Student blogs

As I move from my previous semester into this final one, I find myself in a strange but meaningful in-between space: part reflection, part anticipation. This past year has been shaped by hands-on industry experience, growing independence, and the quiet realization that my time as a student is slowly coming to an end. Here are my reflections from the first semester of my second year.

Best of Autumn Semester 2025

During the second semester the course load was quite light with only two courses left to be completed and then starting my second practical placement (PP2). We began diving into the nitty gritty of Marketing and Sales and then further develop our learnings with Business Development. I was suprised by how much I actually enjoyed the Marketing and Sales course and how it broadened my perspective on how a product is sold with the principles of sales, whether it be in the life science industry or tech industry.

Beyond academics, the semester was filled with memorable moments. It was our turn to organize the annual Solvik trip for the first year MBE students. To say the least, it was hectic and stressfull, but ultimately incredibly rewarding. The trip turned out to be both fun and meaningful, making all the organizational chaos worthwhile. There’s something special about slowing down in nature: enjoying good food, sauna sessions, and simply being present. Luckily, the cold didn’t get the best of us, and we even managed to fit in some hiking.

A few weeks later, as November came to an end, my friends and I organized a cozy Friendsgiving potluck dinner. Although December was cold and dark, Nobel Light Week once again brightened the gloomy evenings. Before heading into a well-deserved Christmas break, I got the chance to attend several festive mingles: our annual MBE Christmas mingle, one at my PP2, and another with the Digital Ambassador team. It was a joyful way to wrap up the year filled with laughter, fun gingerbread house decorating competitions, and happy memories.

PP2 Highlights: Inside My Internship at AbbVie

One of the main highlights from the previous semester was my three-month internship at AbbVie. Working at a pharmaceutical company has been genuinely fascinating, and during my second placement I felt much more settled and involved. I wasn’t just observing anymore — I really got to dive into the work and feel like part of the team.

This time around, I also worked independently on my project, which was a completely different experience. At times, it felt a bit confusing not having someone to constantly bounce ideas off of or talk things through with. But in hindsight, that independence was exactly what I needed. It pushed me to take ownership of my work, trust my decisions, and strengthen my project management skills more than I expected.

Thesis Mode: Entering the Final Chapter

Now, I’ve started my thesis in collaboration with another pharmaceutical company, and I’m excited to continue working on a project within this field again. Starting the thesis has been both exciting, but surprisingly challenging after getting used to the corporate life during my practical placement. I have had to hang my “corporate coat” and switch back into academic mode. At the same time, it feels slightly unreal that this is actually the beginning of the end. My master’s degree is slowly wrapping up, and before I know it, I’ll be stepping into my professional career.

As I move forward with my thesis and towards graduation, I’m trying to embrace this in-between phase. It’s not just about finishing a degree — it’s about growing into the next version of myself, shaped by experience, uncertainty, and the people who are navigating this journey alongside me.

Thinking about life after graduation is a little nerve-wracking. Suddenly, there’s this quiet pressure to have a plan — to know what’s next, where I’m going, and how I’ll get there. But interestingly, I don’t feel as stressed about it as I used to. Maybe it’s because I know I’m not alone. So many people around me are in the exact same position, and being able to support each other, share worries, and celebrate small wins makes this transition feel much more manageable.