Student blogs

Hej all! Here I am, feeling like the “senior” now—tagged as the old digital ambassador, or the old health economics, policy, and management class… and many more labels that come with year two! It’s funny how the second year gives you a different vibe, both academically and generally. Unlike the first year, where everything was fresh, full of exploration, and all about adjusting, this year feels like it comes with a new sense of purpose and focus – growth and career planning. The courses are more advanced, the expectations higher, but they align much better with the career goals I’m shaping.

In this blog, I’ll take you through my second-year journey: whether it’s living up to my expectations or surprising me in unexpected ways, how my academic priorities have evolved, and what it’s like in this phase of student life.

How has year two measured up?

I’m now in my second month as a second-year HEPM student, and honestly, I expected the second year to be super tough—but it hasn’t been quite as intense as I imagined. That said, the courses are definitely more advanced, and things are becoming much more practical. I’ve been applying what I learned last year through real-world tasks like conducting health economics evaluations using economic modeling, writing policy briefs, and even creating health blogs. It’s like all the theory from the first year is finally coming to life, and I hope the next courses follow the same pattern.

One thing I can’t help but overthink is how fast time is moving. It feels like graduation is right around the corner, and part of that is because the in-class time is shorter this year. Much of the second half of the year is dedicated to working on our thesis, which is definitely the major talking point in year two.

I’ll write course reflections in my next blog, but so far, year two feels more about action and preparation for what’s coming next.

Balancing studies with career planning

This is another major talking point in the second year. Before making any big decisions about my future career, I’m currently conducting a survey on the career outcomes of our program’s alumni. The program offers a broad range of opportunities, allowing us to pursue careers in various fields. Whether it’s economics—like consulting, working as an economist, or market analysis—policy—such as roles in governmental or international organizations as policy makers—or management—in private or public companies, hospitals, or universities—there’s no shortage of paths. And, of course, there’s always the chance to pursue something entirely different. Who knows what the future holds?

That said, career planning, networking, and establishing connections with potential employers take a lot of time and effort, which can sometimes pull focus away from studies. For now, I’m primarily focusing on my coursework and thesis, as I believe they are the most crucial aspects at this point. I’m maintaining my networks, but I’m not rushing into heavy career preparation just yet.

Senior students have advised me to use the latter half of the year to apply for jobs, practice interviews, and prepare for the “real world” after graduation. It’s a fine balance, but I’m learning to prioritise based on what feels right for me right now.

Shift of priorities from adjusting to growing

It’s true—my priorities have shifted from adjusting to growing in this second year. In the first year, it was all about adapting: adjusting to a new culture, a new environment, a different curriculum, and even getting used to the course itself. Now, in year two, it’s about growing and evolving within that framework.

One key moment that highlighted this transition was during one of our courses, where we had a dedicated day for coaching on how to build our CVs, refine cover letters, and develop essential soft skills by Maarit Kokki, former Head of Executive Office for ECDC. This was much needed for my personal growth because, at the end of the day, no matter how much expertise I gain, if I can’t market myself properly, I won’t be able to seize the opportunities out there. Learning how to sell my CV and approach the job market with confidence has become a critical part of my growth journey.

Additionally, the courses we’re taking are far more advanced and closely resemble the real-world cases we’ll be working on post-graduation. In that sense, I feel like I’m transitioning from adjusting to truly growing in the second year.

What lies ahead?

Looking ahead, we still have a few courses to complete before going into the thesis—those are the immediate things on the horizon. But the major focus, of course, is the thesis itself. In a previous blog, I interviewed Associate Professor Mathilde Sengoelge, who shared valuable advice on how to approach the thesis journey. It’s about aligning with your interests, maintaining open communication with your supervisor, and remembering that it’s a learning journey, not an end in itself.

The thesis may or may not lead directly to a job, but what matters to me is what I learn from it and the skills I develop, especially in economic modeling, which is the area I plan to focus on for my thesis.

Beyond that, it’s all about growth and preparation for life after KI. Job hunting, continuing language courses, expanding networks, refining CVs, practicing interviews, and, most importantly, staying open to learning. And of course, making the most of my time as a student at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my second year at Karolinska Institutet, it’s clear that this stage of my journey is all about growth and preparation. From studying more advanced courses to thinking ahead about my thesis and career, the focus has shifted from adjusting to actively shaping my future. While the road ahead includes finishing the final courses, my thesis, and gearing up for the job market, I’m grateful for the opportunities and learning experiences that continue to unfold. Here’s to making the most of the time left as a student and embracing what lies beyond!

Hej då!