Double degree student Rasmus Ilestedt graduated with honors

Rasmus Ilestedt comes from Växjö in Sweden and graduated 2017 after having completed the Master of Science programme in Innovation and Industrial Management, at the School of Business, Economics and Law. Rasmus took part in the double degree programme between LUISS University in Rome and the University of Gothenburg. The double degree programme is structured so that the student studies one year in each country. Rasmus spent the first year of the Master programme in Italy and the second year in Sweden.

Why did you choose the Innovation and Industrial Management (IIM) programme?

I wanted to do a master’s programme that would prepare me well for a future career in an ever more global and rapidly changing world. With previous studies in finance, I thought the IIM programme was a natural step to provide me with the knowledge and tools that I perhaps felt that I still missed from my more quantitative background.

How was your year at LUISS?

LUISS is a fantastic place to study. The school is located just north of the city center with very modern facilities, beautiful gardens and great teachers. The courses and modules that were prepared for the double-degree were very interesting and relevant but also challenging and demanding. Looking back, it is remarkable how a year of such intense studying also contained so much fun and memorable experiences, being in Rome. In summary, it was certainly a rewarding year on every level.

What was different from Sweden?

The school system and culture in general is very different from the Sweden and it took a little while getting used to. Typical examples would be oral exams, Italian non-punctuality or just the late lunch and dinner times (you won’t find much company in the lunch restaurant around 12 o’clock). It was also mandatory to learn basic Italian, which I directly found to be quite useful.

After being judged by an academic jury you received the highest grade possible on your master thesis – can you explain more about the thesis defence and the honorary grade?

The procedure of obtaining your master’s degree and final overall grade (Laurea Magistrale) is different from the Swedish. The Italian equivalent of a final GPA is awarded after successfully defending your master’s thesis in front of an academic jury and audience, after which they decide upon a final grade based on your study results and thesis discussion. As you can imagine, standing in front of all these professors at a school in the historic city of Rome and being awarded the honorary grade was somewhat of a surreal moment in life. I was so thankful that I had been given this opportunity and happy that I made the most of it.

What is your current employment?

I am working as a global trainee for the SKF Group within finance & business transformation. I found out about the job while I was doing research about graduate programmes and concluded that it would not only be a rare opportunity but also a great fit with my academic background to be able to work for a leading global technology company. The programme itself provides a fantastic opportunity to get an accelerated start into an organization and seeing different parts of the company. During the 18-month program I will spend roughly ten months abroad and try different business areas in order to get a thorough understanding of the company. It is also a great opportunity to meet people and build a global network in preparation for a future career within the SKF Group.

How has your education at the School helped you (so far) in your professional career?

In my experience so far, I have been able to apply much of the knowledge and skills I gained from the IIM programme in my professional work already. I found that the modern business challenges that were highlighted back in the classroom are real and I therefore felt that I was well prepared and could contribute in discussions from day one.

What did you like the most about your programme and the school?

As mentioned, I think the best part of the IIM programme is that the topics and readings are very applicable and relevant to the world we live in today. It provided useful tools and case-based learning of how to turn tough business challenges into opportunities.

What makes Gothenburg and Sweden a great place to study?

Sweden is a great place to study and live in for several reasons. The society is open-hearted, efficient and diversified. Gothenburg is a global, modern city with plenty of fun things to do and the Swedes have good knowledge of English and are always happy to help if you ask.

Any tips for future students?

Make the most of this exciting time in life by actively seeking out opportunities and stepping out of your comfort zone as often as possible - that’s where you learn the most.