Emily Tran is a student on the Swedish Bachelor’s programme in Design of Information Systems, Systemvetenskapligt kandidatprogram, at Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM). After graduating from upper secondary school, she felt lost and started studying several university programmes before finding the right one.
“After upper secondary school, I wasn’t sure what to do next,” she says. “I studied Social Work for two semesters and then Industrial Design for one semester.”
I was drawn to the idea of learning programming, but what really got me interested was the combination of systems development and operational management.
When Emily heard about the Bachelor’s programme in Design of Information Systems she thought the combination of IT and business sounded useful.
“I’d never heard of information systems before, but I thought it sounded exciting,” says Emily. “I was drawn to the idea of learning programming, but what really got me interested was the combination of systems development and operational management. As a Designer of Information Systems, you gain an understanding of the entire process, from business objectives to the systems that are developed.”
The best part of the course has been the group projects.
“Working on case studies is creative and rewarding, and it’s good preparation for working life,” she says. “You learn to collaborate with others and gain practical experience.”
Chose Lund because of its reputation
Although her path to the right education wasn’t straightforward, it was no coincidence that Emily ended up in Lund. She comes from Helsingborg and Lund University was always her goal, which she values for its excellent reputation and many opportunities.
“Lund University is well-known and highly ranked both in Sweden and abroad,” says Emily. “There are many excellent programmes to choose from, opportunities to study abroad and a vibrant student life!”
Emily thinks the best thing about student life is the wide range of options available.
“There’s something for everyone, from sports clubs to nightclubs,” she says. I usually attend a language café and go to LundaEkonomerna’s events for students at LUSEM. For example, every year they organise eeeDays, which is a big career fair.
It was really cool and rewarding to go on an exchange. You learn a lot when you’re on your own in another country, not least about yourself.
The fifth semester is optional in all Bachelor’s programmes at LUSEM, meaning you can choose between studying abroad, doing an internship or taking elective courses. Emily chose to spend a semester abroad in Taiwan, which she describes as a great adventure:
“It was really cool and rewarding to go on an exchange. You learn a lot when you’re on your own in another country, not least about yourself. If you’re interested in studying abroad, I recommend seizing the opportunity when it arises.”
Advice for future students
Emily’s advice to those who are unsure of what to study is to pause and take the time to think about what they want to do.
“Dare to be open to different possibilities, but also dare to pause,” says Emily. “I remember how lost I felt after leaving upper secondary school. You don’t need to rush into things; once you’ve found something that seems interesting, you can read up on it and then let it sink in for a while, before deciding.”
Emily also recommends reading education magazines from universities and reading the syllabi of the programmes and courses you find interesting.
“My advice is to read the education magazine carefully and to be open to different paths,” says Emily. “Read up thoroughly on both programmes and courses so that you gain an understanding of what they entail and what career opportunities are available.”
For Emily, it’s important that the work you do feels rewarding.
“It would be cool to work for a large company in the future,” she says. “But to me, the most important thing is that it feels fun to go to work, job titles matter less.”
Emily graduates in June, but she doesn’t need to worry about the future – she’s already secured a job as a Junior IT Consultant.
