Student blogs

The first year of the master’s program flew by (literally). Concluding the second semester, I had already learned about the process of developing a product, learned about the theory and practice of negotiation in different scenarios, and gained practical experience from the world of consultancy. After the second semester, filled with new learning experiences and knowledge, I was ready to start the well-deserved summer break, start new work endeavours, but at the same time, enjoy the beautiful Swedish summer. I made the most of the sunshine, and now it’s time to settle back into study mode. Here is a little reflection on starting my second year.

From Summer Break to Year Two

As soon as September arrived, it was time to put my summer hat back on the shelf and pull out my “let’s get this degree” hat. Beginning the second year feels bittersweet: on one hand, it’s exciting to be so close to finishing my degree and starting my professional journey, but on the other hand, it feels strange that my time as a student is quickly coming to an end. Compared to the first year, this second year is less course-heavy and more focused on practical work. Still, I’m eager to dive deeper and keep learning. We kicked things off with a four-week course in Marketing & Sales in Life Sciences, followed by a Business Development course. But what I’m most looking forward to is the three-month practical placement period. I was very stressed about finding the right placements, especially since we’re expected to arrange the second one ourselves.

My first placement was in a start-up and consultancy setting, so this time I wanted to experience a more established pharma company. Thankfully, our program provides great support by sharing application opportunities, and through this I secured my next placement. I’m excited about the project I’ll be assisting with and particularly curious to learn how the pharma industry is structured, how products are brought to market, and the many processes that happen beforehand. These placements will naturally segway us into the thesis-writing phase, which feels like the true final stretch of the program.

Preparing for the final stretch

If you had asked me in the first year, I would have never thought that thesis writing would be one of the very first things to plan as soon as the second year began. What really helps is making the most of the first year— exploring as many opportunities as possible and getting to know different career pathways during the courses and semester activities. The program offers plenty of ways to do this: from guest lectures that introduce you to diverse roles in the life sciences industry, to the first practical placement that gives you hands-on exposure. Beyond the classroom, I strongly recommend attending career fairs and talks with industry experts. This will not only highlight which skills are most valued but also provide inspiration by showcasing the different career journeys people have taken. All of these experiences are invaluable when it comes to choosing both a placement company and a thesis topic that truly align with your interests.

While it can feel daunting to realize how quickly things are moving, I see it as an exciting chance to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Year two is off to a strong start!