Master's degree has opened a lot of doors
Home town and country: Corcoran, California, USA
Current residence: New York, New York
Study program at Umeå University: Master’s Programme in Marketing
Having studied in Sweden has opened a lot of doors for Umeå University alumna Christine Mitchell. After she graduated with a master’s degree in Marketing, she landed a marketing job at the prestigious performing arts college AMDA in New York City.
Christine’s job includes making sure AMDA is represented appropriately, project management, and garnering new interest for the college. She especially enjoys the creative atmosphere at her workplace. “I like it because I’m surrounded by all these talented students. From our office, you can hear students singing and performing. If you walk down the halls and look into the classrooms you can see students performing stage combat or dancing ballet. It’s a great environment to work in,” she says.
After Christine had earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Hawaii Pacific University, she searched for a graduate school in Sweden. At Umeå University, she found what was right for her. “I was looking for a school with a great reputation and high standards that could provide a substantial depth in marketing education. Umeå University provided all of that, so I was ecstatic when I was accepted,” she remembers.
Moving to Umeå was a decision Christine has never regretted, and it has helped her a great deal to land her dream job. “People are so curious and intrigued about my time in Sweden. I was able to land a couple of great interviews and a few job offers. Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I have made,” she says.
The master’s programme at Umeå University has prepared Christine well for her current job. She benefits especially from the emphasis on teamwork. “Coming from a nation that’s very individualistic, it was a difficult adjustment. But when I entered the workforce, I realized that the ability to work successfully in teams is a very real part of being an effective professional,” she explains.
Also regarding the social life and activities, Christine fondly looks back at her time in Umeå. The large student community where you meet new people on a constant base is something she misses, now that she has started working. She encourages current international students to take part in the university life: “Take the time to get involved with groups, associations and extracurricular activities. You’ll form some amazing lifelong friendships, and meet some valuable contacts.”
And even though she was born in the sunny state of California and has studied in Hawaii, she now longs for the beautiful northern Swedish winters. “I also miss the snow! The last two winters in New York City have been rather disappointing with not much snow. It’s a little harder to deal with the cold weather without something beautiful to look at. I also miss being able to safely ride a bike; the drivers in New York are a bit aggressive. It’s all the small things that I miss.”
