JIBS United Magazine Spring 2021 by JIBS UNITED Magazine

Spring Issue 2021

JIBS UNITED MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS WORDS FROM THE DEAN

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR IN CHEIF

WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT

FINDING A NEW JOB WITH SUCCESS

THE TEAM

RESET YOURSELF

TRADING NEW GROUNDS

12 16

MEET THE BOARD 26 RECOVERING FROM A LOSS

COFFEE BREAK WITH LUCAS ALBAN

HOW TO BE FINANCIALLY STABLE AS A STUDENT BECOMING YOUR OWN BRAND

When you are in the midst of a transition, fully occupied coping with immediate challenges, it is hard to focus on the transition as such and what it will bring in the long term.

Professor Jerker Moodysson

Dean and Managing Director Jönköping International

Business School

WORDS FROM THE DEAN A

s we have now moved past the one-year mark of the pandemic and as vaccination schemes are being rolled out, we can hopefully soon leave the most intense period of crisis management behind and enter a phase of consolidation. After summer, I hope to be able to welcome both new and old students on campus again. I have missed the daily interaction and spontaneous meetings, and I have missed the vibe that defines our campus life. When reflecting on how things have been and how things have changed recently, I realize that we can talk about new beginnings. Because even if we manage to control the pandemic in the future, we will not return to “normal”. Instead, we will adapt to and shape something new and different – and probably something better!

When you are in the midst a transition, fully occupied coping with immediate challenges, it is hard to focus on the transition as such and what it will bring in the long term. Now, with some perspective, it is time to do that. What have we learnt since the end of 2019 when our world turned upside down? What changes will remain and what will be reverted? How will research, education and societal engagement be organized in the future? I have no complete answers to these questions, but some obvious insights have to do with our abilities and inclination to use technology in a more advanced and productive way than before. We have talked about a digital shift for a long time, but it was not until we

were forced by the pandemic to act that things actually happened. During the past year we have taken a leap of decades.

These advancements will influence most parts of our operations. While our education will be mainly campus based also in the future, and while we still will have offices in Jönköping, the interruption has urged us to reflect on how we use our time together and challenged some taken-for-grantedness. On a similar note, the forced halt of excessive travelling that very much defines the work of academics has brought new perspectives. While many of us have been both environmentally conscious and tired of spending too much time away from home already before the pandemic, we have been trapped in a system which has forced us to continue travelling anyway. Now, when the whole world has been forced to seek alternatives, a new culture has emerged also among academics. We may not reduce travelling completely, but we will surely be more selective.

One may think that these two examples – better use of technology and more careful and conscious use of resources – are low hanging fruits that would not need a push by a global crisis to realize, but it is actually quite striking how important external chocks have been as catalyst for renewal also in the past. I am curious to learn what has been your most important experiences from the past year and how they have challenged your perceptions and habits in life and at work.

WORDS FROM TH

"You might find it hard, and even find yourself changing, but eventually, you will somehow adjust to a new normal. "

HE EDITOR IN CHIEF

he time has come for me to step down from the role as Editor-in-Chief. It has been a true pleasure to publish the magazine issues in the last year. Working with our team has helped me grow as a person. It opened my eyes to appreciating people’s differences and has helped me grow as a leader and team member. The team has had to work through a tough time with the pandemic, but I think that all of us have emerged stronger than before. With that said, it is my pleasure to present the Spring Issue 2021. The theme of this issue is New Beginnings. Last semester we talked about change, and it seemed pretty natural to follow it up with new beginnings. In this issue, you will find tips on how to manage your mental health and how to start and run your own business, and not least read about an alumnus who has done exactly that and more.

After a difficult 2020, I strongly believe that we have to look for ways to improve our way of living. 2020 presented us with a situation that we have never had to live through before, and it was very challenging, personally. It wasn’t so much about accepting the fact that there is an ongoing pandemic, but rather, it was the reality that we are now forced to live our lives in relative isolation. I found myself distancing from family and friends as form of coping mechanism. Now that the seasons are changing, I sense that the sunlight and fresh air of spring has given me hope and strength to search for ways to start afresh. All of us have experienced changed in one way or the other. Whether it was forced upon us or intrinsically motivated, change leads to new beginnings. I think it is crucial to view changes as opportunities to grow rather than

obstacles. Maybe you ended a relationship, and you now have to find who you are as an individual, or you were let go from your job, and now have to find a way to rise from that. You might find it hard, and even find yourself changing, but eventually, you will somehow adjust to a new normal.

I strongly encourage everyone to try new things, as many as possible! Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from finding your true passion. It is only when you have tried something, that you can confidently say that “This is not for me” or “This could be a new passion”! As Anne Sullivan says: “Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose – not the one you began with perhaps, but one you’ll be glad to remember”.

I would like to thank the team behind JIBS United Magazine. Together we have created two amazing issues that we are incredibly proud of. We have tackled themes that are purposeful, and resisted the pandemic from having the upper hand! Thank you for investing your time and your efforts alongside me on this project! Finally, thank you to Mila the Head of Marketing in the JSA Board. You have acted as a guiding light and never took my opinions for granted. To all of you, I sincerely wish you a great summer. Enjoy your well-deserved break and re-charge your batteries for all of the new opportunities that the fall semester will bring! Enjoy the spring issue 2021! Sincerely yours,

Emelie Bengtsson

TEAM

MEET THE

Ghina Jamaleddine Proofreader

Dalal Adi Marketing Manager Anoud Sayegh Writer

Isabella Amukule Writer

Amanda Söderberg Designer Stella Falduto Managing Director

Joy Bou Absi Designer

Andreea Tiron Proofreader

Raina Fei Proofreader

Maryam Al-Attar Marketing

Alicia Seah Proofreader Emelie Bengtsson Editor in Chief

WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT

SARA HOOTON, PRESIDENT JIBS STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Without a doubt, my favourite part about new beginnings is the sense of adventure and the sheer excitement of the unknown. When this issue is released many of you reading, including myself, will be facing this situation and having to perhaps make choices on which road to take and a beginning to pursue. For some it might be starting a whole new chapter in life whether it is starting college or moving on to find a job and start your career journey as a newly graduate. What we have learned from this year is that nothing is ever certain and things can truly change practically overnight. So in a way, next year will be a new beginning for all of us. The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us and our volunteers have worked hard to keep our association up and running in order to still be able to offer the students experiences in the student life and support in their education. Everyone was thrown

into a situation like never before. We have worked together not only within JSA but together with also the Student Union and the other Student Associations on campus perhaps more than ever before. I for one can safely say that I have learned a lot on this journey. I will be taking every lesson and piece of growth with me to my future adventures. The beauty of new beginnings is taking the old with you.

They say that when one door closes many more open. I truly believe in this but I also think that often times we do not even necessarily see the opportunities that lie ahead. Sometimes there can be a long corridor leading to the door. Sometimes we might have to slightly push to make the door open. But always, we are moving forwards. So what is my thought about new beginnings, they are great because you can always look back and say “hey, I have made it this far”.

RESET YOURSELF: Getting Out of Bad Habits I

t’s easy to get caught up into life’s chaos sometimes, it’s just the way it is. Throughout that chaos, it gets easier to incorporate habits into our daily lives that might not be the best and healthiest choice for us and can affect us negatively in the long run. When we feel stressed or overwhelmed, we’re more prone to doing certain things as a way to comfort and cope with how we’re feeling. Whether it’s smoking, excessively drinking, not exercising our bodies, spending plenty of time on social media or even procrastinating, thinking negatively or being too hard on ourselves. The list can go on and on. Most of those actions give us a sense of reward and pleasure that our body craves due to the dopamine release in our brains.

Bad habits are relatively easier to form than good habits because they’re a quick fix that don’t require as much effort. They make us feel good and that becomes addicting. For instance, think of choosing between exercising after work and going straight to the couch to watch Netflix. I think we both know what the majority is more likely to do. Before we even know it, those actions that we repeatedly do over a period

of time can lead us astray due to their negative side-effects and it becomes harder to get out of them, hence why they say “old habits die hard”. This is because a habit is “a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously”, according to the famous Wikipedia. Notice how a habit is defined as a repeated routine. The more we repeat a certain action, the deeper it gets wired into our brains. Now, because habits are merely a routine of behaviour, we can literally reset ourselves by specifying and analyzing the habits that no longer serve us and try to replace them with better habits that gives us the same sense of happiness but without the negative influence. For example, smoking cigarettes can be replaced with exercising as they both are stress-relievers. Spending too much time on social media can be balanced out with spending more time with friends and family as they both make us feel more connected and engaged. The solution is not to completely get rid of the habit but replace it with another habit that gives off the same outcome we want, you get the drill.

yeg a S d ou

An y b ritten

It will take time and effort to break out of old habits, but it’s not impossible. The more we repeat and practice those actions in a conscious manner, the more it becomes a routine, and ta-da, it becomes a habit. Getting out of bad habits and incorporating newer ones that serve a better you can feel like a new beginning for yourself. It’s an opportunity to start a new and fresh page in your life with better intentions. Developing good habits becomes easier to do when you have a certain goal you want to achieve and a vision of yourself that you want to become. Also, clarifying why you want to incorporate better habits into your daily life will keep you motivated to stick to them and not fall back to older habits even when you’re feeling down.

What did you feel had to change? Did you feel like some habits might have led you to this situation?

Tell me about that time in your life when you felt stuck in a pattern that wasn’t satisfying or serving you any longer.

What tips do you have for people out there that might be feeling stuck right now?

I had the opportunity to interview Ken Mogekwu, a Nigerian political science student at Gothenburg University who is currently doing an internship in Stockholm at ForumCiv. He also is a fashion stylist and a dancer! He wanted to share his experience on resetting yourself by incorporating new and healthy habits into your life. It is always pleasant to hear someone else’s experience on a matter that is relatable to almost all of us.

Tough question. I think it was when I first started university. I had no motivation to study and my way of living wasn’t really the best. I was struggling with the language barrier and that made me feel kind of stuck in my student life.

It was definitely spending more time on social media than on studying. I could spend up to 9-10 hours a day on my phone and that was a big problem. It was a way for me to escape reality. Social media was my only place of comfort to turn to when I first started university as I still had no friends. That was surely a habit I was stuck in. It was then I got an eureka moment where I knew I had to change this habit by balancing and allocating my time properly.

What did you do to “reset yourself”? Did you incorporate new habits into your life? I made concrete plans by properly managing my time for studying and other responsibilities. So let’s say I would study from 9 to 12 and then allow myself to spend 45 minutes or so on social media, rest for 15 minutes and then back again to my studies. I tried to get into a routine where I strictly do my tasks when I’m supposed to do them for a specific time period. So my new habit that really positively changed my life was time management.

My tip would be to acknowledge that you have a problem, that’s the first way to go about it. Then look for ways that other people chose to solve and overcome that problem. Go on the internet and try new and different things that might work out. That’s how I got myself out of old habits.

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FINDING A NEW JOB WITH SUCCESS T

HAVE YOU EVER STARTED A NEW JOB AND FELT NERVOUS ABOUT IT?

aking on challenges, including new working environments, is something that we all encounter at some point in our lives, whether we are about to graduate or just in search of a summer employment. Despite studying in our field of employment and attending seminars about career opportunities, almost 53% of respondents admitted to experiencing fear upon starting a new job. The most common backgrounds of fear were not living up to expectations, facing discrimination, or finding that the job is not as expected. Do any of these fears resonate with you? I encourage you to continue reading, to learn how to do extensive research on employment and how to overcome the fear of starting in a new position.

“ARE YOU EVEN SURE WHO YOU ARE, BEFORE YOU APPLY?”

Being confident is much easier when you know what you are good at and what you want. Hard skills like your degree and prior experience give you a clear indication of what market you will be suitable for, however, your soft skills can be helpful to specify your needs more closely. Perhaps, you work well under pressure and enjoy challenges, or maybe you prefer having a clear set of times and tasks every day, instead of sudden changes. Before you apply to jobs, spend time with yourself, take a paper and write down, what you would imagine your ideal workday and environment to be like. When we asked respondents, what was most important to them in a new job, the most common response was “Fun”, followed strongly by other factors such as “Salary”, “Development and Challenges”, “Diversity” and “Team Atmosphere”. A first step to successfully beginning a new job is to think about your personal skills and the environment where you would like to apply them. If you are not sure about your soft skills, it can be very helpful to take an online Aptitude Test, which is often used in job assessments, to discover your personality further. Another useful tool is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which assorts you to a specific type of personality depending on choices and perceptions you make in a set questionnaire.

“AN APPLICANT IS PERMITTED TO CONDUCT A BACKGROUND CHECK TOO.”

To ensure that your new position will make you happy, it is not only important to know what you want, but also what the job gives. Almost 56% of respondents admitted to not feel well-informed enough before a new job. To conquer the fear of unexpectedness it is crucial to carry out background checks on your employer – just like your employer will likely do the same for you. To understand, whether a company suits you, it can be clarifying to read through their policies, specifically regarding employees. But outside of what a company has to say about itself, details on the work environment can often be obtained on employer review websites. Some of the most popular ones include Glassdoor, Indeed, Kununu, and Comparably. Platforms as such make it possible for current and former employees to share their experiences with a company in different sectors of the business and allow potential job seekers to find out more about their prospective tasks, salary, and work atmosphere.

“YOU ARE YOUR OWN BRAND, WHICH YOU MUST ADVERTISE TO ITS BEST.”

Even if the previously mentioned fears do not faze you, you might nonetheless be experiencing fear before a job interview. From the numerous respondents of this survey, multiple people answered, that also their unpreparedness led them to not feel informed about how to successfully start a new job. Both getting to know yourself and your potential employer, as mentioned before, lead up as final contenders to how you will successfully walk out of a job interview. Apart from fulfilling the qualifications for the job offer, decisions will often come down to how well you sold yourself. Just like a product needs to suit a customer, you also need to suit a company and that is why advertising yourself, without pretending to be someone you are not, is pivotal. Knowing your personal brand, but also knowing the culture of your audience, in this case, the company, can be the key to finding a brand match between you – or not. This means, by knowing your own values and purpose, you can more easily appeal to a company by showing them, that you are a great addition to their team. Displaying your values by stories, such as stating your ability to work under pressure with the example of a personal experience of yours in a previous position or leisure activity, can help to underline your brand and stay authentic. Lastly, never hold back from asking questions and in fact, enter the interview with some questions already prepared. It will show an employer, that you have put effort into getting to know the company and are truly interested in the position you apply for.

“BE AUTHENTIC AND SET BOUNDARIES.”

As soon as you begin your new job, you may be shaken with excitement, but also a feeling of pressure to meet company standards and expectations. To realise the desire of a pleasant team atmosphere, you can contribute by keeping the same personal brand that you presented yourself within the interview, meaning a positive and respectful attitude towards everyone new around you and the tasks you are confronted with. This can be critical to starting you off on the right foot with other employees. It is also sensible to analyse your surroundings and colleagues first in their work environment, or by asking them to go out for lunch. This can help you become more comfortable and identify your boundaries. Setting your personal boundaries for workload and -times to keep your work relationship healthy, is important to keep a degree of detachment between your job and private wellbeing. Setting these boundaries, but knowing your colleagues, will aid successful communication and understanding. Lastly, never be shy of asking questions to help learn and develop yourself further. by Stella Falduto

Treading New Grounds

n the distance, the thunderous roar of the powerful Murchison Falls is heard. The nocturnal beasts are at work, prying through the vast savannah grasslands and silently, calculatingly watching their prey under the star-filled sky. In the camp, a bonfire is lit and the tents have been made ready to house tourists from all different corners of the world. The mixture of uncertainty and enthralment that pervades their hearts is a feeling only known to one who has dared to explore this vast earth we call home.

In a world where so many what-ifs and buts exist, people voluntarily cage themselves away from exploring the wonders of our planet. For many, their seemingly endless routine consisting of office, schoolwork, and chores weighs them down emotionally and physically. One often hears people say things like, “What if I am poisoned by a rare plant, or eaten by a dangerous animal, or fall in a dark pit, or am kidnapped by a hostile tribe?” to excuse their complicity with the mundane. However, dwelling on the negative both creates unlikely scenarios to fear and hinders people from fully living their lives and exploring, the multitude of beautiful landscapes and different people we

Earth-inhabitors have been blessed with. Giselle Ricci (name changed to protect privacy), a twenty-one-year-old from Italy, worked for a period as an au pair in the United States. She recalls that her experience with her first family was not exactly what she had anticipated. Later, a decision to go back to her country or move to live with a family in Connecticut had to be made. In her mind was the fear that she would experience the same discomfort that she had faced before, as well as the uncertainty of whether she would fit in as a good caretaker of the Connecticuter family’s two-year-old daughter As it turned out, overcoming her fears of moving and starting over with a new host family was one of the best decisions she ever made, as she formed lifelong friendships and was able to build upon her own scope of family. During our conversation, she expressed how she also had the fear of moving to a new country (Sweden) for university, as she felt that missing her family and their traditions, especially during the holidays, would take a toll on her. However, in her current home, she is glad to be able to create new traditions and memories, like

having a traditional Swedish julbord during Christmas or spending her Easter holiday in a completely different place with people from a different part of the world. The fear of being discriminated against due to different skin color, or religion, and the negative depiction of certain countries by the media can also act as catalysts to developing a fear of moving to new places. However, many times media and other tools of a fear-based imagination can be deceptive as they can hinder self-discovery, growth, and embracing new cultures and new experiences. Regardless of the situation, one is able to educate themselves and is able to develop one scope of what life offers through travel and diverse experiences. People can then take the knowledge and insight they’ve gained into both themselves and others and use it to tackle different challenges and unleash the warrior in them to conquer any obstacles in their lives. For others, overcoming the fear of different cultures and landscapes can lead them to major breakthroughs in their lives. These can be finding a spouse, a new job, being able to do an act of service that changes another person’s life, adopting a child, or any other number of revelatory acts. A notable celebrity who has achieved this is Angelina Jolie through her different global voyages which have spurred her to give back to society, not just in her home country but all over the world. From different experiences than their every day, people can develop new attitudes which promote further self-development. The arrogant can be humbled, the selfish can become generous, the ungrateful can

become grateful and joy can be found in the discovery of a never-before-seen flower, an exotic dish, or simply the smile of a stranger. Travel is a source of healing from the daily bustle of work, the plethora of information we are bombarded with every day from our phones and computers, and tired routines. Existing in a serene place filled with the sound of nature, even for a short period of time, can teach us the lessons to take every day as it comes, handle today’s problems, and wait to see what tomorrow carries. Waking up one morning and packing your travel bag to go on a journey to a new place may not come easy for anyone. Casting the fear of moving to a totally new environment even though it is for a vacation can be quite difficult, however, this can be done firstly by convincing oneself, that it is a lot better to visit a place rather than hear the stories told by other whom have visited those places. Another way of overcoming this fear is by doing research on the places one desires to explore, browsing through the website of the particular site, or reading about different people’s experiences can be helpful as well. It is however important to not only focus on the negative comments by others but to also give the positive ones much attention. The beauty behind travel is that can give us so many rewards- not just fun souvenirs, or the chance to see new sights or taste new dishes, but the opportunity to break free from the usual daily activities, to see life through new eyes, and to fall back in love with the beautiful planet we call home, and all the beautiful people in it. by Isabella Amukule

MEET THE

BOARD

What do you expect from the future?  I would say I do not have that many expectations rather hopes. But to mention something, I'm expecting to travel as much as I possibly can and continue learning more about the world. Most likely a dog or two will be in the picture at some point too.  -Sara Hooton, President

What are your top tips for new students at Jönköping University? Figure out a study technique that works for you. Then you’ll be both efficient and successful in your studies and you’ll have lots of time to do fun things. Maybe you can engage yourself in a JSA project or even start your own company. I’d say, take advantage of all the possibilities university studies gives you. This is really the time to test something new and learn new skills.

-Emma Nordberg, Vice President- Head of Education

What is a skill that working on the board has taught you? Communication is key, working on the board has taught me how to efficiently communicate decisions to a large amount of people, trying to avoid misunderstandings.

-Andrea Ljung, Head of Administration

What are your tips on reaching your goals?  Don’t be afraid of setbacks and making mistakes, because by dealing with these you become more knowledgeable for reaching the goals in your life.

-Andrea Matisic, Head of International

What do you expect from the future? This is a tricky question since we don't know for how long corona will affect us, but I hope that we soon can go back to normal, meet again and have lots of fun!

-Ebba Skattner, Treasurer

What are your top tips for new students at Jönköping University? Enjoy your time at campus. Although it is hard right now. Try to meet new people and enjoy what Jönköping has to offer.

-David Högman, Head of Social

What are your tips on reaching your goals? Something I’ve learned and works for me is to set more small goals rather than one large which could be hard to accomplish. By doing this you surround yourself with more happy thoughts and naturally feel more accomplished. Another tip could be to learn from your mistakes and remember what you could have done different when reaching for a new or a similar goal.

-Lovisa Wallentin, Head of Internal

What do you expect from the future?  I unfortunately try not to have high expectations, since the current state of the world does not allow for most of my hopes to come true in the very near future. I suppose I tend to have a realistic, rather than an optimistic point of view of what lies ahead.

-Mila Angelova, Head of Marketing

What is a skill that working on the board has taught you? Multitasking and definitely my Zoom-skill.

-Linnea Sjöstrand, Head of Internal

RECOVERING FROM A LOSS: The light at the end of the tunnel

“

There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

This proverb, while somewhat cliche, holds power in its simple truth. It expresses that there are good things that emerge from a struggle or challenge, giving hope to difficult or draining situations. Grief is an example of an extreme and hurtful feeling, the “tunnel” we face that seems dark and endless. It drains the joy of the griever, it brings silence in homes and loss of routine and simple happiness. Grief can come from many factors, such as the loss of a loved one, a prized possession ruined or missing, a certain stage of one’s life different from that expected, the loss of a job or dignity, or even a mistake with disastrous consequences. Whatever the source of the grief and that severity, those affected are haunted by what they have lost and the proverbial “light” can seem impossibly out of reach.

However, grief is not a permanent state, and slowly even the emptiness from the most profound of losses is filled. Just like the change in season, from a snow-covered ground to a green grass patch filled with blooming dandelions, the heartache caused by a loss lessens, and days of happiness and laughter can tentatively emerge, slowly but surely it may take days, months, even years or decades, but eventually, grief segues into acceptance and the acknowledgment that light still exists in the world. Time is indeed a true healer, and when we try to find the directions we should travel to make life worth living then again then we can reap the fruits of perseverance in the face of loss.

An iconic figure who is living proof of resilience in the face of horrible circumstances is Oprah Winfrey, the darling of American talk shows and a leading woman in the media industry. She lost the joys that childhood brings, the security given to a child, and the feeling of being loved unconditionally by a mother. Molested by uncles and cousins at the age of nine and getting pregnant at the age of fourteen were some of the horrors that she faced due to the irresponsibility of the adults around her. Losing her son two weeks after his premature birth was one of the painful moments in her life, but she believes it was a second chance at setting her life in the right direction. She underwent unspeakably horribly tragedies, but rather than pushing away her grief, she wholeheartedly embraced it to save her own life- literally. "I was, in many ways, saved by that, and I made a decision that I was going to turn it around," she told The Hollywood Reporter. That decision to do anything possible to leave her destructive circumstances lead her to finally accomplishing her dream of being an actress, as she was cast in the blockbuster movies,

“The Colour Purple” based on a novel written by American author Alice Walker and “ Selma” based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches Apart from this, she is a successful producer and hosts her own talk show. She also has helped other young girls get an education through her philanthropic work in South Africa where she established The Oprah Winfrey for Girls with the aim of uplifting “economically disadvantaged girls but not poor in mind

or spirit”. Her story is a manifestation of how one’s painful past can lead to conquering other obstacles to attain victory.

Losing a close relative or friend is painful and it makes many resolved to a sense of depression and longing to have the deceased by their side. However painful it can be to lose a loved one, it can also open doors to discoveries with the smiling memory of the loved one present. B.(wishes to remain anonymous) stayed with her grandfather for most of her childhood years and to her, he was her world. While he was alive, she did not get to travel much, although she wanted to, as staying with him became her priority due to her knowledge of their limited time together. With the passing of her grandfather, she finally got to take journeys around Australia and Asia knowing that he was not lonely without her company. She dearly misses him but is also glad that she got to have dinner, and spend time with him while she could. Another common type of grief is that related to failure to meet job aspirations. Some of us have had that dream job from childhood; we imagine ourselves in various corner offices, hospitals, courtrooms, making us put our life’s work into attaining that dream job. However, we do not always get what we wish for. But sometimes the loss of a wish opens the doors to fulfillment in an area we never even considered, something that ultimately brings joy, even if it’s a different type. Much as unemployment or failure to become hired brings misery and boun-

tiful of worries, doors of opportunities open. For example, the loss of a job or hiring-based frustrations can lead to entrepreneurship or the discovery of another area of life that brings more joy than the job, such as turning a hobby into a career or becoming a stay-athome parent.

We gain and lose in life. Times of great struggle brings us great frustration, but we are built stronger than we think and can overcome whatever challenges life throws our way and emerge more confident, courageous, and self-determined than ever before. While healing from a loss is no easy, linear process, with time comes the rainbow that can only emerge after the toughest, most grueling storm. While looking for that light at the end of a tunnel, the rainbow after the storm, the flowers blooming after the harsh winter, let us remember that without grief, we cannot have joy. In the absence of the tunnel, how can we appreciate the radiance of the light? Without the storm, how can we bask in the glory of the rainbow? Without the icy weather to allow the Earth to rest, how can the flowers grow? The Japanese believe that broken bowls soldered together with gold are pieces of art, their beauty derived from the uniqueness of their loss and their recreation. We are humans: we live, we love, we dream, we lose, and then we pick up the pieces to build an even more beautiful bowl, one whose fault lines become its greatest asset. By Isabella Amukule

by Emelie Bengtsson

COFFEE BREAK WITH: LUCAS ALBAN

had the opportunity to chat with JIBS alumni, Lucas Alban. Lucas is 25 years old and has lived most of his life in the south of Brazil. He obtained his Master’s in International Marketing at JIBS in 2018. In this read, he shares about his academic and career journey. Following the completion of his Bachelor’s in Business and Management in Florianópolis, Brazil, he began taking courses and working with marketing, and quickly realized that marketing was what he wanted to work with in the long run. To equip himself with the necessary skills and qualifications, he searched for opportunities to study abroad, mostly looking at European countries apart from Sweden.

Most students at the university in Florianópolis opted to apply to go to Italy, Spain or Germany. However, one of Lucas’ professors at the university in Florianópolis recommended studying at Jönköping to him.

“My initial reaction was why should I go somewhere so cold and where there is not that much to do?”.

His professor told him about his personal experience at Jönköping, from where he had just returned home from a period of teaching at Jönköping International Business School. “In the end I told myself that I am way too young to not try new things and see new places. So, I went for it!”.

Today, Lucas says that Jönköping was a really good choice for him which placed him in a new environment that helped him grow as a person. He shared an apartment in Råslätt with a few other people which proved to be a challenge. However, he adds that that it can be the most rewarding thing about studying abroad - you form bonds that will last for a lifetime. One might think that he must have experienced a major culture shock when moving from Brazil to Sweden. However,

Lucas disagrees.

“Besides the obvious differences, like the weather and the physical distance between two friends, it wasn’t that bad. It was quite hard to bond with the Swedish students in the beginning, but they warmed up after a while. The snow is great for the first couple of days, but then one gets pretty bored of it...” “When I got to Sweden I was really impressed, initially I thought it would be so much more different. There are significant differences between the Swedish culture and the Brazilian culture. Nevertheless,

the culture in the south of Brazil is in some ways similar to that of Sweden. I felt a little at home in Sweden. We are very work-oriented, but also make sure to separate work time from leisure time. Still, there were complete opposites - the biggest difference being the weather." During his time at JIBS he tried to keep occupied with different activities around campus. In the beginning of his work at the career center, he handed out sandwiches at their lectures and helped students with their CVs. Through the career center, he had the opportunity to arrange a lecture on cross-cultural communication, as they were

preparing to study abroad. Besides that, he participated in workshops at Science Park as they presented valuable learning-opportunities within the entrepreneurial field. He also had the opportunity to help other projects in their creation of marketing strategies with the aim of reaching and integrating international students.

During his last semester, Lucas started helping small companies create content for their social media platforms. This sparked a desire in himself to start his own firm post-graduation. So, while his classmates began their search for employment, he returned to Brazil while still helping businesses with marketing strategies as a consultant. Lucas quickly realized that he had discovered a great business opportunity in the Brazilian market which led him to establish his firm Serafina Marketing. The firm’s purpose is to make marketing more attainable and easier to comprehend for everyone. Today, Serafina Marketing consists of a team of seven people that serves both big and small companies from all over the world. "I realized that the market in Brazil lacked a company that could help both smaller and larger businesses with their marketing strategy. While there were existing marketing consulting companies in the market, they were focused on serving larger businesses. Moreover, there is a notion in Brazil that marketing services that are established abroad are superior to those that are just established in Brazil. Thus, when I returned and told people that I had both obtained my Master’s and had helped customers abroad, many people found my credentials very attractive. I have thought about moving abroad again, but there are still so many companies that need help with their marketing strategies. Besides, with the ongoing pandemic, I won’t be moving for a couple of years”.

The silver-lining of the pandemic is that it has created many business opportunities for Lucas and his firm. Companies are now investing in their marketing strategies to raise their revenues. He says he will stay in Brazil for at least another three years. After that, his options are limitless. “I love the fact that I’m not bound to a specific geographic place. I can do my work remotely, and so can the rest of my team”. Starting a business can seem scary and unsure. This is something that Lucas can especially relate to. “The scariest thing was to expose myself. I knew that I would have to continuously market myself and my company in order to create opportunities, because I am ultimately selling my service and my knowledge. One will get used to it with time. Interestingly, my clients face the exact same problem. They don’t know how to put their business out there. Hence, my experience really helped me to understand and connect with my clients”.

Lucas says that his success is not only a result of his work, but also thanks to the support he received from his family, former employer and fellow entrepreneurs. “When I realized that other people are struggling as well, the struggles become more manageable. Some problems might make me want to quit but remembering that there is someone who has experienced the same thing and has overcome it successfully helps me focus on the goal. And yeah, it was unsettling and difficult to stay positive when I saw my classmates go on to find more stable employments and tell me how great that feels. I had to give up good job offers not knowing if it really was the right thing to do. However, that risk is also somehow the charm about being an entrepreneur”. One of the main things that Lucas would like to accomplish is to expand his business into the teaching field. He would like to educate

people about marketing, thus fulfilling his vision of sharing his knowledge about marketing. In five years, Lucas hopes to shift his role from the business’ operations to supervising and strategizing. This will allow him to focus more on his private life while growing his business. “Yes, it is important to work hard, but we also need to prioritize our private life”. To end our chat, I asked Lucas if he had any tips for current students at Jönköping University. “Try a lot of things! If you don’t like it, you can always stop and try something else. By trying many things, you also form an extensive network for the future! Also, visit the moose-safari! It is great, and if you can’t go with the Student Union, go by yourself!”. To those who are thinking about starting their own business, Lucas advises that you “Begin with a passion but learn how to use that passion to help other people, because then you have a cause”.

The JIBS United team would like to thank Lucas Alban for his participation, and we send him our best wishes in everything he undertakes. We hope to see him back in Sweden in the future! Text by: Emelie Bengtsson

HOW TO BE FINANCIALLY STABLE AS A STUDENT

eing a student is not easy, we can all relate to that. It’s the stress of keeping up with your studies and assignment deadlines, getting used to living on your own, taking care of your responsibilities and lastly surviving on a low monthly income. The latter could be the toughest one to manage if I say so myself. As young adults, we don’t really have the experience of effectively managing and optimizing our money, especially now with a low income as students. That’s why it can be difficult to feel financially secure and not worry about money problems with so many other responsibilities sitting on our shoulders.

I remember having a hard time when I first started university two years ago. I would find myself low on money, most of the time trying to figure out what cheap meal to eat for the night. I was basically the stereotypical broke university student. I knew I wasn’t spending my money so wisely and I didn’t want to live like that for the next three years of my college life. I started observing my spending habits and tried to figure out what I could do better, so I can optimize my money as much as I can and feel financially stable.

I know that this situation of mine is also experienced by many other students that also have a hard time managing their money correctly. I was curious to gain a better understanding of students’ relationship with money, specifically with a low income, so I conducted a survey. It didn’t come to a surprise that half of the people answered “no” when asked if they considered themselves to be financially stable as a student. It can surely be hard with a low income and a lot of monthly expenses. However, the other half of the students did think that they

are financially secure and that they don’t necessarily feel that they have to worry about making ends meet towards the end of the month. Furthermore, the majority of the students also agree that setting a budget optimizes their budget greatly and that they manage their money by setting spending limits, keeping an eye on discounts, avoiding purchases of unnecessary items, creating Excel sheets to record spendings and of course saving and investing. However, not all students feel that it’s easy to manage a low income which is understandable.

There’s a saying that says “If you can't manage $1,000, you can't manage $10,000” and that is 100% true. As a student, it’s vital to know how to handle your money now, as it will help prepare for when you enter the real world and earn a larger income. Financial security as students is not impossible and can be achieved with some discipline and money management techniques. Anything you want to achieve in life is in the power of your daily habits, meaning that you do have the ability to be financially stable if you implement the

4 tips on how to be more financially stable as a student --->

TIPS ON HOW TO BE MORE FINANCIALLY STABLE AS A STUDENT

1. Set a budget and stick to it

This is probably the most important way to be more in control over your monthly income. Creating a budget for your expenses helps you hold yourself accountable over your spendings, which therefore can make it easier to manage your expenses. The easiest way to set a budget is to divide monthly payments into categories that sum up to a certain percentage of your income. For example, your income could be split up into 70% for needs and fixed expenses, 20% for wants and 10% for savings. You can of course alter the percentages to how you prefer and need them to be, you get the gist. Now the most important part of setting a budget is sticking to it. The best way to do so is by recording all your spendings on Excel sheets or a notebook or an easier alternative is to download an app that easily does that for you, for example like Lunar. This will ensure that you stay right on track with your monthly budget.

3. Find an extra job

As students, we can never say no to an extra income. Finding an extra job to have on the side of your studies, whether it’s dog walking or babysitting once a week, is a great way to increase your income and help you feel a bit more free and secure with your spendings. There are plenty of extra jobs meant for students who have another main occupation, check out studentjob.se for more information!

2. Save, save, save

Saving money is another way to help you feel a bit more secure and responsible with your finances and less stressed about money problems. It might not seem like it’s a lot to make a difference, but saving even just 5% of your income is very important as this habit carries throughout your life. Saving can be intended for personal goals and meant for different reasons such as saving to invest, saving for financial emergencies or saving for special occasions. Setting money aside is a way to comfort your subconscious mind and make you feel financially secure for the future. An extra tip is to set the money you want to save aside the moment you get paid. This will ensure that you get into the habit of saving and that you won’t have access to that money anymore if you have the urge.

4. Use your student ID to your advantage

Being a student has its perks, and one of those perks is getting discounts at endless places like pizzerias, cafes, restaurants, shops and transportation services. Discounts are a great way to spend less on things you usually buy on a regular basis as it can help optimize your monthly budget a bit more and lessen your expenses effectively. Text by: Anoud Sayegh

Väx på ditt sätt med oss ” Revision är den bästa starten på karriären du kan få ” Carl Allert Associate Assurance

Revision | Ekonomiservice | Skatt | Rådgivning

BECOMING YOUR OWN BRAND

Photo: Alex Vu

ith rising numbers of unemployment and a higher retirement age than ever ahead of us, it is evident that many young heads are now steaming like machines. There is less trust in our future careers and to many, one career is not satisfactory anymore. Creating multiple income streams is a great way to escape the financial tightness that many of us feel like they are stuck in. Income streams can range from stock investments, all the way to leisure photography, Airbnb services and even dog-walking. Whatever may generate additional income to your regular career can be seen as another income stream.

However, many do not only do it for monetary reasons. With an increasingly hectic environment and transactional relationships, we often forget what we really enjoy. Making a hobby another income stream is becoming more popular and sometimes even a full-time job, often making individuals the brand of their own values and influence, also called self-branding. With means of social media and unhindered communication across the world, it has never been so easy to share oneself. To inspire students to live the best version of their life, two people will share their own experience of self-branding and multiple income streams, their struggles, and their motivation behind it.

Jay Elixir is a content creator and music producer, who also runs a discord for mental health awareness. When was a turning point in your life when you knew you wanted to achieve more than just a 9-5 schedule to live?

I was playing GTA V Multiplayer in 2018, in which you can either run freely or take on missions to become rich. Even though it is just a Video game, the question why I

couldn’t do that in real life hit me. I found a group of like-minded people, content creators and streamers, with whom I formed Arch Elixir Gaming (AEG).

Are you yet in a position where you can live of your self-brand/extra income streams? If not, what steps are you taking to get there? Not yet, but I do have an executive plan for AEG and we are working on our content creation.

if you are doing something by yourself, you need to find insight on your goals from anything or let others contribute their expertise.

Everyone needs to be on the same page and have the same vision with something they can involve, such as skills. I have a professional video editor who has worked with various groups before, who contributes his skills.

Execution. I have lost people left and right, but I cannot neglect what will get me to the top. Trends change, people change. Improvise, adapt, overcome. There may be days when you feel like you haven’t done anything, but you are planting the seeds for a rich harvest in the future.

Mental health is important. As a male, there is a stigma that we should disregard our emotions and I learned this later in life. But if you cannot take care of yourself, then also not of anyone else.

What do you think are some important traits that someone should carry with them to successfully build multiple income streams or a self-brand? Can anybody do it? Everything good comes with time and good comes with the time you put into everything. Don’t beat yourself up, if you don’t

see results. Ultimately, everyone has a hidden talent and the potential to become successful. What inspires you the most?

Jay Elixir from 5 years ago wasn't in a very good spot but he learned a few things and thanks to him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Breaking through mental barriers.

Do you think that nowadays and in the future, it is realistic to live with one stream of income? Yes, it’s very possible, dedication and time is everything. Invest in yourself, physical and mental health, invest in your future. What advice can you give to students who are considering building a selfbrand or multiple income streams?

Do what you do best with balance. Take a break or two but come back into it harder, I’ve seen people go full throttle and lose their magic, burning yourself should never be the end goal.

Lastly, if you could leave a legacy for the future, what would it look like?

Jay Elixir aka EJ86 will be one of the greats in Synth-Wave. Arch Elixir Gaming will promote Mental Health Awareness and host huge events. Find out more about Jay via: EJ86 on Spotify AEG Discord https://discord.gg/VpvVE3y

Alex Vu, who calls himself a dreamer, is an aspiring videographer and founder of @apeicollective. As a day job, he works in a law firm.

When was a turning point in your life when you knew you wanted to achieve more than just a 9-5 schedule to live? In 2019 I reached the darkest point in my life with depression. During this phase I left behind me, what I had been taught, and learned to become more open-minded. People started inspiring me and my love for photography, specifically architecture, led me to the idea of doing videography. Do you think there are associated traits with people who can create a self-brand?

Perseverance. Nowadays, people assume things always have to be quick, like social media, but building something takes much longer. Are you yet in a position where you can live of your self-brand/extra income streams? If not, what steps are you taking to get there?

Not yet. I will soon move to Washington with a friend, who is also a producer, and we will start a creative house, where we can focus more on our work than now. I will probably still continue a 9-5 job to pay my rent but hope to launch my clothing brand by that time. What inspires you? Being different and creating something from my imagination, pushes me. Watching other videographer’s work inspires me too and mixing one inspiration with another gives me new ideas. Also, music, specific songs, create images in my head

If you could leave a legacy for the future, what would that look like?

I want to inspire people to follow their dreams, to not be scared and take a leap of faith. If people try to restrict you from doing what you love, then you should do it anyways. I especially want to inspire the Asian community, where in many households the upheld belief still is, that money equals happiness. But in reality, a life with little money, but used to spend on travels and experiences, is so much more worth than a lot of money on the side with a big house, that’s empty. Genuinely, I do not want to die at 25 and be buried at 75, because I miss most of my life. What advice can you give to students who are considering building a selfbrand or multiple income streams?

If someone were to ask you: “What topic could you talk about for ages, without previous research?” – your answer, or something closely related, would probably be your passion. If it is something completely new, you have the freedom to experiment with it, but if you find other people in the same field, who are already some steps ahead of you, surround yourself with them. And if things don’t work out – cool – you learned and now you continue differently. You can find out more about Alex Vu on his social media platform @vibinwithvu and @apeicollective. Text by: Stella Falduto