Dzhamilia, you graduated from the master’s programme in European and International Trade and Tax Law in 2023, can you tell us about the path to your first job after graduation?
Before coming to Sweden I gained experience working for companies in the international trade and supply chain sector. Upon graduation, I sought to further my career in this field while also broadening my understanding of various business processes, so I have joined Mars leadership experience program – fast track to a career in business leadership within Mars, a prominent player in the FMCG industry.
I am leading the improvement process for Factory Mars Operating System based on lean principles of supply.
The selection process started in summer and consisted of several steps (CV, video interview, assessment with recruiters, individual and team case interview) leading to the final assessment session with managers, and I got an offer in October.
As the company is international, they value the cross-cultural experience that I have obtained during my studies in Lund. I manage projects, lead teams, and take on roles in different business functions. Now, as a part of Supply Excellence team, I am leading the improvement process for Factory Mars Operating System based on lean principles of supply.
Why did you choose to study a master’s degree in European and International Trade and Tax Law?
My ultimate career goal is to contribute to sustainable economic growth through the development of international trade and to help institutions and businesses from countries with various levels of development operate legally and adapt to new global challenges. Before coming to Sweden, I worked for Nokia where I coordinated the international telecommunication hardware supply from manufacturers in Europe, Asia, and Latin America to the local providers in the remote areas in Siberia, Ural, Caucasus.
Before moving further in my career, I wanted to get a wider understanding of international legal principles of business operations, which is why I have chosen the European and International Trade Law program at LUSEM. Also, there was an opportunity to choose a track inside the program – a big plus for me.
Before moving further in my career, I wanted to get a wider understanding of international legal principles of business operations, which is why I have chosen the European and International Trade Law program at LUSEM.
Besides, I’ve been dreaming about coming to Sweden ever since I was a teenager – I was fascinated by its culture and music, in particular. Lund University's status as the most international university in Sweden further influenced my decision.
Upon being accepted into the program, I was also awarded the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, which enabled me to join an exceptional community of scholarship holders in Lund.
What are the takeaways from your studies at LUSEM that you have found useful in your job so far?
One of the main takeaways is the skill of leading/working in cross-cultural teams – this ability has proven and will continue to be incredibly valuable as I navigate my career in international business.
The most important one – the great friends I met at LUSEM – we now live in different parts of the world but keep supporting each other in our post-graduation life.
During my studies at LUSEM, I also participated in Change Maker Future Track aimed at developing the ability to support complex change processes, to drive sustainable development in a practical manner. My team's project - finding the opportunities for sustainable financing for Help-to-Help - the Swedish NGO operating in educational field in Africa. This has given me experience in navigating complex projects that include the representatives of different functions, which is now a big part of my job.
Also, the combination of legal and business perspective on issues that I got from my program at LUSEM is something I use quite a lot.
And, of course, the most important one – great friends I met at LUSEM – we now live in different parts of the world but keep supporting each other in our post-graduation life.
What were your favourite things about Lund student life?
There were so many!
Daily fika with my classmates, activities from LundaEkonomerna, sittnings at nations, events from my scholarship board, big events like EU days, lunch lectures at LUSEM, networking events at Ideon Science park, cozy picnics at Lomma beach, library sessions with friends, catching Northern lights on the hills on the outskirts of Lund.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
It would probably be the ability to understand and speak all the languages! :D
Cross-cultural communication is my biggest hobby and I love exploring cultures via languages