“It’s been an amazing year, fantastic though challenging at times and I have really had the chance to develop my leadership skills. Also I always used to put so much pressure on myself to achieve, to perform and deliver, but I have learned to let go a bit. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be perfect as long as the intention is good”, says Agnes Ask.
Though in her lower twenties she has had some previous leadership experience working as shift responsible at restaurants, but she describes the whole different world of managing, motivating and seeing every individual in a student union setting.
“Everyone here puts in the work pro bono and we are in it to have fun, so that has been an important priority for us, to make sure our members do have fun and also that we are feeling well. The board members still spend a deal over 40 hours a week on LundaEkonomerna, but that is still a far cry away from the 60+ hours weekly spent by many of our predecessors”, says Agnes.
Is there anything you are particularly proud of, looking back at your year as president?
“I’d have to say, my personal growth, but also the warmth and support from the members and how we together have made Skånis and the student union as a whole a place for everyone to enjoy”, she says.
Up next for Agnes is an internship at Scandinavian Cosmetics, but before she leaves we have to ask her for some tips for Axel. Very to the point she explains that he basically just needs to be himself and trust his gut instincts.
“You were elected because you are you and not to fill someone else’s shoes”, Agnes says in closing.
Axel Elmberg is a mustachioed 22 year old who became active with LundaEkonomerna right of the bat, during his first semester here, much like Agnes he emphasizes fun and the community around Skånis as both something that drew him in and that he wants to continue to improve upon. He is also very open about finding the current board inspiring, and wanting to carry on their work as well as developing himself and his skills.
“I am just getting to know, what’s in the job and very soon we’ll start working on a strategy for the next three years. One thing that is very high on the agenda is internationalization. Everyone should feel welcome and 20-25% of our members are from abroad, so we want to make a conscious effort to improve the inclusion of our international members and all international students at LUSEM. Basically, everyone should feel welcome and at ease dropping by Skånis for a chat or a coffee”, Axel says.
That or following the World Cup on a big screen at Skånis for all of you who will stay in Lund in June and early July. The new board will be there, and they will be happy to get to know you.