»I've always wanted to work on projects that make a difference in society«

»I've always wanted to work on projects that make a difference in society«

Joel Järlesäter always knew he wanted to work at a place where he could combine his analytical and strategic skills with traditional problem-solving and programming. This is why he didn’t hesitate when presented with the opportunity to join Netcompany in 2022. Today, he still takes his daily commute from Lund to Copenhagen working on a project for the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment – modernising data management for the employment sector.

Making a Lasting Impact

Soon after graduating with a master’s degree in industrial engineering and management from Lund’s University, Joel started working at Netcompany as a consultant. A job he had dreamed of ever since he started at university.

»Netcompany was my first choice. I’ve always wanted to work on projects which make a difference in society. At Netcompany, I get a chance to do exactly that!«

A Swede in disguise

Originally from a little town in Skåne called Åhus, people often mistake Joel’s hometown for Aarhus in Jutland: “But then they hear my accent and realise that I’m, in fact, Swedish,” Joel laughs.

The Swedish accent is still evident, but since he started working in Denmark, he has been positively surprised by how fast he has learned and adapted to the Danish language. “Sometimes, my girlfriend points out that I have started using Danish words in my conversations with her. I’m not even aware of it happening anymore,” Joel says.

The most important task is to understand what the client wants. And needs

Being his first job after graduating, Joel was excited to put his knowledge into practice and work with a wide range of tasks. »There is a steep learning curve when you start as a consultant, especially as a graduate. But that’s what I find exciting. You get to try a little bit of everything. Right now, I’m working as a mix of a scrum master, developer, and business analyst which means a lot of interactions with the developers, architects, and the client. I think it’s great that I have the opportunity to be involved in so many different aspects of the project, especially as a graduate. And something that I feel confident doing because of the coaching and mentorship I receive at Netcompany.«

Joel was recently promoted to Senior Consultant.

»The most important task as an IT consultant is to understand what the client wants and needs. That’s where the analytical part of the work starts. I think that part of the job is gratifying.«

»There is a steep learning curve when you start as a consultant, especially as a graduate. But that's what I find exciting. You get to try a little bit of everything.«

Joel Järlesäter

Defining moments

Working in the cross-field between strategy, analysis, and programming has always interested Joel. While still in high school, he spent a whole term disassembling and examining an enigma machine and then rebuilding it as software. An experience that has laid the groundwork for his future career path.

»It was one of the coolest, most fun projects I worked on during my high school years and what eventually led me to study industrial engineering at university.«

A work life which suits my lifestyle

»I always work on the train during my commute, which gives me more time to enjoy my hobbies when I get home. Whether it be hiking, going for a run, or hanging out with friends. It’s great that I’m given the flexibility to form my work life that way.«

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