“Statistics is both fun to study and useful in all sectors”
Elsa Nilsson is studying the Master’s programme in Statistics at Örebro University. She is doing her work placement at SCB, Statistics Sweden. “It’s a good opportunity to experience a workplace or industry and maybe discover something you like,” she says.
Tell us about your work placement!
“I’m doing my work placement at Statistics Sweden (SCB) in Örebro for ten weeks. I’ve mainly been working on two separate projects. In one project, I’m helping to draw up a conference paper that could eventually become a scientific article on confidence in official statistics. In the other one, I’m testing and evaluating methods for dealing with missing data (nonresponse) in companies’ inventories, which is part of the Economic Statistics in Quarters survey.”
What’s it like completing your work placement at SCB?
“It’s both fun and challenging! I’ve gained a better understanding of what working life can be like after graduation, both through the projects I’m working on and by getting insight into the work of different departments at SCB. It’s also been fun to apply a lot of what I’ve learnt during the programme. But the best part is all the people I’ve met during my placement. SCB has a very skilled and friendly staff who are happy to share their knowledge.”
What will you have learnt from your work placement?
“During my placement, I’ve gained practical experience with new applications and methods that I will carry into my professional life. I’ve also realised how important it is to ask for help and take advantage of the knowledge of experienced colleagues. The placement has also given me first-hand experience in solving real problems and what it’s like to work in a large and central government agency. These are things that will benefit me wherever I work in the future.”
What are your future plans?
“My main goal is to work in a setting where I can continue to learn and develop with the help of experienced and knowledgeable professionals. This study programme offers many career opportunities, and I look forward to testing different sectors to discover what I like best. That said, I don’t have a dream job in mind, but I hope to find a meaningful role that I enjoy and where I feel I can make a difference!”
What advice do you have for other students?
“My main tip is to take advantage of the opportunity for a work placement. I think it gives you a better understanding of what work can be like after your studies and you also get the chance to meet others who have studied the same or similar programme. It’s also a good chance to get insight into a workplace you’re interested in and to establish a network. Before I started my placement at SCB, I had a fairly vague idea of what opportunities I could have after my studies, but now it feels a bit clearer. In addition, my placement has shown how valuable it is to work alongside people who really know their field.”
“I’d also like to take the time to recommend studying statistics. Although statistics may sound boring to some, it’s both fun to study and useful in all sectors, so it’s knowledge you’ll always have use for. In Örebro, we also have very qualified and committed teachers, which has made my studies even better.”
Text: Anna Lorentzon
Photo: Karl Schriever-Abeln
Translation: Jerry Gray