Sophie Lahey
In August 2022, I arrived in Sweden, ready to start my Master’s program in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science. Passionate about sustainability, I decided to study in Sweden in hopes of gaining a holistic education in sustainability and was drawn to a life built around public transportation and walkable cities.
Building a path forward
When I moved to Sweden, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay after my studies. But when I found community and started to enjoy the pace of life here, I decided I wanted to give my best effort to stay. After graduating in June 2024, I was nervous about not having a job lined up. I quickly grew anxious about the prospects of finding a job here in Skåne.
By the time Fall arrived, I developed a plan: I would invest as much time as possible into learning Swedish. I finished SFI and started my next courses at Komvux. I also signed up for the Kick-Start Program (KPS) at International Citizen Hub Lund, where I could dive deeper into a strategy for job-searching in Sweden.
From job search anxiety to community support
Through the Kick-Start Program, not only did I learn how to better navigate my job search, but I also felt supported by peers - we celebrated interviews we landed, helped each other further review our CVs, and found answers to questions we had about the job market together. Finding my peers and ICHL during this time felt like finding the community I needed to keep me going and encouraged during this job search time, especially as the days became shorter in Sweden.
Dots connected
At one of the events organized through the KSP, I was able to go to an event at an IKEA office in Malmö. During this time, I learned about the different IKEA organizations and initiatives. The dots connected a few weeks later as I saw a Jobbsprånget internship opening in an IKEA organization that I learned about at the KSP event! I started my internship at IKEA Social Entrepreneurship this February and feel grateful for the career support KSP provided that lead me to this opportunity.
Embracing support and seizing opportunities
Though my career journey is just getting started in Sweden, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to develop and grow as a sustainability professional. If you’re going through the job search now, don’t be afraid to ask for help, be vulnerable (there are people in your situation too and you can work through it together), and embrace sources of support such as International Citizen Hub to figure out your next steps!
/Sophie Lahey
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