Congratulations Emma Jakobson!
We are very proud of you and your commercial ‘Dystopi’, which will represent the
University in the media. The film will be shown on TV 3, Kanal 5, Play channels, YouTube
and in social media channels.
This is how it happened
During the spring of 2019, it was time for the second edition of Made by Students. We challenged our students to submit their ideas for this year’s commercials. The purpose of the film was the same as the previous year; to recruit new students to the University of Gävle. This year, the theme was sustainability.
Some students attended our workshops to test their ideas on professionals. Others let their
thoughts emerge. Just like they usually do when you’re standing in the shower or riding the
train. That was exactly what happened to our winner, Emma Jakobson.
Her contribution ‘Dystopi’ received the most votes on our website. Several intensive weeks
followed. She was helped to develop her film and travel to Stockholm for the recording, in
fact, in the same enormous studio where Bergman once created his films.
- This is where I belong!
Our winner Emma Jakobson is completing her final year of the Media and Communication Programme, with a major in professional writing. Now she is sure about what she wants to work with once she has got her degree. Read all about Emma’s exciting journey into the
world of advertising.
Bloody depressing!
... and here are the students who are on our posters.
As part of the recruitment campaign, we allow the students themselves to talk about their
education. Go on, read the interviews below. However, this is just a sample. We offer about
50 programmes and about 350 independent courses. All of our courses can be found at
www.hig.se .
Oscar Carlsson, IT Systems Development in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
“The course lands somewhere between a computer engineer and a surveyor.”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
It’s close to my home town and I know the city. It has a good and well-known GIS section.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
Because I will gain knowledge about programming, systems development combined with
GIS knowledge. It is a broad course offering great opportunities for work after graduation.
What is the best thing about the course?
The courses relating to application development and programming.
Is there anything else special about your course that could be good/fun to know?
The course ends up somewhere between a computer engineer and a surveyor. Some extra
subjects are offered for each field so you can take a degree as a surveyor or computer engineer. There are many subjects that are held together with other students from other
programmes, which gives you the chance to get to know more than just your own class.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
Everything is pretty much accessible and close by. Yet the student lifestyle is rarely talked
about, but it is actually good.
What do you want to work with in the future?
Systems Development/Web Development or IT Security. There is a lot I could consider and will have the opportunity to work with.
Do you have any tips for people looking for a university?
The studies take time, plan for them and arrive with an open mind. Take part in student
lifestyle, make new friends and have a lot of fun away from your studies so you have the
best time possible.
Angelica Karlsen, Yazan Al Abdalla, The Subject Teacher Programme
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
I chose to study at HiG (University of Gävle) because I had heard so much about the
University and about the city. My sister already lived in Gävle and studied at the University,
which made my decision even easier.
Why did you choose this particular education?
I have always wanted to work with people, young people and to be able to make a
difference, so the subject teacher programme was the perfect choice for me.
What is the best thing about the programme?
The best thing about the subject teacher programme is meeting so many other fellow
students who will then become your fellow colleagues. We help each other to develop and
the entire program provides the feeling that “we’re all in the same boat”, that is, we all help
each other out. Once we become qualified teachers, we will be working side by side with one another, so it’s great that a team spirit already exists within the subject teaching
programme.
Is there anything else that is special about your programme that could be good/fun
to know?
The thing that makes the subject teaching programme special is that you are always
developing and that you’re not forced to be an expert on all parts of all subjects when you
have graduated. Each day you learn new things and develop towards your future
profession. You never stop learning and that is what attracts me to this profession.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
The best thing about Gävle is that everything is close by, ranging from both the necessary
things to fun activities. The city of Gävle also offers fun and enjoyable events that I look
forward to each year, everything from buying food from all over the world, the
inauguration of the straw Christmas goat (Julbocken) or to take a cosy walk along the
torch-lit Gavle River.
What do you want to work with in the future?
Secondary school teacher.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Applying to the University and moving to Gävle is one of the best decisions I have made in
my life. My best tip is to simply enjoy what the city and University have to offer.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
I believed that religious education at the University of Gävle was, and still is, a profound programme that further developed my knowledge within the subject and therefore I had the opportunity to analyse, discuss and, above all, understand different cultural perspectives in relation to religion, that is, to understand why people around the world act the way they do.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
I was extremely interested in the subject of religion as I always appreciated those concepts that are considered to be supernatural or inexplicable. God’s existence is one such concept, a number of researchers are attempting to prove that God does not exist while others suggest the opposite, however, neither of these two groups have sufficient evidence to win the debate. Studying these issues, as well as studying why people find it important to prove or disprove God’s existence has always been interesting to me.
What is the best thing about the programme?
The best thing about my programme is that I get the opportunity to learn things about different cultures, different religions and, for example, the language that sets the foundation for most of the languages in the Nordic countries and a number of other regions. This means that I’m able to understand peoples’ actions around the world and once I’ve gathered all this information, teach it in my own way to other generations. What I teach to my students is what they will, in turn, bring to the world, so I shape the entire society, which is a huge responsibility. Furthermore, teachers are the world’s cornerstones, everyone needs teachers. If you want to become a doctor, astronaut or mechanic, you still need to gain knowledge from a teacher.
Is there anything else special about your programme that could be good/fun to
know?
The programme’s hidden sides are the same as in other programs when you study as long as I do. Aa student you create good relationships with your colleagues, and you become a person you never once thought you would become. The reason for this is that you learn how to act when you work with people and what you should do to improve society.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
Gävle is quite a large city with lots to offer; there is something here for everyone. What I appreciate most is the campus where only students live, students who have come here from all over the world to study.
What do you want to work with in the future?
My plans for the future are to become a researcher. If that doesn’t go to plan, then I aim to become an assistant professor or secondary school teacher.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
The University of Gävle is a very good school like several universities in the country. My tip can be applicable to all prospective students: visit the school, carefully study the programme you are interested in, and above all, don’t be fearful of the fact that it seems difficult, that feeling disappears after the first exam.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
I chose to study at the University of Gävle because it was the most convenient since I live in Gävle.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
I chose this programme because I thought it seemed interesting and I like to lead and see people develop.
What is the best thing about the programme?
It is interesting to learn more about pedagogy.
Is there anything else special about your programme that could be good/fun to know?
Unlike certain other courses, the teacher programme lets you try the profession via an internship.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
The best thing about Gävle is the close proximity to the lovely park: Boulognernskogen.
What do you want to work with in the future?
I want to work as a teacher at either, a secondary school or Komvux (adult learning).
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Join the Facebook group: ‘Högskolan i Gävle (HIG) -Köp/sälj kurslitteratur & studentlitteratur’ because you can find cheap student literature there (University of Gävle (HIG) – Buy/sell course literature & student literature).
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
I chose the University of Gävle because I had heard very positive feedback about the school and a benefit is that it’s in my home town.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
I chose to study to become a subject teacher partly because I enjoy working with people, working pedagogically and developing myself.
What is the best thing about the programme?
The best thing about educating yourself is generally that you get to examine yourself and develop as a human being in a positive way.
What do you want to work with in the future?
I want to work as a subject teacher when I finish my studies.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
You will not regret your decision once you start to study! It’s so much fun, even if you put blood, sweat and tears into every exam, it’s worth it in the end.
Emma Martinell, Communication program, major in Communications
“The program offers everything from strategic communication and project management to
journalistic writing and storytelling.”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
It was natural that I chose the University of Gävle, partly because I already live in the city, and partly because the education I wanted to apply to is available here. I also spent a lot of time at the University when I studied off-campus and I have always enjoyed being here.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
I chose communication simply because I love it! The fact that it was just the Media and Communication program with a major in Communications is because I wanted an education in media and communication that was broad reaching and was not too specialised in any particular type of communication. I don’t regret a single second.
What is the best thing about your programme?
The variation! The programme offers everything from strategic communication and project
management to journalistic writing and storytelling. Quite simply it provides a stable
foundation an offers diversity. Of course, the internship is also a plus.
Is there anything else special about your programme that could be good/fun to
know?
If you decide on specialising on communication, you will, in some courses, be with other
students who specialise in professional writing. As far as I’m concerned, there are only
advantages with this scenario because with different specialisations and different courses behind you it can be both interesting and fun at both seminars, as well as for group work.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
Gävle is just the right city. The city is big enough so you can feel somewhat anonymous, but small enough to be able to get around on a bicycle. The absolute best part is being so close to the forest and the sea, yet there is also a lot of greenery all over the city!
What do you want to work with in the future?
Oh, a difficult question! There are an infinite number of ways to work as a communicator
and I will probably change my mind once and twice during the programme. That said, project management, sustainability and the environment all have a special place in my heart.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Find that which feels right for you – no matter what it is! It is you and only you who should be satisfied with your choice. It is just as important to know that you can apply for something else if it was the wrong choice, however, make sure that you give the programme an honest chance. If what you are looking for is available at the University of Gävle, I just want to give you a warm welcome. And don’t forget the bicycle!
Anton Åkerlund, Public Health Strategist for Sustainable Development
“The programme gives you the opportunity to gain an understanding into what affects
people’s health, how it happens and where it leads to.”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
I decided on Gävle because I think it is a nice city and it is close to my home town.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
For a long time, I had thought about studying. The programmes I had looked at earlier were in the same area as a public health strategist. When I attended an open house here and looked around, this programme was new, and I became interested.
What is the best thing about the programme?
That it’s so multifaceted, has a broad perspective and deals with many interesting topics,
ranging from the environment, nature and biology to economics, urban planning and social sustainability. The programme’s fundamental message is that we can promote the population’s health with sustainable development and therefore sustainable development is part of all the courses we take. The programme gives you the opportunity to gain an understanding of what affects people’s health, how it happens and where it leads.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
They’re good people. I grew up in a harbour city, so I enjoy living at places that are adjacent to the sea. There are also many lovely buildings here.
What do you want to work with in the future?
There are many options, but at the moment I am very interested in working with drug prevention.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Find out what you are interested in. Get in the housing queue as soon as possible. Attend the kick-off and join the student union, it is a great way to meet new people.
Markus Enzell, Sports Science Programme
“We were taught by adhering to the training methods of the legend and Olympian Anders T
Bergström. What a buzz!”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
One thing that was clear when I decided to study was that I wanted to move to a new city within reasonable distance of Sollentuna. So, a very close friend of mine was going to start to study here and advised me to do the same.
Why did you choose this particular Programme?
I knew I wanted to study something within sports and health, but not exactly what it was. So, I checked through the programme description and noticed that it touched upon many interesting fields.
What is the best thing about the programme?
That it is so wide-ranging, studying the foundation of several fields gives me, as a person, a clear picture of what I personally think is interesting and what I would like to focus on a little more. Another positive aspect is that following the theory, we often get to test our knowledge in a practical situation.
Is there anything else special about your programme that could be good/fun to
know?
We were taught by adhering to the training methods of the legend and Olympian Anders T Bergström. What a buzz!”
What is the best thing about Gävle?
Oh, there is so much I could mention, I really love Gävle! But the close proximity to everything is a huge advantage, especially for someone who was tired of taking public transport everywhere. That Gävle is just the right size creates a feeling of unity, both inside and outside the school. I live on campus, so I also live a stone’s throw from school and friends, that’s extremely nice.
What do you want to work with in the future?
The eternal question. I’m still not quite sure, but it’s leaning towards occupational health.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Take advantage of the housing guarantee, that feeling of being assured housing if you choose to move here is one less stress factor to worry about. Also, attend student activities organized by all student associations, it makes your study time so much more fun.
Elisabeth "Pimsan" Ivarsson, Professional Writing
“Gävle is a lovely student city with competent teachers. It will change your life for the
better”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
Because Gävle had a professional programme for writing and that is what I love to do is. Another advantage is that because Gävle is relatively close to Stockholm, I didn’t need to get rid of my apartment in Stockholm.
What is the best thing about your programme?
The teachers Aase Berg and Jan Sjölund are tremendously competent and have a broad range of knowledge in terms of writing. You learn something new to apply to your writing during each lesson. We learn journalistic writing, copywriting (commercial), literary writing and academic writing. My classmates are wonderful people and I have made many new, true friends.
Is there anything else special about your programme that could be good/fun to
know?
This is the only programme that teaches students how to cope in this digital age with writing as a professional. The students are thoroughly prepared and learn how to navigate the new media landscape. The programme’s books provide knowledge that lasts. I’m going to save every book.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
The residents of Gävle are nice, obliging and helpful. The natural surroundings are beautiful such as: the cascading Gavle River beneath the bridges, the many beautiful villas, Gävle’s blue concert hall, which towers majestically behind Carl Milles sculpture, entitled ‘Music Making Angels’. Gävle gives you energy, inspiration and makes you happy.
What do you want to work with in the future?
Author.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Apply Now! Gävle is a lovely student city with competent teachers. It will change your life for the better. Walking to the University from the railway station or the town centre is a pleasant 22-minute walk. There is a lot to see while you walk and sometimes your classmates join you on the walk, so I recommend walking to school.
Jan Dalheimer, Surveying Programme, BA in Engineering
“You almost have to make an effort NOT to get a job shortly after graduation”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
The programme I was interested in was available here, and after I’d touched base with the educational leader, I felt very positive about HiG especially with its connection with, among others, Lantmäteriet (the National Surveying Department).
Why did you choose this particular programme?
I have always liked to be outdoors, I have been, among other things, a scout and orienteerer. This, combined with an interest in technology, ensured the surveyor was a good combination. Another orienteerer suggested it to me.
What is the best thing about the programme?
The variation, both theoretically, practically and across the subjects we study.
Is there anything else special about your programme that could be good/fun to
know?
You almost have to make an effort NOT to get a job shortly after completing the course.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
It is a sufficiently large city so everything you need is here; however, it still does not feel like a big city and you can get around by bicycle fairly quickly.
What do you want to work with in the future?
Something within land surveying, which is what I’m studying. At the same time, there are many different jobs to choose from and I haven’t really decided yet.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Talk to educational leaders of the programmes you are interested in, they can answer many questions. Register yourself in the housing queues as soon as possible, even if Gävle has a housing guarantee, early registration gives you the opportunity to choose more freely as to how and where you want to live. Also check out other courses in the same field as those you are interested in, there is a lot that I didn’t know existed until I started studying at university. In my case, I was happy with my choice, but there are many others who change courses once they get to know others who are studying something else.
Jonas Selander, Electrical Engineer
“The best thing about the programme is that it is varied, and you learn a lot. The teachers
are good, instructive and always helpful.”
Why did you choose to study at University of Gävle?
I chose the University of Gävle because it’s a nice and pleasant city. I first wanted to go to Uppsala University because the city is closer to my home town, but I wanted to move to a city that I haven’t visited so much.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
I have long been interested in technology, electronics and programming. The programme is wide-ranging and can lead to interesting and enjoyable jobs.
What is the best thing about the programme?
The best thing about the education is that it is wide ranging, and you learn a lot. The teachers are good, instructive and always helpful. The labs are very rewarding.
Is there anything else special about your chosen programme that could be good/fun to know?
When I applied to my programme, I thought that there would be many signal processing courses, but this wasn’t the case, we only studied the signal processing courses during the final year. You learn a lot about electronics, programming, measuring systems and signal processing. If you choose the electrical engineering programme, then the most enjoyable and interesting courses take place during the second and third year. The first year involves a lot of mathematics, which means that many choose to drop out because they can’t cope. However, it’s worth trying to push on through the first year. Unfortunately, few people apply for this programme, which I find strange considering the programme is wide-ranging and there are many job opportunities available following graduation. You study many courses in conjunction with the automation engineering programme.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
The best thing about Gävle is that it’s a pleasant city and neither too large nor small. I moved from a smaller town, so I think Gävle is big enough.
What do you want to work with in the future?
In the future I would like to work with electronics and measuring systems. My hometown has many job opportunities for an engineer.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
If you feel that it would be difficult to choose the engineering programme, then you can always change at the University of Gävle. During the first year, many courses you study together with other engineering programmes, so it is easier to change engineering programmes at the University. Join the student union for sure and meet students from other programmes.
Sarah Pettersson, Energy Systems Engineer (Co-op)
“I was really attracted by the idea of being able to contribute to the foundation of new, green energy sources – energy is what the whole society is driven by”
Why did you choose to study at University of Gävle?
During my time at high school studying the science programme in Ljusdal, we visited the University. It is nicely located next to the park and has nice new facilities. Above all, it was also because I wanted to remain in my home town in Hälsingland, and I can easily travel to the University by train and bus.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
I have always been interested in social change, the environment and people. When I heard about the energy system engineering course, I became curious. I wasn’t sure if I was technically inclined, however I was really attracted to the idea of being able to contribute to the foundation of new, green energy sources – energy is what the whole society is driven by. Now that I have almost completed my first year, I feel that I absolutely chose correctly, and my doubts about being technically inclined was really nothing to worry about.
What is the best thing about your chosen programme?
For sure that feeling that you are part of the future. I also know that it will be easy to get a job and that I will feel that my work is evolving and worthwhile.
Is there anything else special about your programme that could be good/fun to
know?
Partly, I would like to say that it is a little underestimated – there aren’t as many applicants for, say, a construction engineer, even though I think that it is a broader and more environmentally friendly programme. Maybe it's because people don't really know what an energy systems engineer does.
Secondly, it is also good to know that there is a great shortage of energy systems engineers
– so it is easy to get a job.
Finally, it is fantastic to be able to study the course with Co-op to combine your studies with periods of paid work. Then you get an insight into how, that which you learn in theory, means in practice.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
It is a green and pretty city, with very pleasant people in general. A small town feeling in a big city – we say hello to one another here, even strangers!
What do you want to work with in the future?
I’m not so concerned about my first job, it’s more important to garner experience. However, primarily I definitely want to work on projects that make a difference for society
– perhaps making it easier for people to acquire solar cells or ensuring that all municipal cars are, for example, electric or hydrogen powered.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Even if you hesitate, apply anyway! You never know how you’ll feel once the acceptance letter arrives, and if you don’t apply, you may regret it.
Rony Ali, Automation Engineer (Co-op)
“Working outside and that the programme also contains many courses where we have
many practical labs is a huge advantage”
Why did you choose to study at University of Gävle?
I chose the University in Gävle simply because they offer the automation engineering programme with a major in Co op, which means that I’ll be off campus each year and working for a ten-week period.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
As a person, I am interested in technology and have a great interest in automation. The main reason I chose the automation engineer programme in Gävle is simply because they have a major in Co-op. Working outside and that the programme also contains many courses where we have many practical labs is a big advantage.
What is the best thing about your chosen programme?
That I get the chance to combine theory and practice. Even at the beginning, we get in touch with the workplace environment and can experience a first-hand insight into what we might work with in the future.
Is there anything else special about your chosen programme that could be good/fun
to know?
Choose a major in Co-op! You’ll almost get a job before graduating. The programme itself offers a variety of assignments and projects.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
The best thing about Gävle is that it’s close to home and that I get the opportunity to work towards an enjoyable profession and to study a much sought-after programme.
What do you want to work with in the future?
In the future, I would preferably like to work as a consultant or project manager and mainly because the work tasks would be very varied.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Do you want to study and work and have an interest in automation/electronics? Then you should choose the Co-op programme in Gävle. You get to combine theory with internship, and with that you also gain experience.
Sara Forsberg, Mechanical Engineer (Co-op)
“I chose the University of Gävle to get the chance for a Co-op education, that being studies
combined with work periods”
Why did you choose to study at University of Gävle?
Since I am from Gävle and the programme I wanted to apply for was on offer here, I obviously chose to apply to the University of Gävle.
Why did you choose this particular programme?
A key factor in choosing to study mechanical engineering here in Gävle is the ability to major in a Co-op education, that being, studies combined with periods of employment.
Which is the best thing about your chosen programme. That you get the chance to put it into practice and not just read from books.
Is there anything else special about your chosen programme that can be good/fun to
know?
There are very few girls who enter the programme and I think this is because of its name: mechanical engineer. However, this doesn’t mean that it is only machines that you get to work with in the future. It involves a lot of mathematics, physics but also CAD, logistics and manufacturing methods.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
I don’t really think that I can answer that question since Gävle is my hometown. The city is large enough, so that you’re close to everything and there is a great range of different activities.
What do you want to work with in the future?
I’m not exactly sure of what I want to do in the future, but I’m leaning towards product development.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking for a university?
Read through which courses that are included in the programme before applying and don’t be daunted by the programme’s title.
Erik Nyberg, Environmental Engineer
Amanda Patterson, Bachelor of Science in International Social Work
“In my opinion the best thing about this programme is how hands-on everything is.”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gävle?
I Chose to study in Gävle because I found the course to be everything I was looking for. I thought the university looked nice and I liked the fact I was only a train ride away from Stockholm.
What made you choose this programme?
Well, I really wanted to study social work, but I didn’t want to become a social worker in the USA. I wanted a programme with an international perspective because I want to help make change in many parts of the world.
What is the best thing about this programme?
In my opinion the best thing about this programme is how hands-on everything is. We’ve met local social workers and we often get real life cases to discuss.
Is there anything else that is special about this programme which could be fun to know?
There is a practical placement during the second year of this programme in which students can work overseas at various organizations to gain field work experience.
What is the best thing about Gävle?
The best thing about Gävle for me, is the people. The people of Gävle really make it what it is.
What would you like to work with in the future?
In the future I would like to work for an NGO that helps vulnerable children in poor areas of the world.
Do you have some advice for people who are planning to apply to a university?
My biggest advice is to look at all your options and really be certain that this is what you want to do and study. Also, don’t be nervous, everyone is in the same boat.