What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
"Actually, there are a lot. I do events with the Ukraine housing initiative in Copenhagen, and I am also trying to collaborate with Media Evolution in Malmö. Since I study Culture and Creativity, I try to stay in touch with different perspectives and explore the creative side of things. The creative industries are growing fast, especially in visuals, design and media, and I only recently discovered how big they are. So I try to check what is going on and look for new opportunities all the time."
Have you had a leadership position in any project or activity?
"Yes, during my bachelor’s studies I took part in social initiatives in Western Greece. The project focused on helping people get more involved in civil society, be more democratic and think more about sustainability. It was about becoming more resilient and more active in the community. That was my first real experience of leadership."
How did you get involved in these extracurricular activities?
"Mostly through networking. It helps a lot. I also check what is happening outside Lund. For example, the EU Boot Camp started in Växjö, in Småland. I got involved because the Skåne Brussels Office was interested in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. I contacted the university in Växjö and the organisation running the bootcamp. They said they were looking for someone to connect with students in Lund, so I said I could help. They also run the bootcamp in Lund, Umeå, Gothenburg, and Stockholm."
Why should students get involved in extracurricular activities?
"The university gives you many tools, but sometimes they are not enough. Real life is more complex. You have to use these tools yourself and learn by doing. For me, the Culture and Creativity specialisation helped me understand the industry, but you still have to go out and explore on your own. Keep your eyes open, network, be social. It is more fun than just sitting at home."
How did you find out about the Service Management programme, and why did you choose it?
"I found out through associates. I chose the Culture and Creativity track because it is the only one of its kind in Sweden. There are some similar programmes in the Netherlands, but this one inspired me the most. My background is in heritage management, so the programme gave me a new perspective on culture and how complex and interesting it is in different parts of Europe. It fits well with my previous studies, my experiences and my interests."
What is the best thing about your programme?
"From the beginning, it gives you the tools to navigate the world of cultural and creative industries. It is a complex field. You have museums, visitors, events, design, media and more. It is really wide, and the programme helps you understand how to manage these things from social, cultural and economic perspectives."
What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?
"It gives you a lot of freedom. You have to be responsible for your own studies. The teachers give you the tools and you learn how to apply them through your own experience. It prepares you for the complexity of real working life."
What is it like being an international student at Lund University?
"It is a very fun experience. You get a good idea of what is happening in the cultural and creative industries. I took my electives in human geography, which was interesting. The university is also strong in sustainability, which I like."
Do you have any advice for students who are considering coming to Lund University?
"Apply as soon as possible. Use the Goin app because it helps you understand student life before you arrive. Get involved in the culture here and remember the idea of lagom, that everything has good and bad sides."
What are you planning to do after your studies?
"I would like to stay in Sweden and work in the cultural and creative industries. I want to learn more about how the market works. The programme gives you the right tools, but two years is not enough to master everything, so I want more experience."
Why should prospective students choose this programme?
"Your background does not matter so much. The Service Management programme gives you strong tools to understand the cultural and creative industries, not only in Sweden but internationally. Lund University has given me a very good experience, and it has been the same for my friends who took this journey too."