Hi John! What have you been up to since graduating from the Master’s programme in Managing People, Knowledge and Change (MPKC) in 2025?
“Hi! It’s always a pleasure to share experiences with both current and future students. Since graduating, I have been working at Givaudan, a global leader in flavours and fragrances used in everything from food and beverages to perfumes. I first came into contact with the company during my studies, as they offer internships through Lund University. When the opportunity appeared after graduation, it felt like a natural next step.
The role is a fun combination of analytical and creative work. One day might be filled with numbers, reports and presentations: the next with customer workshops on flavour trends, innovation and sustainability.
Today, I work as a Market and Business Analyst for the Northern European market. In practice, this means analysing data and trends to identify growth opportunities, translating market insights into strategic recommendations, and supporting the development of new solutions for our customers.
The role is a fun combination of analytical and creative work. One day might be filled with numbers, reports and presentations: the next with customer workshops on flavour trends, innovation and sustainability. That mix and the fact that I get to work with products people interact with every day, often without realising it, makes the job truly exciting.”
What does a typical workday look like for you?
“No day is really the same, but I usually start my morning at the office by going through emails and joining our daily meeting where we review new projects. We discuss timelines, resources and priorities. After that, my days vary quite a bit. Some days focus on internal project meetings, while others are dedicated to preparing presentations, trend reports or market analyses. One of the most enjoyable parts of the job is participating in flavour tastings, everything from beverages and snacks to ready meals.
I also enjoy the more outward‑facing days, when I travel to customers to give presentations and run workshops. As I mentioned earlier, the variation is one of the things I appreciate the most: the work is analytical, creative and communicative.”
What motivated you to choose the master’s programme in Managing People, Knowledge and Change (MPKC)?
“I wasn’t entirely sure I would pursue a master’s degree at first, but looking back, I’m very glad I did. I heard about the MPKC programme towards the end of my bachelor’s studies and two professors recommended the programme. What appealed to me most was its unique approach, less focus on memorising models and more on understanding, discussing and questioning concepts. It suited me perfectly, as I learn best by exploring ideas together with others.”
What appealed to me most was its unique approach, less focus on memorising models and more on understanding, discussing and questioning concepts. It suited me perfectly, as I learn best by exploring ideas together with others.
What knowledge or skills from your studies do you still use in your work today?
“One of the most valuable things I took with me is the importance of critical thinking: questioning, analysing and seeing issues from multiple perspectives. We often worked with cases and discussions where we explored the same problem from several angles. This has helped me better understand how people and organisations are driven by different motivations, something I use every day when meeting various stakeholders.
During my LUSEM studies I also gained a deeper understanding of how organisations function and change. During the master’s, we studied everything from culture and leadership to how new ways of working or technologies influence both structures and employees. This knowledge is useful because companies, even innovative ones, can be more traditional than expected when implementing new solutions. The MPKC programme helped me understand and navigate change processes with more empathy and insight.
During my LUSEM studies I also gained a deeper understanding of how organisations function and change. During the master’s, we studied everything from culture and leadership to how new ways of working or technologies influence both structures and employees.
Lastly, I really appreciated the international environment in the programme. Being a part of a class with diverse perspectives and experiences prepared me well for working in a global organisation.”
You completed both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees at LUSEM. How would you describe the difference between studying at bachelor’s level and master’s level?
“Great question! For me, the bachelor’s programme provided a broad and solid foundation. You are introduced to many different subjects, accounting, marketing, economics, and towards the end you begin to see how everything connects into a cohesive picture of how organisations and economies function.
The master’s programme was a natural next step. You take the knowledge you have built and start using it in a more analytical, reflective and independent way. Discussions become deeper, perspectives broader, and you really learn to connect theory to practical challenges. Something I especially appreciated was the level of engagement in the classroom. Everyone had chosen the programme because they were genuinely interested in the subject. This created a strong sense of community and let to more meaningful discussions, both in and beyond the classroom.”
What is your favourite memory from your time studying in Lund?
“That’s a tough question! I spent several years in Lund, so I have many great memories and friendships from that time. Looking back, it’s not the big events I remember the most, but the everyday moments, having lunch with friends between lectures, getting coffee during a study break, or celebrating a finished exam with a beer in the evening.
Everyone had chosen the programme because they were genuinely interested in the subject. This created a strong sense of community and let to more meaningful discussions, both in and beyond the classroom.
If I had to mention a few special memories, I would say the Lundakarnevalen spring, Valborg in Stadsparken (always a highlight), and working on my master’s thesis with my thesis partner. These were intense but incredibly fun periods that I look back on with a lot of joy.”
