A successful job seeking story
Landing a job in a different country needs an effort. It takes time and struggle. At International House Gothenburg (IHG), we aim to support newcomers during these challenging days and make their job-seeking journey easier with collaboration. The most rewarding part of this process for the IHG crew is when the visitor lands a job. Sabrina Altmeyer Mendes from Brazil is one of the people who let the IHG team feel that way.
Sabrina is an Environmental Engineer with a master’s degree. After she studied in the US for 1,5 years, she moved to Gothenburg in October 2023, thanks to her husband finding an opportunity at Volvo. A new life in a new country brings new challenges. Since Sabrina wants to work in Sweden, she started looking for positions. Then, she came across International House Gothenburg (IHG). Let’s hear the rest of the story from Sabrina.
Why did you choose to go to Gothenburg to start a new career?
My husband and I wanted to have some experience living abroad together, and we planned this for a couple of years. Since he was working at Volvo in Brazil, we thought that Gothenburg (the city of Volvo) could be a good choice. We started researching the city and the country and liked what we found. The possibility of living close to nature (because we enjoy outdoor sports and hiking), the culture of work-life balance, the values of trust and honesty, the ´Lagom´ concept… We could recognize and see ourselves in it.
In addition, having a background in environmental engineering and being passionate about it, the fact that the city is recognized for its sustainability really made me dream of the possibility of working here and developing my career.
So, back in Brazil, my husband applied for a job at Volvo Trucks in Gothenburg, and he got it. It was not an easy process, but here we are!
How did you come across International House Gothenburg?
After arriving in Gothenburg, I started searching on the internet for international communities and ways to explore the city, and I came across the website movetogothenburg.com. There, I found information about IHG, and that this place would be great for me to meet people and learn more about where I'm living.
Which IHG events did you participate in?
I participated in events and workshops, such as Swedish Business Culture, Career Cabin, and Career Programme. Besides these events, I also had individual advisory meetings.
Were the IHG's events helpful in adjusting yourself to the Swedish lifestyle?
I find these events very helpful and insightful. Participating in them taught me about the differences and similarities in the culture I was facing from Brazil and how I could adjust and even use my strengths in my favour when searching for a job.
I remember learning the concept of intercultural competence at IHG. I liked it because it showed me, I could bring my culture and experiences to a different environment or a country with value. I don't have to adapt entirely to fit somewhere, but I can function effectively across cultures.
In addition, IHG is an excellent place for meeting people from around the world and seeing that many are in the same situation as you. But also, there are people with great success stories, which gave me hope in moments of doubt.
I also want to mention the staff at IHG; everyone is so kind, and they are always open for a conversation to answer questions. They root for the success of all internationals attending IHG.
And there is fun also! The Christmas event was great. I had the opportunity to learn about Christmas culture in Sweden and in other countries; I tried typical sweets and drinks, and there were games. It was a really great experience.
Being an immigrant, I found the service offered by IHG essential!
A challenging journey
Recently, you started your new career in Gothenburg. Please tell us about your new job.
I started working at Chalmers University of Technology as a Doctoral Student in January/24. I was hired to research a project called SIDWater - Sustainable Innovative Drinking Water Treatment Solutions. This project aims to ensure the sustainability of municipal drinking water supplies by developing new innovative treatment processes and removing poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to stop the perpetual cycle of "treating and releasing" contaminants back into the aquatic environment. Several institutions are participating in this research besides Chalmers: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lund University, University of Gothenburg, Uppsala University, Uppsala Vatten och Avfall, Sydvatten, Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, Norrvatten, Nova Diamant.
My focus is to assess the sustainability of these treatment solutions using Life Cycle Assessment – LCA and Life Cycle Costing – LCC. I am really excited about working on an important project like this!
In the department, I am part of a team comprising many international talents from different parts of the world (India, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Rwanda, Sweden, Brazil, Netherlands, France, Colombia, and more). This is great because we can have varied perspectives and cultural exchanges, and a diverse environment makes me feel welcome.
Was it challenging while searching for a job and interviewing/negotiating? Was the job culture difference part of the challenge?
The whole process was challenging for me. While searching for a job, many advertisements required the Swedish language in my field, and I felt it was a barrier. But also made me come up with different plans to get a job. My first option was to become a PhD Student because I felt it was the right opportunity for me at the right moment. Here in Gothenburg, the doctoral student position is a full-time job with all the benefits and duties of a full-time job. But also, it has the advantage of having a doctoral degree at the end of the program (4 to 5 years). This is one big difference from Brazil and many other countries, where you aren't paid for a Ph.D. But, if it didn't happen, I had a plan B: studying Swedish full-time at SFI, applying for an internship at Jobbsprånget, participating in job fairs, etc.
Were the workshops and advisory services you received from IHG helpful to you during this process?
YES! With no doubts. I gained a lot of information at IHG, which helped me. I learned how to adapt my CV to the Swedish style and the importance of making connections and professionally asking questions. It really helped me through my process. The things I learned at IHG were helpful during my interviews because we discussed how to prepare for an interview and do an elevator pitch. I also learned that the interviews are more like a conversation in Sweden. And it all made me feel more relaxed and confident through the process.
Job culture difference was not a big part of the challenge in this case, but thanks to the events I participated in at IHG, I was prepared for it.
However, sharing a difficult time (recently arrived in a new country, with no job, facing cultural challenges) with people was the most helpful. Meeting friends, discussing challenges, learning together, and, most importantly, having IHG people there to guide us made it better for me. And for this, I am very thankful.
What would you recommend to a talent searching for opportunities in Sweden?
I recommend them to be positive and open-minded during the process. When moving to a new country, we cannot expect things to be the same as in our home country. Regardless of people's work area, when living and working abroad, it is essential to comprehend the culture and values of the country you are in. With this information, you can adapt, understand what works for you, and apply your intercultural competence.
And, of course, I would hardly recommend talents to go to IHG to enjoy the services and help offered.
Interview by Sule Kaya Hult