"A lot of people worry about what’s next after university, but it’s a privilege to know what you want to do! I ended up where I am through a series of coincidences. Basically, I liked math more than most and leaned into that. My advice? It’s okay to change your mind along the way. You’ll figure it out!"

The domino effect of choices 

Alfred is outgoing and social, with interests ranging from music and playing instruments to tennis, football, and curiosity about society and politics. That same curiosity also defines his career journey. For Alfred, it’s never been about having a rigid plan, but about following what brings joy and purpose. 
 
That approach started with the choice of upper secondary school. He knew his interests and the general direction he wanted to pursue, but the deciding factor between two paths came down to something as simple as skipping Spanish, which tipped the scale in favor of Technics. 
 
Engineering, however, wasn’t really on the radar at first: 
 

"I wasn´t sure of which way to go regarding university studies. I kind of slipped into engineering since I like math and physics. I didn’t know many engineers, so I went into it pretty blind, without a clear goal. It was just a bonus that it had the reputation of being a difficult line of education, I liked the challenge!"

 
After five years studying Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering at Linköping University, Alfred was ready to step into the professional world – and that’s when Combitech entered the picture. 

Daring to change course 

With graduation drawing close, Alfred stayed active on LinkedIn. That’s how he first connected with Combitech through a recruitment firm. Already in touch with other employers, he found the assignment that Combitech offered at Saab exciting and well-aligned with his expertise. 
 
But as his experience grew, so did his curiosity for new challenges. 

"The assignment felt great at first, and I stayed with it for 2,5 years. At the end of that period I felt a curiosity for what other assignments could bring. I was simply ready for something new, maybe something other than programming which I’d been doing a lot of. So, I started looking for new opportunities."

As a newcomer at Combitech, Alfred was introduced to the CTP– the Combitech Talent Program. It’s a two-year program designed to give fresh recruits the smoothest and most rewarding start possible, with dialogue seminars, courses, and debriefs. Through the program, Alfred not only found new friends, but graduating from the program brought what felt like a natural turning point and the perfect timing to switch roles. He spoke with his manager and made the move – this time specifically asking for an assignment with less programming and more focus on systems. Luckily, there was a perfect match waiting for him!  
 

Making an impact on society 

Now, two and a half years later, Alfred thrives as a Scrum Master for a team of eight, working with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). He manages information and needs across the organization, ensuring it’s accessible and understandable for the right people at the right time. 
 
A large part of his work comes down to being a skilled communicator, translating technical details into actionable specifications. 

"Working in a large organization, keeping information accessible and up to date is a big task. The core of my role is having the technical expertise to mediate these technical terms, because the customer often expresses their needs quite vaguely. My job is to convert those needs into precise technical specifications."

From his now five years of experience, one thing stands out as giving his work real purpose. It’s not just the friendly colleagues and coffee breaks at the Linköping office – but the customers. 

"I love working with customers who have a real impact on society and their industry! Playing a part in keeping a large organization running smoothly is incredibly motivating."

Looking ahead 

Alfred now knows he thrives more as a generalist than a specialist. In his future, that would likely be the path he’d continue to pursue – though for now, he’s fully engaged in his current role. 

"I’m almost too content to dream too much about the future, haha. I hope to do this as long as I can and continue finding purpose in it."

The path here wasn’t straightforward. Seemingly random choices – like skipping Spanish and taking on a challenging study path – eventually led him to Combitech. By knowing himself and daring to make a change, he found a role that fits like a glove, allowing him to make an impact and help shape a smart and resilient society.