Finding a Job – take 1

I decided to attend an English lecture about finding work in Sweden, organized by the Career Office. It was an interesting experience.

14.10. I leave LUX and walk to SOL (100 meters) to attend the lecture.

14.15. A woman rushes into the corridor, puts a note on the door and says that the room unfortunately has been double-booked. The lecture will instead be in LUX.

14.20. We arrive at LUX.

14.25. The lecture can start. Until about 14.45 every other minute the door opens to let in students that got lost somewhere.

14.30. After having presented himself, the lecturer gives an impression of Sweden and its culture. He starts with a map showing that Sweden is big. Very big. Did you know it’s a 1576 kilometer distance from Ystad to Kiruna?

14.35. The lecturer presents the phenomenon Systembolaget and sees the fact that it’s closed on Sundays as its biggest disadvantage. We mainly think of the prices.  

14.39. The lecturer introduces the phenomenon fikapaus.

14.40. The lecturer tells that one should take off one’s shoes when entering a Swedish home and explains why.

14.41. Someone asks whether one should also takes the socks off.

14.41:30. The lecturer says that the socks should stay on.

14.42 The lecturer tells that the Swedes are known for being conflict-avoiding.

14.43. The lecturer mentions that it’s very important to learn Swedish if you want to get a job here. Points for me.

14.47. The lecturer continues for four minutes on how hard it is to get a job, especially if you don’t speak Swedish, are not an engineer or don’t want to go to Ströget in Denmark. Everyone gets severely depressed.

14.50. The lecturer shows which jobs have a surplus and which are on demand. There is work for pre-school teachers, doctors and nurses. There is no work for receptionists, administrative employees, shop assistants and waitresses, i.e. all jobs I considered for the moment. “Don’t bother applying for these jobs, you need a network for them.” Everyone gets more depressed.

15.05. Non-EU students ask questions about visas. Everyone gets confused, including the European students that actually don’t need a visa.

15.06. The Swedes have the right to take four consecutive weeks of vacation in summer. Everyone gets a bit happier again.

15.15. The lecturer reminds us that the Swedes are very informal, also within companies.

15.21. The lecturer tries to explain ‘family benefits’ in Sweden. Everyone gets highly excited and plans to get children as soon as possible.

15.38. The lecturer tells that it’s really easier to find a job in Norway.

15.41. End of presentation.