Student guide to Gothenburg’s business landscape – internships and career opportunities
As a student in Gothenburg, you’re right at the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic growth regions. While you’re studying, the city around you is constantly evolving, with new companies setting up, innovation hubs emerging, and job opportunities being created in future-facing industries. This guide explains why your future is here in Gothenburg.
Over the past 15 years, the Gothenburg region has grown at twice the rate of the national average, earning its reputation as Sweden’s growth engine. Good to know when you’re considering where in the world you want to live, work and build your career.
We combine excellent career opportunities with fantastic possibilities to enjoy a balanced and pleasant life here in Gothenburg, which is of course attractive. I’m glad that the country’s young and more mobile talents recognise this. We need all the competence we can attract.
Kickstart your career in Gothenburg
This guide gives you an overview of the essentials and also concrete tips on how to kickstart your career here. If you want to explore further, you’ll find reports and additional sources linked at the end.
- Gothenburg is Sweden’s friendliest city
- Surprising variety of industries
- Other major industries in the Gothenburg region
- The jobs are here in Gothenburg
- World-class career opportunities
- Sustainability and innovation — at the core of Gothenburg
- How students can meet Gothenburg’s business Community
- Your future is waiting — stay in Gothenburg!
- Practical tips to kickstart your career in Gothenburg
1. Gothenburg is Sweden’s friendliest city
Did you know that eight out of ten students in Gothenburg find a job within six months of graduation? That’s the best result in Sweden after Stockholm. According to the Talent City Index 2025, Gothenburg is also ranked Sweden’s friendliest municipality to live in.
Here in Gothenburg, you’ll find a labour market full of opportunities and also a lively, creative city with restaurants, nightlife, concerts and cultural events. Many students appreciate the relaxed and friendly urban vibe, and that hard-to-describe quality of life that simply makes you feel welcome The city offers a unique mix of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, making it an excellent place call home.
Over the past 15 years, the Gothenburg region has experienced economic development that has outpaced almost every other city region in Europe. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the economy has grown nearly twice as fast as the Swedish average. Much of this success is thanks to the strong collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector, this is a hallmark of Gothenburg and a foundation for turning ideas into reality.
Today, Gothenburg is Sweden’s leading research region. 35 % of all private R&D investment in the country is invested right here, this is nearly SEK 10 billion more than in the Stockholm region. The Gothenburg region is growing at a remarkable pace, and drawing increasing attention both in Sweden and internationally.
2. Surprising variety of industries
Most people associate Gothenburg with the automotive industry, which is true, giants like Volvo Cars, Volvo Group, Geely Europe and SKF all have their headquarters here.
Their presence has for one paved the way for world-class suppliers and service companies. But the region is home to far more than automotive giants, here you’ll find a wide range of industries shaping the jobs of the future.
Mobility & Transport –smarter ways to move
Mobility and transport are undergoing a major transformation driven by electrification, digitalisation and new services. This is noticeable both in the vehicles we use and also in how cities are planned. For the Gothenburg region, with its strong automotive and logistics heritage, this shift involves close collaboration between established companies and newcomers alike.
It’s no longer just about getting from A to B, it’s about the technologies that make transport smarter, cleaner and more efficient.
Three trends in mobility and transport
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Electrification keeps accelerating
… from personal vehicles to heavy transport.
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Vehicles are becoming more connected
… with software and data controlling everything from maintenance to safety.
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3Explore our trend guide
Services are replacing ownership
… as more people choose mobility services instead of owning a car.
Tech & ICT – advanced, every day, and everything in between
Technology trends are developing at lightning speed and influencing almost every industry. For students entering the job market, the boundaries between technology, society and creativity are becoming increasingly blurred. While Gothenburg is known for automotive engineering, the region is also seeing rapid growth in AI, digital twins, and deep tech which is opening career paths for both technical and non-technical talent.
Three trends in tech
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AI and automation
… are becoming more integrated into products, processes and decision-making.
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2
Digital twins
... of cities, factories and even the human body are used to test ideas before they’re built.
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3
Quantum technology and deep tech
… are still emerging but evolving fast and attracting both research and startups.
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4Read the trend report
7 tech trends shaping the future
Life Science – where health meets high technology
The life science sector is undergoing a technological shift where medicine, engineering and digitalisation merge. It’s not just about pharmaceuticals — it’s about smarter healthcare, better diagnostics and new ways of understanding the human body.
In Gothenburg, companies, healthcare and academia work closely together, enabling ideas to be developed and tested quickly.
Three trends in life science
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Digitalisation and AI
… improve everything from diagnostics to care planning.
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2
Advanced therapies
… like cell and gene treatments are becoming more accessible and precise.
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3
Remote solutions and self-monitoring
… give patients more control and create more flexible healthcare systems.
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4Access the insights
7 Life science trends
3. Other major industries in the Gothenburg region
The Gothenburg region offers a wide industrial base with complementary future-facing sectors, which means more opportunities for students entering the job market.
Space Industry
The region has a rapidly growing space sector, including satellite data, ground stations and space technology services. Around two-thirds of Sweden’s entire space sector workforce is located here. The Onsala Space Observatory contributes world-leading radio astronomy and infrastructure used by scientists and companies alike. Chalmers University hosts and drives much of this development.
Urban development & construction
Gothenburg is undergoing one of the largest urban transformations in Scandinavia. New public transport solutions, expanded tram lines and new districts such as Älvstaden and Masthuggskajen are taking shape. The region is investing heavily in sustainable materials, energy efficiency and socially sustainable neighbourhoods.
Logistics
Gothenburg is a logistics powerhouse thanks to its port and proximity to major industries. The region leads development in sustainable transport, electrified supply chains, automated terminals and digital logistics solutions.
Port & maritime
The Gothenburg region is one of Sweden’s strongest maritime clusters, with thousands of companies and jobs linked to shipping, logistics and marine services. The Port of Gothenburg, largest in the Nordics, plays a key role in international trade and the shift to fossil-free transport.
Fashion & textile
West Sweden has a long tradition of textiles and is now a European hub for sustainable materials and circular business models. Companies collaborate closely with research environments in Borås on textile recycling, bio-based fibres and long-lasting design.
Advanced chemical industry
In Stenungsund, one of the Nordics’ largest chemical clusters is transitioning towards greener, resource-efficient production. Here, companies develop materials and bio-based chemicals used in sectors ranging from automotive and construction to energy and pharmaceuticals.
4. The jobs are here in Gothenburg
The Gothenburg region’s labour market has shown remarkable resilience, even during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The private sector accounts for about 70% of all jobs and 75% of total wages, this illustrates its importance for regional growth and future development.
The most common professions in the region are civil engineers, IT architects and software developers. Technical skills are in high demand. At the same time, healthcare remains the largest occupational sector, employing nearly 14% of the workforce. Industry is the second largest, including automotive, advanced manufacturing, chemical industries and other industrial sectors.
Entrepreneurship and tech are booming
The region’s startup and scaleup scene is thriving, supported by around 5,000 growing SMEs with 20–200 employees.
SMEs dominate the region
95% of all workplaces in the region are small and medium-sized enterprises. They represent:
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41% of all employees
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27% of the region’s turnover
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54% of all added value
This makes SMEs essential to the region’s economic strength and long-term resilience.
Importantly, tech companies don’t only recruit developers, they also hire lawyers, economists, project managers, marketers, designers and analysts. This sector is defined by short decision-making paths and fast processes, perfect for anyone who wants to grow quickly.
5. World-class career opportunities
West Sweden stands out for technological expertise and innovation. Gothenburg hosts world-leading research in electrification, life science, sustainable mobility, space technology and logistics.
Here, future solutions are tested in real urban environments, from autonomous vehicles in the Gothenburg Green City Zone to life science innovation at GoCo Health Innovation City. The region offers over 60 testbeds, including AstaZero, SEEL and SSPA, and is currently seeing major investments in sustainable urban development and research.
Alongside global companies like Volvo Cars, AstraZeneca, SKF and Ericsson, the region’s vibrant startup scene is booming, particularly in sustainability tech, clean tech and impact innovation.
6. Sustainability and innovation — at the core of Gothenburg
Gothenburg aims to be fossil-free by 2030 and leads Sweden’s green transition.
As a young talent, you can be part of world-leading sustainability projects such as:
- Gothenburg Green City Zone – a unique testbed for emission-free transport in real urban environments
- Climate-neutral urban districts – examples include Frihamnen and Masthuggskajen
- AI, automation and digital twins – transforming factories, urban planning and public services
- The Port of Gothenburg – pushing forward electrification, shore power and reduced shipping emissions
- TranZero Initiative – making freight transport fossil-free, recognised by the World Economic Forum
- ElectriCity – Europe’s largest electric bus initiative
- High R&D capacity – companies in the region invest heavily in research and development
7. How students can meet Gothenburg’s business Community
Meeting places are essential for connecting students with companies. Gothenburg offers numerous platforms where students can collaborate with businesses and researchers:
- Lindholmen Science Park – Scandinavia’s leading innovation hub, home to 400 companies and 12,000 professionals
- Sahlgrenska Science Park – the life science hub linking academia and industry
- GU Ventures – the University of Gothenburg’s incubator, supporting student entrepreneurs
- Chalmers Ventures – one of Europe’s top university-affiliated incubators
Events such as GADDEN and CHARM are also excellent opportunities to meet future employers.
Key forums and events to follow
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Gothenburg Tech Week
A full week of talks, events and networking.
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TechMeetUp
A community for developers, entrepreneurs and innovators.
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3
Women in tech
Supporting and empowering women in the tech sector.
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4
GoWest
Where startups meet investors
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5
New events appear all the time – Business Region Göteborg can help guide you.
Thinking of becoming an entrepreneur?
Yesbox in Gamlestaden is a free and open meeting place for anyone starting or growing a business. Here you’ll find advisors, networks and support under one roof.
8. Your future is waiting — stay in Gothenburg!
A good job isn’t the only thing that makes life enjoyable. Gothenburg is also a fantastic place to live.
You can wander along the lively streets of Majorna, visit theatres and music venues, and in summer experience the iconic Way Out West festival in Slottsskogen. The sea, the archipelago, forests and lakes are all within easy reach.
If you prefer a quieter environment, nearby municipalities such as Mölndal, Kungsbacka and Partille offer great alternatives with excellent public transport connections.
Gothenburg companies are known for their Scandinavian work culture:
- flexible working hours
- generous parental leave
- at least 25 days of holiday
The city understands the importance of work–life balance.
Read more at Move to Gothenburg
9. Practical tips to kickstart your career in Gothenburg
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Start networking today
- Join at least two LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry
- Attend one industry event per month
- Contact alumni from your programme who work in Gothenburg
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Gain hands-on experience
- Apply for part-time jobs or internships via StudentConsulting or Academic Work
- Get involved in student associations with industry connections
- Do your thesis project in collaboration with a Gothenburg-based company
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3
Stay updated on opportunities
Follow Business Region Göteborg on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube
Subscribe to newsletters
Set up job alerts on LinkedIn and the Swedish Public Employment Service
What’s your next step?
Start exploring your opportunities today. Your future begins in Gothenburg.
The question is — what do you want to create? If you’re curious about starting your own business — we’re here to help you get started. If you’re new to Gothenburg and job-hunting — we can guide you step by step through the Swedish job market.