Studies and Career: How Everything Came Together for Jesper in Umeå
In 2018, Jesper Karlsson moved to Umeå to study industrial engineering and management. The program at Umeå University provided him with the essential skills to quickly secure a job in the tech industry, Today, he works as a data analyst at Volvo Trucks, contributing to the company’s digitalization journey.
Jesper faced a crossroads that many can relate to before starting university – where can I find courses that interest me? Which city could I see myself living in?
Like many others from Skellefteå, he moved 130 kilometers south. "I enjoyed being in the north and didn’t feel the need to move farther away. Umeå had what I was looking for – a vibrant student city that has everything you need, yet compact and close to nature and leisure activities. It felt right from the start," says Jesper. After five years of studies, he was ready to enter Umeå’s job market.
A LinkedIn job posting from Volvo Trucks caught his attention. The recruitment process was smooth, and he has now been working for Umeå’s largest private employer for just over a year.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
"I work on advancing and supporting Volvo’s digitalization journey, focusing specifically on data analysis. It can be very varied – one day I might help one of our departments with new digital tools, and the next day I might be in a meeting with management discussing the investments we need to become more data-driven. Often, my job involves visualizing data and supporting our departments with the right information. It’s a lot of strategic work and helping others improve their work with data and digital solutions."
What do you like most about your job?
"What I appreciate most is being part of constant impovements, and seeing the results of what I do. We can develop a new technical solution and see it being used in production the following week. The work is very concrete and closely tied to the business. I also appreciate that we collaborate broadly, working with colleagues who have extensive experience in current processes while contributing new ideas for improvement."
What I appreciate most is being part of constant impovements, and seeing the results of what I do. We can develop a new technical solution and see it being used in production the following week.
What experiences have been important for your current role?
"The industrial engineering and management program at Umeå University has been a great foundation, especially in terms of problem-solving. I've also learned a lot from working in different functions during my trainee period, where I gained both local and international experience. It has helped me see both the details and the big picture in my work. Another important aspect has been learning to work closely with people and understand their needs – something I truly value in my role."
How do you view the future of the Tech industry in Umeå?
"I think the outlook is very positive. Digitalization is a continuous journey, and it feels like we have an incredibly exciting period ahead of us. Technology is constantly evolving, and there is always new things to do in order to improve processes and stay relevant. I see great potential in working in this field in Umeå."
What do you appreciate about Volvo as an employer?
"I feel there’s a welcoming attitude towards contributing ideas, with an openness to question and improve even well-established ways of working. We have a great work environment, and I feel I can grow both professionally and as a person. I've also had the privilege to work globally from Umeå, with development projects in other countries such as Brazil and Australia. This experience has truly given me new perspectives."
How do you balance work and leisure?
"The balance is great. We have freedom with responsibility, allowing me to have some control over how I structure my workdays. It makes it easier to fit leisure activities in to my schedule, like volleyball or climbing with my friends at IKSU. We have a wellness benefit from Volvo, so staying active is encouraged. Plus, nature is close by, so it's easy to unwind after work; I just step out of the office and follow the riverside all the way home – it feels like everyday luxury."
Do you have any advice for people considering moving to Umeå?
"My best advice is to be brave! Find something you’re genuinely interested in and make sure you're well-informed about the company you’re applying to. Umeå has a lot to offer, both in terms of work and leisure, so there are many opportunities if you’re willing to take the step."
Facts about Jesper:
Name: Jesper Karlsson
Age: 27
Lives: Downtown Eastside
From: Skellefteå
Occupation: Data Analyst at Volvo Trucks
Family: Partner, parents in Skellefteå, two siblings in Luleå
Hobbies: "I spend a lot of time socializing with friends, working out, cooking, and taking trips to the coast or somewhere around Umeå."
Favorite food: Steak tartare
Favorite show: "I'm a Game of Thrones fan."
Favorite podcast: "I think P3’s podcast Dystopia is great, quality content!"
Favorite spot in Umeå: Smultronstället (a local gem).