Published: 05-12-2024 09:00 | Updated: 05-12-2024 09:15

KI's programmes attract many at this year’s education fairs

A shelf with KI's education catalogs in the foreground and a student sitting down in the background.
One of KI's student ambassadors gets a well-deserved rest before the Saco Student Fair in Kista opens for visitors. Photo: Cecilia Frykman Gauthier

During November and December, KI's bachelor programmes representatives participated in three fairs across the country: the Kunskap & Framtid fair in Gothenburg and the Saco Student fair in Kista and Malmö. Tens of thousands of high school graduates attended to get inspiration for their future careers.

A KI student stands on one side of an eye examination machine while another student looks into it, at the Saco student fair.
KI's student staff from the optometrist programme gave fair visitors an eye examination at the stand. Photo: Cecilia Frykman Gauthier

KI's booth was well-visited in all three cities. Representatives from KI's beginner programmes were present to discuss the courses, and many potential future students had their questions answered.

"I spoke with Elin, a physiotherapy student. We talked about the courses and the internships, among other things. Elin thought it was good that I had an interest in the subject because I am involved in sports and know how different rehabilitations can look. That's why I'm interested! I specifically wanted to know about the amount of practical training and where the studies take place. Elin explained that you start in Solna and then more and more in Flemingsberg," says Anton from Bålsta.

"I have a cousin who is currently studying at KI. We've talked a lot about it, she thinks it's great fun and I'm excited to start my studies," he continues.

Healthcare programmes attracted fair visitors

According to Saco's visitor evaluations in 2023 (in Swedish), the main reasons why fair visitors in Stockholm that year wanted to pursue further studies were to get a more fulfilling job, create a more secure position in the job market, and be able to earn a higher salary. The free-text responses also showed a great interest in several healthcare-oriented programmes. The interest seems to be holding steady at this year's fairs as well.

A KI student in a plum red KI t-shirt is talking to a visitor of one of the fairs.
KI student Meti, here seen talking to a fair visitor, is studying the biomedical analyst program with a specialisation in clinical physiology. Photo: Cecilia Frykman Gauthier

"I spoke with a medical student, a nursing student, and an occupational therapy student today. We talked about how to get into the programmes and what it looks like when you work. They explained that you are in both Solna and Flemingsberg. I know I want to work in healthcare and was already familiar with KI. It was the first booth I went to," says Mona from Stockholm, who attended the Saco Student Fair in Kista.

Visitor Erna, also from the Swedish capital, had heard of KI before as well.

"I knew about KI beforehand, which is why I came here, a university specialising in healthcare and medicine! I spoke with Meti, who is studying to become a biomedical analyst. I didn't know much about the programme before. For example, I didn't know there were two specialisations, and now I'm more interested. At the booth, I also tried a Doppler to look at our pulse and a spirometer to see lung capacity. It was fun!"

Student employees help broaden the image of KI

KI student Hanna at the Saco student fair.
Student ambassador Hannah, who is studying to be an occupational therapist, thinks that a conversation at the fairs can open visitors' eyes to programmes they didn't know KI offered. Photo: Tom Bramler

Several student employees from KI's programmes were present at the fairs. One of them is Hannah, who is studying the occupational therapy programme. She is one of those who made sure to give visitors a comprehensive picture of what KI has to offer them.

"Many visitors are interested in the medical programme, but if you ask what it is about the medical programme that attracts them, it can show that other KI programmes they didn't know about might also be alternatives, based on their interests. Several visitors want to know what an occupational therapist does and what the education entails," she says.