Unn Lindholm – works at the National Institute of Economic Research

Unn Lindholm graduated from the Master's program in Economics in spring 2017. She is currently working at the National Institute of Economic Research (NIER). There she works both as a system developer at the department and helps with econometric coding and making sure their processes are efficient. Unn also works with GDP analysis and is responsible for the forecast and analysis of Swedish production, hours worked and productivity in the business sector.

What was your first job after graduation?

This was my first job after graduation.


How has your economics degree at Uppsala University helped you in your career?

My degree in economics has helped me a lot in my career. This is because my job is largely about economic analysis in terms of trying to understand the development of the economy and where we are going. The analysis is based on economic theories, but also empirical analysis where we use econometric methods to try to explain relationships between different variables.

Why did you choose the Master's program in Economics at Uppsala University?

I have long had an interest in numbers and data, and wanted to combine this with some form of analysis. Economics therefore suited me very well. I chose the master's program in Uppsala because it had a range of courses that interested me, and a good reputation in macroeconomics. You also seemed to have good contact with potential employers, which I saw as an advantage.

What is your best memory from your time at Uppsala University?

My best memory from my time at Uppsala University is all the fun times at Ekonomikum that I had with my class. The daily coffee break at 3 p.m., all the shared laughter attacks when you don't understand the task you're supposed to solve, or the days in the computer lab while writing your thesis. I would never have made it through the program without those moments with my class.

What advice would you give to current and future Master's students in Economics?

Make sure to go to the study visits offered by the Department of Economics, it is a great way to make contacts. Working in the department is also an advantage because this way you also make contacts within the academic sphere.

I would also recommend learning some statistics/econometrics in addition to economics. There are many employers who also demand knowledge in this area.