How Mid Sweden University's new Master's program in Sociology can contribute to a safer everyday life

How did you enjoy your time at Mid Sweden University?

My time at Mid Sweden University was very positive. The teaching was of high quality with knowledgeable and committed teachers, which made the studies both interesting and stimulating. The facilities were modern and comfortable, and there was a nice atmosphere throughout the school. I really enjoyed my time there.

What do you do today?

- I am the security coordinator for all Östersund Municipality's elementary schools and preschools, which includes promoting security and study peace, as well as preventing and managing incidents of threat and violence. My work also includes issues within the framework of crisis preparedness and civil defense. 

The new Master's programme in Sociology has a greater focus on organization than, for example, the Risk and Crisis Management programme, do you think you would benefit from it in your working life? and if so, why? 

- I am convinced that I would have. In the last five years, the world situation has changed dramatically with wars in our neighborhood, Sweden's NATO membership, Covid, heat waves, torrential rain and severe winter storms. All these crises affect both civil society and organizations. Many organizations are now reviewing their routines to be able to function at an acceptable level even under difficult conditions.

As a risk sociologist, I have expertise in risk and vulnerability analysis related to natural disasters and antagonistic threats that may affect the municipality in general and our school units in particular. My role is to ensure that our schools and kindergartens have a plan to adapt in the event of an increased level of preparedness or, for example, a new covid outbreak. I specialize in carrying out risk analyses to ensure that essential services, such as schools and kindergartens, can continue to operate during a crisis, and that plans are in place to manage food, water and premises. For this to work, the organization and the people who maintain it must also work, and I have basic competence in this.

What would you say to someone who is considering further training in risk and resilience?

- When a crisis occurs and the wind blows in the organization you work for, your employees will instinctively turn to you for support. Why would they do that? Because you have the expertise needed to keep the organization on its feet. To deal with such a crisis in the best way possible, I believe you need expertise in three areas: the sociology of risk, the sociology of work, and the sociology of organizations, which you will acquire through a Master's degree in these fields. Your skills will be in demand in the labor market, as risks and crises continue to emerge, both here and abroad, indirectly affecting us.