“A university with close collaboration with the industry”
What do you do at your job and what kind of company is it?
“I’m a principal engineer at Itasca Consultants AB with main focus on carrying out applied rock mechanics consultancy. Itasca is a global company, developing unique and outstanding software, and carrying out high standard geotechnical engineering consultancy.
I mainly work in tunnelling and mining projects but also in energy projects (e.g., waterpower dams). In my role as principal engineer, I use my knowledge in rock mechanics, from Luleå University of Technology (LTU), to solve challenging problems. As an example, I perform stability analysis of shafts, tunnels with great span, suggest optimized drift sizes, make risk assessment for new tunnels, sensitivity analysis, etc. Since we have the policy not to work alone in a project, I also have practiced my skills in project management and leadership. The Itasca company culture is to share our knowledge and communicating this in a simple, friendly, and transparent way. Hence, it is an easy task to act as project manager at Itasca.”
What do you think about Luleå University of Technology and the students from the education?
“The graduates from Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and with specialization in mining and geotechnical engineering often become employed as consultants, contractors, buyers of services, and mining engineers. LTU is the university where most employees (>80%) at Itasca Consultants AB have graduated. Many of us are proud LTU alumni! LTU as a technical university has a long tradition of applied research and is therefore a university with close collaboration with the industry. LTU graduates have the right curiosity and appetite for learning, and a self-driven and independent approach. As a company we do not expect a graduate to be a ‘finished product’, but a person who we can continuously support and coach in their development for our specific activity.”
What is your best career advice for students in this program?
“Based on the needs of skilled persons in rock mechanics and rock engineering, a student at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) have a very positive future. My first advice is that you need to learn how to work with others already during your studies. In the workplace, when you work with technology, it is still all about people! When graduating from LTU you will be good at handling technical issues and try to find one right answer. I would advise you to focus on your part in an overall view. Most decisions are not solely based on technical considerations. Decisions may also be affected by legal aspects (e.g., contract relations), considerations for time, cost, safety, environmental impact, etc. Therefore, I also advise you to be open for different ways to handle a problem. I also congratulate you to a bright future if you select LTU and the education with specialization in mining and geotechnical engineering!”
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