Staff exchange – Karolinska Institutet

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in an Erasmus Staff Week at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, together with colleagues from across Europe (and Canada) who work with international admissions. During five intense and inspiring days, we had the opportunity to exchange experiences, ideas, and insights.

We delved into key topics such as how to streamline admissions processes, manage the increasing number of applications, and combat fraud. The discussions about how AI can support admissions processing and how we can collaborate more closely with student recruitment to attract the right applicants were particularly exciting. Additionally, we explored which conferences and networks are essential to keep an eye on in order to stay up to date on the latest trends and challenges in international admissions. The week concluded with a forward-looking session on what the future holds for our field.

But a Staff Week is not just about presentations and discussions – it’s also about building lasting relationships and networks. One of the highlights of our stay was a guided boat tour through Utrecht’s beautiful canals, where we got to experience the city’s history and culture up close. These more relaxed activities provided us with time to form stronger connections with our colleagues and build professional networks that will be invaluable in the future.

Now that I am back at the office, I feel re-energized and equipped with a network of new contacts and full of ideas. An Erasmus Staff Week is not only an opportunity to develop your own skills and knowledge, but also a chance to build relationships that can be hard to establish at larger conferences. The close interaction over the course of an entire week makes it easier to share experiences, brainstorm ideas, and gain new perspectives from colleagues facing similar challenges in other countries.

If you’re considering attending a Staff Week – do it! It’s an investment in both your personal and professional development!

Victoria Rosander, Head of admissions, graduation and dissertation