Student blogs

Dear readers, as promised in a previous blog, in this blog I write about where the HEPM graduates are now. Curiosity got the better of me, so I did a little digging: Where do our HEPM alumni end up after graduation? With the help of a short survey, I gathered information from HEPM graduates to get a clearer picture. While this isn’t a formal study, the results are interesting and inspiring. Here’s what I found!

Who responded?

The survey drew 35 responses from graduates across a broad time frame, with the majority being from the classes of 2023 (40%) and 2024 (37%). It’s worth noting that the responses leaned heavily toward those currently employed or pursuing further studies—unsurprisingly, these groups are likely more eager to share their journeys. This leaves me wondering: could those still searching for their next steps have chosen not to respond? It’s an interesting observation I believe.

That said, the responses received reflect a diverse group. Most alumni brought professional experience to the program, with nearly 40% having 1–3 years of experience and about a quarter over five years. A smaller group (17%) came in with less than a year of experience, and a few were stepping into the job market for the first time. This mix highlights the program’s ability to cater to experienced professionals and those just starting out.

Where are they now?

One of the most exciting findings was that a whopping 85.7% of respondents reported being employed. The rest were split between searching for a job (8.6%), continuing their studies (2.9%), or pursuing internships.

Graduates have found roles in a variety of sectors. Nearly a third are in academia such as Karolinska Institutet, while others are in industry, consulting, public sector roles, and even start-ups. Some are making an impact in non-profits, while others have joined major organisations like Parexel, Johnson & Johnson, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, TLV, University Hospitals, and even the United Nations. The majority of them, 40.6%, are in Stockholm, Sweden. However, we have alumni all over the world from across Europe to Sydney, Australia, to Beijing, China to Cairo, Egypt and to the Latin Americas, Brazil.

What roles do they hold? Think PhDs, health economists, project managers, analysts, sales, market access, and researchers or research managers—titles that speak to the diverse skill sets this program equips students with.

How long does it take to land a job?

Timing is everything, right? For many HEPM graduates, the job search began before they even graduated. About 42% secured their positions during the program, while another 26% landed jobs within the first three months after finishing. Of course, there are exceptions; a few respondents shared that it took them over a year to find their footing. This range reminds us that everyone’s journey is different—and persistence pays off. Please keep in mind that not everyone from the recent graduates responded. Could they still be searching for a job?

The challenges and opportunities

As with any job hunt, the road isn’t always smooth. Alumni cited language barriers as a significant hurdle, particularly in Sweden, where proficiency in Swedish can open many doors. Visa regulations especially for students of non-EU countries make it hard to land a job, partly due to companies not hiring those who require Visa processing. This was also boldly highlighted during a recent Alumni session we had during our Advanced Health Economy course. Others pointed to the challenge of balancing applications with their studies, as well as navigating lengthy and competitive hiring processes.

Despite these challenges, the graduates credited their success to a few key factors. Networking came out on top, with many noting the importance of building connections during and after the program. Previous experience also played a crucial role, as did guidance from mentors and supervisors. And of course, sometimes luck had its part to play—right place, right time.

What about $?

Let’s talk numbers. Salaries among HEPM graduates vary widely, reflecting the diverse roles and sectors they work in. While some are still in unpaid positions or internships, many are earning competitive salaries in the range of 26,000–35,000 SEK per month (27.3%) (mostly those in academics), 36,000–50,000 (21.2%), 51,000–70,000 SEK (15.1%). A lucky few reported even higher earnings, in the range 70,000 SEK to 100,000 SEK (9%) and even >100,000 SEK (3%). The latter were particularly in public sector, industry and consulting roles both recent and former graduates. What is interesting to note here is that experience in years doesn’t seem to determine the level of payment in those ranges. 18.2% preferred not to state the salary range. This variety underscores the broad opportunities available but also highlights the importance of aligning expectations with sector-specific realities.

Lessons for current and future students

So, what can we learn from all this? If there’s one consistent takeaway, it’s the power of networking. Alumni repeatedly emphasized the value of building connections, whether through LinkedIn, conferences, or the program’s alumni network. They also encouraged current students to start their job search early and to tailor their thesis topics to align with their career goals.

For those considering a future in Sweden, learning the language can be a game-changer. And above all, they advised embracing the journey, even when it feels uncertain. As one respondent said, “Be proactive and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Final thoughts: Charting your own path

The HEPM program opens doors to a world of possibilities, from academia to industry and beyond. While the survey offers a glimpse into these pathways, it’s clear that each journey is unique. Whether you’re preparing to graduate, just starting the program, or simply exploring your options, remember: there’s no single formula for success. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and make your own mark.

What about you? Where do you see yourself after HEPM? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear your perspective!

Thank you all for taking your time and participating in the survey.

Disclaimer
This survey was conducted informally by me as part of my personal exploration into the career outcomes of HEPM graduates. It is not an official study by Karolinska Institutet or the HEPM program. The insights shared here are based solely on the responses I received and are meant to offer a light-hearted, general perspective for informational and discussion purposes.