Vilma got a job in the defence industry during her master's degree

Vilma’s interest in the interaction between people and technology led her to the Master’s Programme in Innovation, Defence and Security at the Swedish Defence University. Here, exchanges with her fellow students have given her new perspectives on security issues. During the programme, she has also found a job as a system safety engineer.

What did you do before you started the program – and how did you end up here?

"My background is in Peace and Conflict Studies at Lund University, but since I graduated in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to try something different before starting a master’s degree. I ended up at a SaaS company, where I worked with project management systems for electrical installers, among others. During that time, my interest in technology grew, and I particularly enjoyed working at the interface between people and technology. I had actually set my sights on another master’s programme at the Swedish Defence University, but then I discovered Systems Science for Defence and Security, which felt just right for me!"

What did you think the education would be before you started – and what turned out to be different?

"I had actually expected to struggle a bit with the technical aspects, but I feel that the programme is pitched at a level that allows you to adapt based on your previous experience, and the technical perspective has not been nearly as challenging as I had feared."

What has been most interesting or unexpected so far?

"The most interesting thing has definitely been hearing different perspectives from my fellow students, especially those with a military background. Those of us with an academic background often get caught up in technicalities or wording – things that are actually completely irrelevant to people out in the field.

One fun example comes from the wargaming simulation in the second semester, where we had very different ways of approaching the task. It quickly became clear that students with a military background were much better prepared for a high-pressure situation involving many different actors."

Is there anything you have started to see or think differently about since you started the programme?

"Since starting the programme, I have definitely begun to see security issues from many more perspectives. The importance of a strong total defence is another example of something I value much more now than I did before. The rearmament ahead of us brings many interesting challenges, and it is easy to fall into the trap of simply “expanding” through additions and new ways of working – without bringing the underlying foundations along and optimising the entire development chain."

What would you like to work with after the programme? What appeals to you about it?

"I’ve actually already found a job! I got in touch with a company during my second semester. They suggested that I apply for a job rather than first applying for an internship and then a thesis project. I’ve been working as a system safety engineer and I’m really enjoying it.

The defence industry is changing so much that, for me, my exact role matters less than being at a company with short decision-making chains, an innovative mindset and a strong focus on solutions. There are so many opportunities in the industry, and if you are proactive and curious, your ambition is the only limit to how much you can learn.

I also feel that I’m getting very good support here to produce a good master’s thesis, and I’m really looking forward to working on it alongside my job."

More about the Master's Programme in Innovation, Defence and Security