"I want to create useful products.”

The move to Sweden and studies at Kristianstad University was a new step in life for Rosita Hamidi. "I'm probably the only one in my family who has left Iran and moved so far. But I have no regrets—I would definitely make the same choice today."

–  In computer science, new things happen all the time, every day! The future holds so many possibilities that we have no idea about right now.

Rosita Hamidi is in her third and final year of the Bachelor programme in Computer Science and Engineering, currently taking a course on the Internet of Things, which she describes as "truly exciting." In between, she serves as a teaching assistant for students in lower years.

The fact that this 40-year-old finds herself in Sweden and Kristianstad, on the verge of obtaining a degree in computer science and engineering, is a combination of chance and the pandemic. Three years ago, her life looked very different. Having worked as an engineer in the oil industry for many years, first in her home country Iran and then in Malaysia, the global spread of COVID-19 paralyzed her industry.

– There were layoffs. I had the choice to either wait and weather the storm or try to find a new industry.

Evaluated based on competence

Even though she enjoyed her field of work, she realized it was time to explore other paths. She chose computer science. Having dabbled in programming, she decided to educate herself in this field.

– But I wanted to do this in a place where I wouldn't just study but could also see myself living. A place where I could be judged based on my competence, not my gender. And I knew that the Scandinavian countries topped the lists for gender equality.

"The education aligned with my interests."

When she started to look for universities and programmes, Kristianstad University and the Bachelor programme in Computer Science and Engineering, taught in English, emerged as an option.

– I checked courses and schedules, and it felt like the education aligned with my interests.

In the autumn of 2021, she made the move halfway around the globe. Rosita Hamidi says she had somewhat vague images of what the environment and society up north would be like.

– But the idea of two meters of snow and a bunch of shy and introverted people didn't quite match.

Accessible and helpful professors

Kristianstad was indeed considerably smaller than the cities she was used to, but she has built a circle of friends here as well.

– It may seem calm and quiet, but there is actually nightlife here. My friends and I usually go out, watch movies, play games, and go on excursions. If you want more than this, you can always take a trip to Copenhagen.

However, the education, was about as she had imagined. She particularly appreciated courses related to programming for embedded systems. She also felt that the teachers were accessible and helpful when students faced practical tasks and labs. In the past year, she has served as a teaching assistant for lower-year students during labs and homework help.

– When you try to formulate good answers to students' questions, you see the problems from new perspectives. It's very educational.

Making a difference in a team

She hopes to graduate during early summer, with plans to immediately enter the workforce.

– I've already seen that there are many job ads where companies are looking for data engineers. But it's only when you've submitted an application that you know how in demand you are in the job market...

She is flexible and can work in Sweden or abroad, in larger or smaller companies.

–I'm especially looking forward to making a difference in a team and creating products that are genuinely useful for people. I really like the idea of having a concept and being able to bring it to life.

"I discovered computer science, and working with it feels like having fun for me."

To prospective students, she wants to offer a piece of advice: try to ignore what everyone else thinks.

–It's about what you want to do in life. And ideally, it's something you can enjoy for 30, 40 years without getting bored or exhausted. I discovered computer science, and working with it feels like having fun to me.

Text and image: Kerstin Weman Thornell