We talked to Hugo Dahlberg from Uppsala, Sweden, a recent graduate in civil engineering and a driven ultrarunner who enjoys orienteering and data analysis. Hugo is one of the inductees of the Plantvision Young Professionals Program 2022. How did he experience his first time with us in the Young Professionals Program? What drives him forward and how does he see the role of a consultant? He also shares his best tips for those who are currently studying and are about to enter the working world.
From engineering studies in Uppsala, it's off to the working world in leaps and bounds. Literally.
Hugo grew up in Haninge, where orienteering high school laid the foundation for his love of running, technical subjects and problem solving. He then went on to study engineering with a focus on molecular biotechnology and bioinformatics at Uppsala University.
- "I studied the civil engineering program to get a broad education, but I was interested in programming, data analysis and data management. There are huge amounts of data to work with in the biotechnology and life science industry, and I like that."
It's clear that running has followed Hugo all the way from high school to today. And this is no ordinary running we are talking about.
- "Running is a balance in my life, I am motivated by the challenge of long-distance running but it also gives me a sense of relaxation. I have just signed up for the Kullamannen in November, a 100 km race, it will be a great experience."
Fun and intense first weeks
The participants in Plantvision Young Proffesionals 2022 began in September with a kick-off trip to Gotland together with Plantvision. There, the foundation was set and the first impression was far beyond the expectations of all participants in the program.
- "The first few days we felt a bit like celebrities, everyone was watching us and was curious and wanted to get to know this year's "PYPs". It was really a warm welcome and a great start, what a team spirit there is here!"
That the warm corporate culture quickly shone through is something Hugo comes back to several times as we talk. It's clear that it made a strong impression.
- "A very nice gesture that almost feels symbolic for the whole first time, was a text message the day before the start of the program. It's the little things that make up the whole, and it's noticeable that there is real care and support, high ceilings for questions and no hierarchy in that way, here everyone talks to everyone, a close-knit community and it comes across to everyone I meet."
With many new impressions and intense days to get used to everything, Hugo summarizes the first period as intense, fun and safe. He has found two major positive differences compared to his studies.
- "Here it's real, the professionalism in everything and knowing that everything I learn here I will use on assignments later, you know for sure that this is concretely applicable."
Culture was a major reason for applying to the program.
The Young Professionals Program felt exciting and a central part that was highlighted in a good and consistent way was the culture. The fact that Plantvision is a Great Place to Work company played a certain role, says Hugo when asked what it was that made him apply to us.
- "I think culture shines through! It and the balance in life between work and leisure and the cohesion. A Great Place to Work company is a stamp of quality, here it was not empty words but they work with culture on an ongoing basis and I also quickly got a receipt for that."
Another part of the decision to apply and start at Plantvision was also the soft transition from studies. They offered a soft start with a sponsor where you get a chance to get into the company without being thrown out on assignment day one or "sitting on the bench". Group affiliation, community, security and support are also factors that contributed to the positive start, Hugo summarizes.
The future and expectations
The elite effort in orienteering is put on the shelf for now, now there is "only" the challenge of ultrarunning, and of course start working. Consulting assignments and continuing to learn is the focus going forward, to get out and get further developed even more by senior consultants in the industry, both as a consultant and as a person, says Hugo.
- "I'm looking forward to starting real assignments with clients and learning more after the program. Above all, I'm looking forward to learning more about what I want to develop, what direction I want to take and what I like best."
If you were to give advice to students studying today, what would it be?
- "Apply for Young Professionals 2024! One tip is to take advantage of the last summer vacation and recharge your batteries for working life. Apply early if you are interested in a trainee program like this one. And the last tip - it's worth spending time and energy on the application process and on your CV and cover letter, it can make a big difference." Hugo concludes.
