"New at work" - Erik Edstam, SCI's new Head of Hdministration
"It is easier to start at KTH than to leave", says Erik Edstam, who, after completing his studies and working in various positions for many years, has now taken over the role of Head of Administration at the SCI school.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Östergötland and moved to Stockholm to study at KTH. It turned out to be much easier to start at KTH than to leave.
How does it feel to have been appointed Head of Administration?
It's both exciting and scary. It feels good when I can use my knowledge and experience from SCI and KTH to find good solutions, but it is also challenging in many ways.
What was the first thing you did in your new position?
The University Administration is currently undergoing a significant development and I have spent a great deal of my time making sure that we can implement the changes in the best possible way, synchronized with the school's activities.
Why do you think this role suits you?
I have worked at SCI in many different roles for a long time, getting to know both the staff and the organization. I believe that this gives me a good opportunity to make a difference in this role. Besides, I think it is great!
Which of your previous experiences will you benefit from?
Of course, my time as an infrastructure manager and as an administrative group manager will be very useful, but I also have a background as a trade unionist and as a safety representative. These roles teach you a lot about the organization and what is needed beyond the obvious.
How would you like to further develop the school's administration?
We need to keep evolving to meet the needs of the organization while making the most of everyone's skills and interests. It's a tricky jigsaw puzzle. But if we get it about right, we get better at what we do and have a bit more fun along the way!
You are taking over from Helene Rune. What is particularly important to preserve from her leadership?
Helene worked hard to create and develop an efficient and flexible organization that always had the school's management, researchers, and teachers in focus. This way of working is just as important today as it was then, and I think it is important to preserve it!