Molly MacGregor talks to Göteborg Daily about studying abroad and starting her career in Sweden.
International students often leave Sweden after completing their degrees. But with Gothenburg emerging as an internationally recognised city of innovation, business, and research, many young professionals decide to stay. Although landing a job that doesn't require fluency in Swedish can be difficult, it's not impossible.
American Molly MacGregor is a former student of the University of Gothenburg who's made the transition into employment. Around the same time that she finished her Master's degree in Global Studies in September last year, an opportunity with the Department of Human Ecology emerged.
"I'd very much enjoyed studying in Gothenburg and was looking for opportunities to stay on, so when a position as a research assistant came up I immediately applied. There weren't that many graduates that had the right qualifications, so in that sense I was lucky," says Molly.
Molly's number one tip for getting a job in Sweden is to keep your eyes and ears open. Opportunities are not going to be spelled out to you in bright neon colours. Use the contacts you already have and make sure they know you're looking for work, she suggests.
As a research assistant with the department of Human Ecology, Molly conducts research, currently on farm animal welfare, and helps mark undergraduate papers. Since she started working in September her initial contract has been extended.
"My work with the Department has led to interaction with other researchers, which has led to more assignments. I think that's how it often works, you get a foot in the door and more opportunities open up."
Before coming to Sweden, Molly spent one semester in Russia and one in South America as part of her undergraduate degree at Seattle Pacific University. She highly recommends studying abroad.
"It is great because you get so many new perspectives, not only on life in general, but also in terms of academia and learning. Studying international relations at a small fairly conservative university in the States is very different from studying it here in Gothenburg. The reading lists as well as the focus of your study are very different. There's also a more collaborative approach to learning here."
When Molly arrived in Sweden she was glad to discover that the University had organised various welcome activities.
"I got to immediately meet other people who were part of the program, and together we got to know Gothenburg, through a scavenger hunt for example."
She thinks that Gothenburg has a lot to offer international students, but moving somewhere new and getting settled in a foreign country is not all smooth sailing.
"I discovered that getting your own apartment is extremely difficult. Private rooms are much easier to find, which is what I went for."
Then there's the challenge of making new friends.
"Swedes are very friendly but it's up to you to break past the initial barrier."
She recommends newcomers to take the initiative and strike up conversation. To meet new people Molly got involved in different university activities, joined an interfaith council, and played bandy at Fysiken, the student gym.
When asked if she would like to do it all over again, she doesn't hesitate.
"I definitely would. It's been a huge learning experience, which I think is fantastic."
In July her current contract is up, but depending on projects and funding she's hoping that she'll be able to stay on. She's not quite ready to leave just yet.
External link:
The University of GothenburgThis article was created in collaboration with Chalmers, the University of Gothenburg and Göteborg & Co.
