Friðrik

Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?

I have always wanted to challenge myself and live abroad, and doing so while pursuing my master's degree felt like the perfect opportunity. KTH is one of the top-ranked technical universities in Sweden and Europe, with an excellent reputation and an outstanding academic environment, and any engineering student notices this. I was looking for a programme combining economics and managerial perspectives, along with technological aspects of engineering, which fits the Industrial Management programme well. The programme has a broad range of topics, a rich connection with the industry, and a great emphasis on innovation and sustainability. In addition, Stockholm sealed the deal as a fascinating and interesting city.

What are the best aspects of your programme?

In my opinion, the best aspect of the Industrial Management programme is the flexibility of its structure. In addition to the mandatory courses that everyone takes, students can choose elective courses and thus create a personalised specialisation. This method gives one much flexibility as you can select from a range of available courses, both within KTH and in collaboration with other universities. Therefore, you can conduct your studies according to your interests, and in my case, I have chosen courses related to finance and innovation.

What are some of your favourite courses so far?

I like the Perspectives on Industrial Management (PIM) course; it is one of the first courses you take. As an introductory course, it provides an overview of the industry with a good balance of guest lectures, case studies, seminars, and presentations. What is also really nice about the course is that the work is carried out in groups, which allows you to meet new people at the beginning of the programme.

How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?

Compared to my previous studies, the programme has a lot of emphasis on group-based assignments. I prefer showcasing my knowledge and understanding through reports and presentations rather than taking one final exam, which is the case in many courses. This technique also means more interaction and discussion with the people on the programme, which allows you to get to know them better and form connections. As I have said before, the study is flexible, and students have the opportunity to participate in classes on campus but also follow them online when that suits them better. Finally, everything surrounding student life is more prominent and gets more attention than I am used to.

What do you want to do after graduating?

Although I see myself eventually returning home to Iceland, I am looking to stay here in Stockholm for some time after graduation. Stockholm is one of the world's leading tech startup cities that offers many exciting opportunities. I want to explore that field further, where I can combine my interest in management and technology.