The graduate: "A wonderful mix of confusion and eye openers"
On Friday, 17 January 2025, the graduating classes of four programmes at Karolinska Institutet will receive their diplomas. These programmes are the nursing programme, the medical programme, the physiotherapy programme, and the occupational therapy programme. Two of the graduating students, Måns and Niklas, have answered questions about their time at university and future plans.
Måns Deckner, physiotherapy programme
What will you do after graduation?
"I will start working in the department of nephrology and endocrinology at Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge immediately after graduation. I will encounter a variety of patients. Among other things, I will train patients suffering from chronic kidney failure and mobilise patients after amputations due to diabetes complications."
How did you find your job?
"I actively started looking for job advertisements from the beginning of last semester. I also contacted the managers of the units I was interested in working at. Luckily, a position opened up at one of these units. I was called for an interview and then got the job! I think it helped that I had asked my previous supervisors if they could give me application references."
If you could dream freely, where would you like to be professionally in five years?
"I would still be in inpatient care, but at the paediatrics department in Solna, working towards a specialist role in the field. I had my advanced internship there and thought it was fantastic! I really enjoy teaching, so I also hope to keep a foot in the physiotherapy programme and do some teaching."
What is your best memory from KI?
"Oh, I can't pick out a specific memory. All the methodology training with my wonderful classmates is probably what I appreciated the most. It has been a lovely mix of confusion, laughter, nervousness, and eye openers."
What has been the most challenging during your studies?
"Balancing everything in life, spending the right amount of time on studies, hobbies, family, etc. Some periods have been very intense."
Niklas Dahlhjelm, occupational therapy programme
What are your plans after graduation?
"After graduation, I look forward to starting to work as an occupational therapist and exploring all the possibilities within the profession. The breadth and versatility of occupational therapy make it possible to work in many different areas, which feels both exciting and inspiring. I am currently exploring various options to find the right place where I can contribute and develop."
How do you look for jobs?
"I am exploring all possibilities, using both my network and various job portals to find the right position. I am optimistic about the opportunities because there is high demand for occupational therapists, and the job market looks promising."
What do you hope to be doing in five years?
"In five years, I hope to be working on developing aids within occupational therapy, especially by integrating AI and technology to improve their function and adaptation. I want to contribute to creating innovative solutions that make it easier for people to regain their independence and improve their daily lives."
Best memory from KI?
"My best memory is from an interprofessional workshop where we worked in teams with students from different healthcare programmes. It was inspiring to see how different professions can complement each other to provide the best possible care for patients. It gave me perspective and a sense of community that I will bring into my professional life."
What has been the most challenging during your studies?
"Combining theory with practical application during the clinical placement periods. Quickly adapting to new environments and applying theoretical knowledge in real situations was demanding, but it has also been incredibly educational and rewarding."