David Karlsson Age: 42 What is your family situation like? Wife Johanna (also a diplomat and LU alumna) and daughters Filippa and Alexandra What is your study background? Law degree programme at Lund University 97-03 What is your professional experience? After completing my degree, I worked for a few years at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Lund and also got the opportunity to work for them in Indonesia. I subsequently did a stint at the then ministry for integration and gender equality before accompanying Johanna to Beijing for her first foreign ministry posting. There I had a visiting scholar position at Peking University Law School while also working as a consultant in both China and Myanmar. After Beijing, both Johanna and I worked at the Swedish representation to the UN in New York for a few intensive years before and during Sweden’s membership in the Security Council. Since we moved home, I have continued to work on UN issues at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm. Why did you want to become a diplomat? I had worked with international issues for quite a few years before starting at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and I had tried out the role of civil servant in a different ministry and enjoyed it. The combination offered by the diplomatic profession suits me well! Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme?  I am one of the older members of the class so I guess that my professional experience was an important aspect, perhaps in particular my previous postings abroad. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? We are moving to Jerusalem in the autumn. How did you prepare for admission to the programme?  It is actually not so easy to study for the admission test as it is impossible to guess what questions will come up. You have to do what you can to improve your general knowledge. Read newspapers, listen to the radio and try to take a deep dive into a few subjects you think might come up. It is worth remembering that the knowledge test is only one part of the assessment; the essay parts are even more important. So it can be a good idea to think a little about how to structure brief essays. Then of course the language element is super-important. My main advice to all those wanting to work for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is to put a lot of effort into knowing a third language. It is significantly more important than which specialised course you attended if you are studying law or which topic you choose for your degree project. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries?  That is part of the job. Johanna and I have already been posted in two so-called hardship countries and now we are heading for a third. But this will be the first time with children and that is of course an exciting challenge in itself.

Alina Mattisson Lax Age: 31 What is your family situation like? Co-habiting partner What is your study background? Bachelor’s degree in political science 2007-2010, Master’s in European Affairs 2010-2012 from Lund University and an MA from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. Exchange semester at the Humboldt University of Berlin. What is your professional experience? During my studies I worked on the side in a couple of government inquiries and did an internship at the Embassy of Sweden in Budapest. After my studies, I got an internship in the cabinet of EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and then stayed on in Brussels for a few years. I worked for an NGO there, for a research project at the University of Leuven and finally again at the EU Commission with border region cooperation issues. Since my admission to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in autumn 2017, I have been working on the coordination of refugee and migration issues.   Why do you want to become a diplomat? I have always been curious about the world and knew fairly early on that I wanted to work with international issues. The idea of applying to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in particular developed as I realised that the diplomatic profession means working with what I think is most fun: analysing developments in countries and regions, taking part in international negotiations, promoting Swedish interests and the surrounding world’s knowledge of Sweden, assisting Swedish citizens abroad, etc. Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme?  My EU background probably contributed. A large part of the everyday work at the Ministry, as in the Government Offices in general, is done through and together with the EU, which means that there is a need for people with practical experience of how the EU machinery functions. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? I will stay in Stockholm for another year, then there are many exciting places in the world I could go to … How did you prepare for admission to the programme? Initially, I looked at past test papers to determine what I needed to read up on a little more. Before the interviews, I also thought through somewhat broader life issues. Working at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is not only a professional choice, it is a lifestyle choice and this is clearly evident during the admission process. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries? I haven’t thought so much about it. I will go where the ministry thinks I am needed and it will be fine, I think!

Caroline Persson Age: 32 What is your family situation like? Parents and two siblings What is your study background? The Lund University Law degree programme 2008-2013, specialisation in human rights and international law plus political science and languages. What is your professional experience?  I worked as a lawyer with the children’s rights organisation ECPAT for three years. There I mainly worked with the organisation’s efforts to combat human trafficking and images of sexual assault against children. I also served as a notary for the Chancellor of Justice and at the Stockholm district court. In connection with my studies, I did an internship at Sweden’s representation to the UN in New York, which was my first experience of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Why did you want to become a diplomat? For the opportunity to work with very exciting issues in an international context, for the endless potential for variation within a single job, for the opportunity to work with skilled and committed colleagues, because I believe in diplomacy as one way among others to influence issues that I think are important. Quite simply for many different reasons. Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme? A combination of matching the person specification, relevant educational background, speaking several languages and having lived, studied and worked abroad on several occasions, as well as personal traits such as curiosity, integrity, humility and analytical ability. I think that the various perspectives I have gained from my work in both civil society and the public sector are an asset. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? I already know that I will be stationed in Strasbourg in the autumn, where I will be working at Sweden’s permanent representation to the Council of Europe. The combination of human rights, issues concerning the rule of law, a lot of multilateral negotiation work and using my French feels pretty much spot on for me actually. How did you prepare for admission to the programme? I read a lot of news, pondered my own analysis of various foreign policy events and brushed up on my knowledge of EU commissioners. Then I thought a lot about what motivates me, the reason why I had applied to the programme and why I believe that this work and this life could suit me – which was very useful to have thought through for the various interviews. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries? I think it would be very exciting, but also challenging. As long as it works with my family situation and suchlike, I am absolutely interested in that type of context as well.

Anna Stina Svantesson Age: 34 What is your family situation like? Married to Peter (whom I met in Lund!), one son, Folke, soon 2 years old. What is your study background? Bachelor’s degree in peace and conflict studies and Bachelor’s degree in political science 2006-2010 (free-standing courses), Social Sciences Master’s programme in political science 2010-2012, Lund University. What is your professional experience? I completed my Master’s programme with an internship semester at the Security policy unit at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which turned into a substitute position for two years. After that I became what is known as a Junior Professional at the EU delegation in Beirut, followed by a substitute position at the Swedish embassy in Damascus located pro tempore in Beirut, and then at the Middle East unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the unit for international development cooperation back home in Stockholm. Why did you want to become a diplomat? For several reasons – interest in international issues of course, a unique opportunity to influence and contribute, the breadth of exciting work duties, the opportunity to live in and get to know other countries. Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme? Difficult question, but above all I believe that my experience from Lebanon made me interesting. I had applied in previous years but not been summoned (despite working as a substitute at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the time), and it was only when I applied after my experience abroad that I was invited to take the admission test. Then I am sure it’s due to lots of other things as well, including a bit of luck! Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? I have no strong geographical preferences, what is more important to me right now is to end up in an interesting position and a country where my family can thrive. I will be in Stockholm for one more year and then move in the summer of 2020. How did you prepare for admission to the programme? I read annual reviews and annual summaries (the test took place in early January) and studied some recurrent issues on the basis of what had come up in previous tests. Together with a friend who was also taking the test, we chose a number of topics that we believed could come up as essay questions, which we shared between the two of us, studied in more depth and then briefed each other on the most important points. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries? As I have been interested in financial aid and development in conflict environments since my time as a student, I have always wanted to be posted to more risky environments. Since my son’s birth I have started to think a little differently, but it is still something I would like to do. By 2030, the world’s poorest people will probably be concentrated in countries marked by violence and conflict, and trying to make a positive contribution in these countries feels very important.

Ingrid Bohlin Age: 34 What is your family situation like?  Co-habiting partner What is your study background? Bachelor’s degree in Arabic and political science from Uppsala University. Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from Lund University. What is your professional experience? The Swedish Migration Agency’s Dublin unit followed by a position via the Folke Bernadotte Academy as an Arabic-speaking observer for the now defunct observer mission TIPH in Palestine. After that, two years of service at the Swedish representation to the EU in Brussels where I focused on Middle Eastern and North African issues. Since September 2018, I have been working with humanitarian issues at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm. Why did you want to become a diplomat? My interest in diplomacy and foreign and security policy was awakened when I was working as an intern at the EU representation. I have always been interested in international issues and wanted to have an international career. Working as a diplomat seemed to be the perfect combination to engage my curiosity about the world around me, my language skills and my interest in foreign policy. Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme? I believe my profile with knowledge of both French and Arabic and extensive knowledge of the Middle East, in combination with my personality, made me an attractive candidate for the diplomatic programme. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? Oh, that is a difficult question. I want to go to so many places. But primarily, both I and my partner, who has also studied Arabic, are keen to live and work in the Middle East. How did you prepare for admission to the programme? This was my second attempt. Before the written test, I consumed a lot of newspapers and listened often to Swedish Radio 1 programmes, as well as trying to get up to date on Swedish foreign policy and the activities of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. For the latter admissions board and Assessment Centre, I had an acquaintance who could tell me about her experience, which made it easier. In addition to that, I tried mainly to sleep as well as possible and keep my nerves in check. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries?  Considering my current personal circumstances, I would absolutely consider a posting in a more insecure location.

Johan Arvidsson Age: 29 What is your study background? Law degree, Lund University, 2016. Bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence, Lund University, 2015. Exchange studies in political science, Notre Dame University –Louaize, Lebanon. Course in marketing psychology, Lund University. Language courses in French, Portuguese and Spanish. What is your professional experience? Working with Nordic cooperation at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs since 2016. Previously employed on a project basis for the EU Commission and did internships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ legal secretariat and at the EU delegation in Guyana. I also worked as a children’s summer camp counsellor for several years, as a contact person for people with disabilities, as an excursion guide in Guadeloupe and as a lunch chef in Paris. Why did you want to become a diplomat? It seemed exciting, meaningful and varied. Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme? I didn’t have particularly impressive professional experience but, on the other hand, a variety of experiences which I think worked to my advantage. I believe the fact that I am calm, curious and find it relatively easy to get my head around new things and read situations was an asset. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? Nigeria How did you prepare for admission to the programme?  I looked at past test papers and tried to study the things I was less knowledgeable about. Only the knowledge test from previous years was available on the website and the written assessment consists of several parts that are at least equally important, but perhaps more difficult to prepare for. I also spoke to the only person I knew then who had gone through the admission process and done the tests and interviews, to get advice.     What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries? I am of course risk-aware but at the same time I don’t believe that the risk one is exposed to as a diplomat should be exaggerated if you compare it with other people who travel to or live in risky countries without the same kind of support system or information at their disposal. When it comes to places considered as hardship postings, I rather imagine that it is the restriction of movement and the difficulty of drawing a boundary between work and private life which could be a challenge.

Gabriel Lindén Age: 28 What is your family situation like? Girlfriend What is your study background? Bachelor’s degree with political science as the main field of study, 2010-2014. Master’s in international law from SOAS, University of London. What is your professional experience? To start with, a number of internships – within and outside the framework of my studies. Then I got my first real job at a private security company in the Middle East. After that, I was a substitute at our embassy in The Hague, before getting in to the diplomatic training programme. Why did you want to become a diplomat? During my internship at the Swedish embassy in Washington I realised fairly quickly that this was something for me. There were several reasons, including the variation in the professional role and the opportunity for a range of responsibilities and influence. Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme? Perhaps thanks to my interest in East and Central Africa. Without my preparation for the assessments and tests, it would not have worked out either. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? I will be stationed in Tunisia as of autumn 2019. How did you prepare for admission to the programme? I practised on past papers (that are available on the website of the diplomatic training programme), and spoke to people who had applied for the programme previously. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries? It is precisely that sort of posting that attracts me!

Sara Parikh Drar Age: 33 What is your family situation like? In a relationship What is your study background? I have a degree in Arabic and Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. Law degree programme 2015-2017, Lund University. What is your professional experience? I have worked with international law around the world. The focus has been on investigating and documenting war crimes, including inquiries under the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The work centred on international law offences in the Middle East, with a great deal of fieldwork. I also worked as a gender advisor at the OHCHR and wrote the organisation’s first manual with guidelines for gender mainstreaming in UN investigations. Why did you want to become a diplomat? I had previously worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and found the work to be incredibly exciting and varied. Being a diplomat encompasses such a broad spectrum of activities; not only reporting and conducting intelligence work, but also building relationships and trying to develop an understanding of human nature. In addition, you get the opportunity to work in different locations around the world, which is important to me.   Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme?  Besides good results on the admission test, I imagine it was due to a combination of solid international experience, knowledge of useful languages and good references. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? Preferably the Middle East. How did you prepare for admission to the programme? I studied past test papers and read the Economist. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries? That is something I look forward to.

Rafik Lassel Sundström Age: 41 What is your family situation like? Co-habiting partner and an adult son. What is your study background? Bachelor’s degree in Arabic, Lund University, 2007 and Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Lund University, 2007. I have also studied Arabic abroad, at the University of Jordan, 2006 and at the International Language Institute - IH Cairo, 2005. What is your professional experience? My background is twofold: on the one hand, I have worked as a policy officer within various public authorities in Sweden and, on the other, I have done international work. In various stages, I have been based in the Middle East and worked there on issues concerning human rights and international humanitarian law. Why did you want to become a diplomat? I never had a clear intention, specifically, to become a diplomat. It was certainly in the back of my mind, but it was more the combination of studies and professional experience that, more or less, led me to the insight that this could be an interesting job where I would be able to put my specific education, language skills and professional experience to good use. Why do you think you were admitted to the diplomatic training programme?  I think a combination of many different factors – my studies and relevant experience from international work, as well as very good language skills, were all important. I assume that my ability to stay calm in stressful situations and to quickly familiarise myself with different subjects and material were also assets. Where would you like to go now, once you have completed your training? I am currently working at the Africa unit and will be there after I complete the training as well. However, I have a predilection for the Middle East, so perhaps in the future I will be able to work in that region. How did you prepare for admission to the programme? I read, read and read some more. I went through the news from the past year and read broadly about everything to do with society/politics/culture/economics. I also updated my “Sweden expertise”. What are your thoughts on international postings in more high-risk countries? For my part, I have already had my first posting abroad, at the Swedish embassy in Kabul 2017-2018. It is all about preparing yourself as best you can, reading up, talking to people who have been there (or who are on location), and getting your family’s support. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs also offers many preparatory courses to attend before a posting abroad. Most of those who are admitted realise that postings in more risky countries are very likely and they have reflected on this before applying to the programme.