“I have always been fascinated by the human body and biology”

What is your bachelor’s degree?

“I did a bachelor’s in Molecular Medicine at Aarhus University. It’s quite similar to Molecular Biology, which most people are familiar with. Molecular Medicine focuses on everything related to the human body and the diseases that affect humans — whereas biology also covers many other species of animals and bacteria.”

Why did you choose that programme?

“I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and biology, and ever since high school I’ve known that this was the path I wanted to take. I love those aha moments when you understand something on a molecular level and can actually see that it’s what happens in real life.”

“A small example would be people taking electrolytes — because of what I’ve learned about the body, I know that it makes perfect sense: you can’t absorb water if there isn’t also some salt or sugar being transported across the cell membranes.”

"I love those aha moments when you understand something on a molecular level."

What master’s programme are you taking?

“I started in August on an international master’s at the University of Copenhagen called Immunology and Inflammation. There’s no bachelor’s in that programme, so everyone comes with slightly different backgrounds. We start from scratch with the immune system so that everyone is on the same level, and then during the next year, we go deeper into specific parts of the immune system. Afterwards, we have a year to do a research project, which is our thesis.”

What’s the best thing about your field?

“That everyone is helpful and welcoming. These are quite demanding studies with some heavy subjects, but people are genuinely good at helping each other. In my new master’s programme, there’s also a great deal of helpfulness across cultures. If you post something like, ‘Hey, has anyone understood this?’ there’s always someone who responds and helps.”

“At other programmes, it sometimes sounds like the environment is much more performance-oriented. I think it’s great that in my field, we have a shared understanding that we help each other so that we can all get through the degree and raise our academic level together.”

What’s the most challenging part?

“It’s when we have to memorize things. There’s still a bit of the old-school approach in some courses — which is fine, because some of the cellular processes and mechanisms are really good to know by heart; it makes the larger systems in the body easier to understand.”

“But there’s a lot of reading, and we’ve had many long exam periods — first trying to understand things on our own and then meeting up with our study group to go through everything together.”

What do you dream of doing in the future?

“I’m still quite unsure. Many people from my master’s go on to do a PhD — and maybe I’ll do that too — but then you commit yourself to three years of research. So I’m also exploring other possibilities, maybe something a bit more business-oriented.”

“I can feel that I’m not put off by more coordinating or strategic roles. Right now, I’m looking for a student job so I can try out different things. I think that will give me more clarity about whether I want to be in the lab, digging into the details, or take on more of a project manager-type role with an overview of the bigger picture.”

“I hope I’ll find a job where I enjoy being, with kind colleagues who support each other. Then it doesn’t matter too much what exactly I’m doing — as long as I feel it creates value for me and for others."

"It’s important for people in our field to know that there’s someone who can help — not only when things get difficult, but also if you’re new to the industry or still a student.”

You’ve just been elected to Pharmadanmark’s board — why did you choose to get involved in the union?

“I’ve been employed as a student ambassador since 2022, so by now I know the union quite well — and I know many of the members too. I think it’s important for people in our field to know that there’s someone who can help — not only when things get difficult, but also if you’re new to the industry or still a student.”

“I’ve also personally used Hanne (career counsellor) when I was applying for my master’s at the University of Copenhagen. It’s a tough programme to get into, with only 30 spots, so it was great to have Hanne’s support to make sure I sent in a strong application.”

Why do you think unions are important for young people in your generation?

“It’s the unions that fight for the framework we have in the Danish labor market — so that in itself is an important role.”

“Beyond that, it’s great that unions offer a sense of community within your professional sector. You get the chance to meet like-minded people — even as a student. During your studies, it’s often through social events, but I think in the long run, that can mean a lot. Maybe someone you meet at a nice social event could later help you land a job or become a valuable contact in the industry.”