Elin Skau, Human Resource Management and Working Life

Elin Skau, why did you choose Karlstad Business School?

- I chose it both because I come from Värmland but also because I heard very good things about the school and student life. The Business School has a super nice campus with good connections to the city centre.

What expectations did you have for the Human resource management and working life program - and were they met?

- I had the expectation of gaining a greater and broader understanding of working life and organizations. This was indeed fulfilled as the education includes all actors such as trade unions, companies, leadership, employees and society's other stakeholders. Now that I am starting a career working within or close to HR functions in companies, this education gives me humility and an understanding of how situations arise and all actors and their approach/point of view and what requirements exist.

How prepared were you for working life after your degree?

- I felt well prepared for the theoretical part but also I tried to take advantage of the many opportunities the Business School offers. Participating in events and industry days, getting involved in the education association Pelikan, doing an internship (even though for our class it was done remotely) and doing a semester abroad. In addition, it also takes a lot to work alongside your studies, which Human resource management and working life programme also provides good opportunities in terms of flexibility and structure.

Tell us a little about what it was like to be a student at the Business School

- It was eventful - The Business School really succeeded in creating events and "happenings". As a student, I experienced that there were many chances to get involved in what you are interested in. Student life was also fantastically rewarding and structured.

What are you working on today and where?

- Since graduation (June 2022) I have been working at Testhuset Urval & Rekrytering as a Recruitment Consultant - it is so much fun! Testhuset Urval & Rekrytering works with competence-based recruitment and helps our customers find the right person for the right position with the help of tests, among other things. We recruit for both the public and private sector in many industries - I work a lot with the manufacturing industry. I have a social job with a lot of customer contact. I get to learn a little about a lot in different industries while we are a lovely group in the office.

Have you benefited from your education?

- I have definitely benefited from my education. Especially courses in labour law, work environment and business management which have given me a solid theoretical foundation and an understanding of how these pieces are implemented and applied in practical situations. The Human resource management and working life programme also provides tools that can be adapted and applied to all different industries, which provides many opportunities in working life.

Have you continued your education?

No.

Do you have any tips for anyone considering studying at the Business School?

- Invest in reading within what you think is fun. Take advantage of everything you can, attend events and be active in student life. Also try to find your way of learning - don't put pressure on yourself but find little tricks that make it easier and so much more fun. And celebrate in the meantime - study time is worth taking advantage of.

How do you see the future?

- During my first year out in working life, so many areas and doors have opened. HR is broad and there is plenty of time to develop within what you think is fun. Testhuset is an incredibly rewarding workplace where a lot happens in the form of great collaborations and a huge growth journey. In addition to recruitment, I also get to work with project management, lighter HR issues and we are all involved and influence the organization and develop processes. I look forward to continuing to grow in my role here and gain an insight into different areas and industries in order to find the parts I am particularly passionate about where I can then develop. There are also very exciting things happening in the Karlstad area in terms of entrepreneurship and networking.

You chose to study abroad. Why?

- I chose to study abroad because I like to challenge myself in the form of traveling and testing "everyday life" in other places. Then it felt like a way to get an extended student experience and knowledge in both English and Spanish. I also had an interest in a more international view of organizations.

Tell us about your experiences as an exchange student

- I studied in Madrid during the autumn semester. We had several short lessons a day where attendance was mandatory and there was a lot of interaction between students and teachers, which is very different from university studies in Sweden. We studied 6 courses at the same time and all courses ended with examinations in the last weeks of January. The classes consisted mostly of Spanish students and I took courses in marketing, organizational theory, law and psychology.

After school we spent a lot of time discovering Madrid which is a big and amazing city. On the weekends we took the opportunity to travel as much as we could, Madrid is easy and cheap to travel from as it is in the middle of the country and close to the airport. We visited Valencia, Barcelona, Marbella and Lisbon, among others.

I shared an apartment with a classmate from the Business School and two German girls of the same age. We lived in a basement apartment in a super nice and safe area. Madrid is generally a very safe city where it is also so easy and cheap to get everywhere with public transport.

What do you think your exchange studies added to your education?

- My exchange semester brought a greater understanding of other people, cultures and perspectives. It was also a positive way to add courses in subjects that interest one that is not part of the education. We worked a lot in group work where we developed the ability to cooperate and language skills.