Constantin

What made you choose KTH, Stockholm and Sweden?

To start from the beginning, in my second year of my bachelor's degree I thought to do my master's abroad at a top university. Because I felt that my bachelor's didn’t challenge me as much as I wanted. So after finishing my bachelors I did thorough research about which master’s programme I wanted to study, in which country, and at which university. And yes, the result was that I wanted to study a master’s programme in the field of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship in Sweden at KTH. The reasons why this was my first option are the following. First of all, I discovered that the field of innovation and entrepreneurship is a new passion for me and is one of the pillars for a better future. Secondly, I chose Sweden because it is one of the best countries in the world when we talk about innovation. Thirdly, I chose KTH because it is one of the best universities in Europe.

What do you like most about KTH?

One of the things that I like most about KTH is the relationship that they have with economic and industry environment. It might sound opportunistic, but actually I think this is one of the key roles of the university. To be in contact with the employer market and to prepare its students as best as they can in order to make them the top talent that every organisation wants on their team. And in my opinion, KTH does a wonderful job in preparing future professionals.

Another thing that I like about KTH is their organisational culture. KTH, in my opinion, is truly oriented to its students, and the first proof of this is the openness with which every professor approaches us during classes. Moreover, inclusion is one of the core values of KTH. I felt this through their friendliness and attention in creating a multicultural educational environment. 

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

Sweden is one of the core states of Scandinavia, and as in all of the Nordic states, people may seem a little bit distant. Nevertheless, whenever you enter into a buss you will be welcomed with a “Hej” and a smile. 

Stockholm is a place where nature shows its beauty. Here you will find lots of green forests, huge parks, blue lakes, and hidden beaches. Not to mention how clean the air is or how nice it smells in the morning or after a short rain - it's magic. 

Moreover, I like very much how well organised, clean and efficient Stockholm is.

What is your best memory from your time at KTH so far?

One of my best memories is when I was at an awesome cottage (Osqvik) in Stockholm’s archipelago for a sleepless night. We sat by a bonfire all night long, singing and roasting marshmallows. Further, we experienced the Swedish sauna and after that, we jumped into a lake to cool down a bit. It was an experience that made my first days here in Sweden memorable.

Are there any differences between studying at KTH and your home university?

There are a lot of differences compared with my past university, but I will concentrate just on two.

The first one is the degree of digitisation, KTH is more digitised compared with my home university. The system that KTH uses is user-friendly and reliable in my opinion, and also is very resourceful. Through this system, I have access to important and useful information for my everyday activities as a student here.

The second one, as I said before, is the openness and friendly attitude of the professors. They do not position themselves on a pedestal; in contrast, they encourage us to challenge them, ask questions, and give opinions. 

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?

If you have reached this far with my interview, then you might be almost certain that a master’s programme from KTH is one of your best options. Therefore, I do not want to say other things for why KTH is the best, instead, I just want to encourage you to aim for the best and always choose with your heart. 

What do you see as the most significant aspects of your programme?

The most significant aspect of my programme is the domain itself, and as the "fourth industrial revolution" unfolds, the business spectrum and the nature in which people are used to working will be changed. Moreover, the rise of new types of technology like artificial intelligence and quantum computing will profoundly shift the rules of the game. In all of these paradigm shifts, innovation coupled with managing people and leadership will play a tremendous role. As a result, the domain of entrepreneurship and innovation is of utmost importance to be in line with opportunities that will come. 

Are you taking part in any student activities?

I have participated in lots of activities like kayaking, bowling, city tours, and beach - volleyball tournaments organised by the student union (THS). Now I am a member of the volleyball team of KTH, and in the second semester, I plan to be part of the management consultancy team of THS.

Do you have a dream job after graduating from KTH?

I do not know for sure what is the name of my dream job or what my role is called, but one thing I know for sure, innovation is a team sport, so immediately after graduating from this programme, I see myself working alongside other people that deal with innovative projects or organisational transformation projects. Through my entrepreneurial spirit and my drive for innovation and change, I will take on fascinating projects. I will constantly learn new information, solve puzzles, and be intrigued by the mechanisms that characterise the economic world. Basically, I will try to proactively create the change necessary to keep the organisations on the leading edge.