest?
A) “Let’s look closer at the data before making a move.”
B) “I’m in – high risk, high reward!”
C) “Let’s invest a little to test the waters.”
D) “Only if I get 10% discount on their products.”
What did you get?
Mostly A´s:
The Cautious Analyst
You don’t jump at shiny trends – you want the numbers to make sense first. Excel is your safe space, and “due diligence” might as well be your middle name. The group needs you when everyone else gets carried away.
Mostly B´s:
The Growth Chaser
You love potential, fast moves, and future unicorns. Risk? Sure – if there’s a reward. You’re optimistic, driven, and probably the first to say “YOLO” when someone mentions a hot startup.
Mostly C´s:
The Thoughtful Investor
You care about people, the planet, and long-term impact. Money matters, but not at any cost. ESG might not be sexy to everyone – but to you, it’s essential. You’re the voice of balance in the room.
Let’s be honest – you’re here for the fun. You trust your gut, your memes, and maybe a bit of TikTok. Investing is more intuition than analysis. You might not always be “right”, but you’re never boring.
Emma Andström Head of Finance HHUS head.finance@hhus.se
THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The core reason why every student here at Umeå University is here is for one simple reason: their future. As university students we are trained to be ready to be a part of and contribute to the future workforce -our workforce. But is our education truly preparing us for that future?
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 written by the World Economic Forum says that by as early as 2030, close to a quarter of all current jobs will be affected, transformed into something new, or made obsolete. Some by AI, others by the green transition or automation. The concepts we hear in our lectures are not only interesting conversation pieces, they’re real and changing our industries and labor markets.
It's up to us to be prepared for this new reality, and we need to start asking ourselves the hard questions: “Am I satisfied with the skills I have at the moment? Are they enough to prepare me for the future ahead? Am I ready? Is my education going to be enough?”. These are questions only you yourself can answer.
The report identifies that new skills that will see an increase in demand are skills of technical nature, such as analytical thinking, technological literacy, programming and systems thinking. We need to be prepared for a world where we are capable of understanding the technology becoming more and more intertwined with our society and workforce. AI will be a part of every future career available to us, the only question is how much. It might sound like it's only hard skills seeing an increase in expected demand, but that's not true. Soft skills like talent management, leadership, social influence, creative thinking, resilience and flexibility are on the rise as well.
Eric Back Head of Education head.education@hhus.se
Why we need to understand and acquire these hard skills is to understand the technology and how it works -and how it thinks, to make better and more informed strategic decisions. Perhaps the final, most important skill being lifted in this report is perhaps the easiest to attain of one of them all: Curiosity and lifelong learning. Whilst this may sound obvious to you by now, in an ever changing world, it becomes clear that we need to live by these words more than ever before.
Our future is being rewritten, evolving before our eyes in a way not seen before. We must ensure that not only education evolves with it, but that we, as individuals, do too. To always be on the lookout for new knowledge and not be afraid to engage with it.
/ Eric Back, Head of Education
Internship? Nätverksevent?
Framtidssäkra din karriär!
Skanna QR-koden för uppdateringar om möjligheter som passar dig. Stick ut i din framtida ansökan genom att gå med i vår talangpool!
Choose your impact
Connect at deloitte.se/student
Our deared and loved Inspark
It is finally that time of the year again, you've been going a whole summer without seeing your friends and fellow faddrar or if you are a rookie you’ve been waiting eagerly and excitedly to come up to Umeå maybe for the first time and meet your fellow rookies and classmates.
It is finally that time of the year again, you've been going a whole summer without seeing your friends and fellow faddrar or if you are a rookie you’ve been waiting eagerly and excitedly to come up to Umeå maybe for the first time and meet your fellow rookies and classmates.
And then suddenly the first week of Insparken hits, the sun is actually shining for once and it is over 10 degrees celsius, you feel this whole pulse through the city of Umeå and especially around campus. People in all different types of clothing and overalls are running around the city having the time of their lives, as a fadder you might get a bit nostalgic and think back to the time when you were a rookie and everything was new or you’re maybe just looking forward to the fadderparty were you get to kick off Insparken in the best way possible.
When I reflect on my time as a rookie during insparken, I remember the nervousness but also the excitement on the welcome day, of getting to meet my new classmates and fellow rookies that I’m gonna spend the next three years of my life with. I had read the rookieguide with all the events that were gonna take place, stacked up my fridge with food boxes and I was so excited for what I hoped would be the most fun seven weeks of my life, but looking back I truly had no idea what a hell of a ride I was in for.
There were long days and late nights, especially during the first week. In the Finnish military we have this saying “alla orkar, alla vill” which translates into “everyone can, everyone wants to” and for me it was nice that I got to apply this to something fun and not a 35 km march with 20 kgs of packing in full battle gear. Some of my favorite events and memories during insparken was When I grew up, since we had so much fun at Vinterträdgården with our friend group, Amazing race and running around campus doing all different kinds of crazy challenges followed by an epic Toga pre-party outside Tviste together with the other faddergroups ending with a long night of dancing.
I also asked my fellow generals what was their best memories, Rasmus said he fondly remembers him and all the guys getting matching pink suits for pink party, Akseli really liked finsittningen, the elegance and it being the end point tying everything together as well as capture the flag and running around shooting everyone with a water gun.
Insparken has given me everything that I have and cherish here in Umeå, I like so many others that came before me, knew no one when I got here and started my studies. Today especially the rookies in my rookie group but also my Faddrar are some of the best friends I have here in Umeå and these people are an integral part of my life today as well when I leave Umeå in the future.
This year we also have a record number of faddrar around 400 which is super exciting and this will without a doubt be the biggest and hopefully best Inspark that has taken place to this date. The whole General team is super grateful that so many people want to participate in welcoming the new students and making them feel at home here in Umeå as well as within HHUS. For this year we also have some new events as well as some twists on old events that we are super excited to share with all of you.
The people you meet and the memories you make is what I feel makes Insparken such a great and cherished event for all people participating and the best thing with being a General, that you're able to create these memories and connections for so many people that takes place during Insparken. So if you managed to read this far I hope you are as excited for this year's insparken as the general team are.
Anton Haldin Event General
Improve your LinkedIn Tips & Tricks
Want to catch a recruiter’s eye or boost your chances of landing an interview? Or maybe you’re looking to expand your network and keep valuable connections alive? Here are some practical tips to help you build a strong and attractive LinkedIn profile.
What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a professional social network where users can create a digital profile that showcases their education, work experience, skills, and career goals. It’s used by individuals and companies to recruit, network, and share industry-related content. Think of it as a digital Cv, only with more ways to highlight your professional identity and build valuable connections.
Profile
Profiles with a photo get up to 14 times more views. Use a professional, clear, and current image that fits your industry. Avoid selfies or distracting backgrounds.
Headline
Your headline is often the first thing people see, and it affects whether you show up in relevant searches. Use clear keywords that reflect your role, industry, or ambitions.
Example: Business Student | Passionate about Market Analysis & Business Development
Why is LinkedIn Important?
LinkedIn is one of the most effective tools for building your personal brand in your professional life. It increases your visibility in the job market and makes it easier to build and maintain professional relationships. Many recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary tool to find candidates. Having an updated and active profile can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and personal career growth.
About/Bio
This is your short intro, who you are, what drives you, and where you're heading. A strong bio includes:
- Who you are
- Your career goals
- Your motivation
- Your professional focus
- Your ambitions
Experience
Your descriptions should clearly explain your role, responsibilities, and achievements. Don’t just list tasks, show results, learnings, and how you contributed to the organization.
Profile Picture
Template Checklist
Title, Company – Month Year – Month Year
- Short intro about the company
- Your main responsibilities
- Key achievements or insights
- How you contributed to the company’s development
Skills
Connect your experience with relevant skills (e.g. analytics, project management, customer focus).
This increases your chances of being found through keyword searches.
Education
When describing your education, be clear and show what you actually learned.
Other
Experience
Share posts about projects, case competitions, events, or challenges you’ve been part of. This shows curiosity, initiative, and engagement—traits employers value highly.
Certifications
Add relevant certifications or completed courses, such as:
- Excel & Data Analysis
- Project Management
- Google Analytics
- Communication or Leadership
XoXo Head of Business
• Program name and level: Example - Bachelor's Program in Business and Service Management
• School name: E.g. Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics
• Study period: 2022 – 2026
• Specialization or focus are: E.g. leadership, organization, customer relations
• Description: Give a brief overview of your main takeaways, projects, and skills gained.
Example:
Bachelor’s in Business and Service Management
Umeå University | 2022 – 2026
The program gave me strong analytical and strategic skills in economics, leadership, and service development. I explored how quality, customer experience, and business value can be integrated in service-based companies. Through hands-on projects and real company cases, I learned how to identify improvement areas, work in teams, and present sustainable, result-oriented solutions.
Final Checklist: 5 Key Points
01
02
03
04
Profile Picture
Professional, clear, and up-to-date image that makes a great first impression.
Headline & Bio
Headline with relevant keywords.
A short, focused bio that shows who you are, what you want, and what drives you.
Work Experience
Clear descriptions of your roles, tasks, and what you’ve learned or achieved.
Skills & Activity
List your key skills and stay active, like, comment, or share content that shows your professional interests. 05
Education
Complete information including the program name, focus area, and your main takeaways.
Havin Colak Head of Business head.business@hhus.se
