They are Sweden’s next diplomatic representatives abroad
Meet the Lund University alumni that just graduated from the Diplomatic Training Programme
The Diplomatic Training Programme is a trainee programme that prepares future diplomats for the work in the Swedish Minsitry of Foreign Affairs, either in Stockholm or in any of the 100 offices and embassies around the world. Meet David, Alina, Anna Stina, Caroline, Ingrid, Gabriel, Johan, Sara and Rafik.
David Karlsson
Age: 42
Studied at LU: Law degree programme 1997-2003 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.
Studied at LU: Bachelor’s degree in political science 2007-2010, Master’s in European Affairs 2010-2012
Why did 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.
Studied at LU: 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
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!
Studied at LU: Law degree programme 2008-2013, specialisation in human rights and international law plus political science and languages
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. Read the full interview here
Ingrid Bohlin
Age: 34
Studied at LU: Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies 2012-2014
What was your professional experience before the diplomatic training programme?
I worked at 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. Read the full interview here
Gabriel Lindén
Age:28
Studied at LU: Bachelor’s degree with political science as the main field of study, 2010-2014
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.
What was your professional experience before the diplomatic training programme?
I am 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.
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.
Age: 41 Studied at LU: Bachelor’s degree in Arabic 2007 and Bachelor’s degree in political science 2007
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”.
