Emil Holgersson, mechanical engineer
Emil Holgersson is a technology-driven mechanical engineer who has spent most of his life in the countryside, surrounded by animals, nature, and agricultural machinery.
A significant change has marked recent years for Emil, moving from the Swedish countryside to the city life in Norway. Emil has embraced a lifestyle filled with sports and outdoor activities. Through his work at AFRY, he takes on new challenges, but also has the opportunity to cross borders to discover and experience even more.
Emil has been with AFRY since 2016, working on projects across various industries.
“When I started at AFRY in Uppsala, I worked on projects in the nuclear power industry. My role involved project planning, coordination, and sub-project management. After that, I moved into the life sciences sector, where I worked for the company Cytiva on research and development of new equipment and materials.”
On the search for new challenges and opportunities in Norway
Life has now taken Emil to Norway, where he is fully immersed in working with multiple clients and projects from the office in Lillestrøm.
"My life situation changed relatively suddenly, which opened up the opportunity to try something new. I seized the moment and started looking for new challenges outside Sweden, which is when I got in touch with my current manager Kristin, a section manager in the pharmaceutical industry at AFRY in Norway. I'm grateful to continue my journey at AFRY, even after moving to another country."
Emil is currently involved in production and process development for the company Thermo Fisher. Here, he evaluates compliance with HAZOP/ATEX, designs and implements new installations, and takes the necessary measures to ensure that production meets the required standards.
He has also taken the opportunity to work closely with several AFRY colleagues in Western Norway on a project to establish a new bio-refinery for the company Alginor. Emil is responsible for planning and coordinating the project, a role he has honed through previous projects in Sweden.
Cultural differences despite great similarities
"As I mentioned, the move to Norway was driven by a desire for new challenges and experiences. The cultural gap between Sweden and Norway isn't particularly large, but Norway is definitely unique with its dramatic landscapes and mountain scenery."
Despite the similarities between the two countries, Emil acknowledges he has had a few “aha” moments.
"The biggest “aha” moment about living in Norway is the sheer number of electric cars everywhere! I’m also amazed by Norwegians’ love for frozen pizza and the fact that they rarely use microwaves. I think I saw only one microwave during my first two weeks here."
Emil also notes a remarkable difference between Sundays in Sweden and Norway: “In Sweden, Sundays are basically like any other day and are often used for big shopping trips or preparations for the coming week. But here, almost everything is closed on Sundays, and it’s expected you don’t make any noise. It was definitely a surprising and interesting difference to discover!”
Be proactive and create opportunities
Both at work and in his personal life, Emil takes pride in his ability to maintain a positive attitude and strong commitment. He is an active individual with a wide range of interests and hobbies.
"I’m passionate about new challenges and learning new skills. I’d describe myself as a versatile person who doesn’t like to sit still. My interests include dancing, badminton, volleyball, climbing, running, cross-country skiing, and hiking."
At work, he highlights the importance of the working environment:
"I’m interested in the psychosocial aspects of the workplace and have noticed that the working environment on a project largely depends on the client’s attitude towards us as consultants. I believe inclusion and belonging are key to creating a positive work environment, both internally and on assignments. My experience of the working environment at AFRY is very positive. The sections I’ve worked within have been inclusive, and we’ve had many social activities together. This fosters a strong sense of community."
Emil encourages colleagues and others considering a career in consulting to be proactive in creating exciting opportunities and expanding their skills and horizons.
"Life is what you make of it, and with support from AFRY and a positive attitude, the possibilities are endless."
