Hi Isabelle! You graduated from the Master’s degree programme in Management in 2023. Can you tell us more about what you have been doing since your graduation?
”Since graduating, I have been up to quite a lot! I quickly realised how many doors open after finishing my master’s degree in Lund. First, I moved to Stockholm and started working at PwC as a Management Consultant within their People and Organisation Advisory department. At PwC, I supported a variety of clients across different industries in driving their transformation and change initiatives.
After completing my international master’s programme, I felt both comfortable with – and excited about – exploring opportunities outside Sweden.
After two years in Stockholm, I was ready for a change myself. After completing my international master’s programme, I felt both comfortable with – and excited about – exploring opportunities outside Sweden. So, when the opportunity to join Rituals’ headquarters in Amsterdam came up, I took it! I have now been living and working here for seven months, and I really love it.”
What motivated you to choose the Master’s in Management programme at LUSEM after your bachelor’s in Human Resource Development and Labour Relations?
”I had my eyes set on this master’s programme early on during my bachelor’s studies. I had heard great things about it – the ways of working and the approach to learning, the international and diverse student body, and the broad knowledge you gain. I thought it would be the perfect next step, both exciting and challenging, and I was completely right!”
What does a typical day look like for you as a Global HR Process Specialist at Rituals?
”I would say no day is truly typical. Rituals is a very fast-moving and growing company, so I stay busy with a broad range of tasks. In general, I mainly work on global projects, such as implementing new processes or systems for our many teams around the world.
I usually start the morning with a short bike ride to the office, passing the Amsterdam canals, followed by coffee and a few project meetings.
I usually start the morning with a short bike ride to the office, passing the Amsterdam canals, followed by coffee and a few project meetings. My days then include working on presentations, preparing training sessions, brainstorming new initiatives – often connected to AI – and checking in with our local offices across Europe.”
What skills and knowledge from your time in the Management programme and at LUSEM have been most valuable in your career after graduation?
”I believe some of the most important skills and knowledge came from working in diverse project groups throughout the programme. We were divided into groups at the start of the master’s and worked together throughout the entire year. At times, this was challenging, but it was also extremely rewarding, as it taught me how to navigate different cultures, communication styles, perspectives on quality and standards, and ways of thinking.
I believe some of the most important skills and knowledge came from working in diverse project groups throughout the programme
This experience is something I am grateful for every day. It has contributed greatly to my personal development and continues to help me in my professional role, especially when working internationally and moving to another country.”
What advice would you give current LUSEM students who want to work in HR or management consulting?
”Use every opportunity you have to practise your soft skills – presenting, collaborating, convincing, listening, and storytelling.
Use every group project and presentation as a chance to experiment, gather feedback, and improve. Trial and error now will pay off throughout the rest of your career.
These are all valuable skills that are sometimes overlooked amid case competitions, perfect slides, action titles, and budgets. Instead, focus on people: how to manage others and how to manage yourself. Use every group project and presentation as a chance to experiment, gather feedback, and improve. Trial and error now will pay off throughout the rest of your career.”
If you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
"I know everyone says this, and I also tell this to my LUSEM mentees all the time, but don’t forget to also enjoy the experience and all the student life Lund has to offer. Your studies go by so quickly, so fully enjoy the moments, be present, be bold, and try things out!
See this time as an opportunity to explore who you are and what you like, want, and need – and be honest with yourself along the way. And please, ask others for help; you are not meant to do everything on your own.”
