LUSEM sees great value in long-term collaboration with the business sector. A partnership with LUSEM gives companies the opportunity to be directly involved in education through guest lectures, case competitions, and other educational initiatives. For companies, this provides an early opportunity to meet future employees and leaders, while students gain a deeper understanding of how careers in different industries can develop.
The partnership also provides access to a broad and dynamic network of students, alumni, and companies. It opens the door to new collaborations, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for all parties involved.
To gain a better understanding of how the collaboration works in practice, we spoke with Tove Gleisner, HR Director and Acting Head of Sustainability at Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB. Here, she shares the company’s experiences and perspective on the partnership.
What was the main reason you chose to become a partner of LUSEM?
“The common thread in the engagements we choose to support is the development of both individuals and companies, from providing the right conditions early in life, to helping people find the courage to stand on their own, and further to reaching their full potential and contributing to growth, innovation, and development. It is important that young people find it attractive to stay in the Öresund region and take their next step here. We want to be part of that bridge, both by offering attractive workplaces and by lowering the threshold into working life. In that sense, our collaboration with LUSEM is a very good fit.”
What value do you feel the partnership creates for Wihlborgs?
“The most valuable aspect is clearly the contact with the students and the valuable insights we gain into their thoughts and priorities. We also appreciate receiving updates from the academic world and learning how we can help strengthen the connection between academia and the business sector.”
Have you had the opportunity to meet and recruit students through the collaboration?
“Yes, we have had students in internships in several of our departments, including HR, Marketing, and Sustainability.”
Which parts of the partnership have you been most satisfied with?
“There are many initiatives that create value, but I would especially like to highlight the Leadership Academy, a leadership program for students who work full-time within a student organization. The program supports participants who take a sabbatical from their studies to work as managers within student unions and student nations.”
“It becomes a valuable experience that gives them practical leadership training ahead of their future careers, while also strengthening the student union or nation as an organization.”
The partnership with Wihlborgs demonstrates how long-term collaboration can contribute to the development of both organizations and students. When companies open their doors and engage in education, a natural pathway from studies to professional life is created. Lund University School of Economics and Management looks forward to continuing this work and, together with its partner companies, shaping a sustainable, highly skilled, and future-oriented region.
