JU shows the way to a future in Sweden after graduation
On 8 October, Jönköping University (JU) opened its doors for an inspiring career event aimed at international students who want to work and live in Sweden after graduation. During the morning, around 280 students, employers, alumni, and experts gathered to share knowledge, experiences, and opportunities.
“This is a fantastic initiative that I hope will contribute to us at JU doing even more than we already do in this area,” says Måns Svensson, President at JU.
Studenterna Hasanthi Kathalawala och Kanchana Lakmali från Sri Lanka är nyfikna på vad framtiden i Sverige kommer att erbjuda.
The career event, which was organized for the first time, is part of Jönköping University's efforts to strengthen international students' opportunities to stay and contribute to Swedish society after graduation. The day was organized in collaboration with Jönköping Municipality.
Students Hasanthi Kathalawala and Kanchana Lakmali from Sri Lanka are both studying the WorkS - Lifelong Learning, Sustainability and Work programme at the School of Education and Communication. They have been in Sweden for two months and are curious about what the future will bring.
“I think both JU and Jönköping are welcoming. There are a lot of opportunities here, and if I get a job after my studies, I can definitely see myself staying,” says Hasanthi Kathalawala, who is also considering starting her own business after her studies.
"As an international student, you have many questions and doubts. So, it's good to be able to get inspiration and help from others who have been in the same situation. It was a great day, and you feel encouraged and motivated to keep working and seize the opportunities that arise," says Kanchana Lakmali.
Opportunities to network and obtain valuable information
Måns Svensson believes that JU's international students have great potential that companies in the region can benefit from.
Måns Svensson believes that JU's international students have great potential that companies in the region can benefit from.
"I think we can contribute even more to skills development in our region. I am picking up signals from the regional business community that they would like to see more international students choosing to stay and develop their careers in our region," he says.
Henrik Dahlström, CEO of the Jönköping County Chamber of Commerce, hopes that more students will see the opportunities that exist in the region's business community.
“There is great potential in more students staying in Jönköping County,” says Henrik Dahlström.
During the day, students had the opportunity to meet employers such as Thule and Qtech, listen to success stories from former students, and obtain concrete information about important social functions such as work permits, migration, healthcare, banking services, and language learning. The students were also able to participate in panel discussions and mingle with recruiters, experts, and other students.
Sofia Davidsson, business developer/purchasing manager at Qtech, believes that international students contribute to an inclusive working environment.
Sofia Davidsson, Business Developer/Purchasing Manager at Qtech, has experience with international students.
“We are here today because we have previously employed an international student and we would like to do this again in order to create a more inclusive and prosperous organization. We have our work cut out for us as small and medium-sized companies are not always well-equipped to take on international students, but with willingness on both sides, obstacles can always be overcome,” says Sofia Davidsson.
