During our journey through Scandinavia, we had the privilege of exploring several cities, including Skellefteå, Piteå, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Malmö, and Gothenburg. As business students, our exposure to the Scandinavian business culture provided us with valuable insights into different approaches to company structure and work dynamics. We discovered a different perspective, where hierarchies were flatter, and all employees were regarded as equals. This revelation emphasized the importance of our roles as young professionals and allowed us to understand our contributions are as significant as those of seasoned employees. Moreover, we learned about the progressive parental leave policies in Scandinavia, which grant 480 days off per child to parents of any gender, demonstrating the region’s commitment to work-life balance.
During our leisure time, we immersed ourselves in the local culture and were struck by the genuine warmth and kindness of the people. Scandinavia felt like a utopia, where locals were always eager to assist without any inconvenience. Whether interacting with professionals at the companies we visited or engaging with individuals during our free time, the hospitality extended to us was remarkable. This atmosphere of contentment and appreciation for the present moment, referred to as Hygge and Fika, left a lasting impression on us. Additionally, the walkable city layouts with people enjoying much more freedom of movement than we are accustomed to, including even our walking commutes to business visits.
Furthermore, our time together as a group allowed us to form deeper connections with our professors, Dr. Mario Leone and Dr. Niklas Myhr, as well as our classmates. While we had been acquainted with many of our fellow travelers for up to two years, there were some individuals with whom we had never interacted before. The trip fostered strong bonds among us, and we gained valuable insights into each other’s aspirations and life plans. This experience highlighted the transformative power of an MBA program. Our interactions with the professors were equally rewarding, as we discovered more about Niklas’ home country and customs and witnessed his extensive network throughout Sweden, which showcased his influence and value as a friend and colleague. Mario’s knowledge, particularly of international business and his passion for topics such as Fiat and olive oil, left a lasting impression on us. Their ability to bridge cultural gaps through professional experiences resonated deeply, and personal interests fostered great conversations for advice, inspiration, and growth.
When we initially signed up for this trip, our expectations were centered around enjoying new cuisine and visiting noteworthy companies. However, the profound impact of this experience far exceeded our initial assumptions. In just two weeks, our perspectives underwent a remarkable transformation, as we were exposed to a multitude of new viewpoints. We cannot express how much we enjoyed the Swedish lifestyle we immersed ourselves into, and even our day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö excited us to be back in the country. The friendships forged, experiences gained, and lessons learned during this journey will undoubtedly shape our future endeavors. We are immensely grateful for the invaluable memories and meaningful connections made, as they will undoubtedly influence our professional journeys in the years to come. Thank you for following us along for the Swede life of Raina and Veronica!
