Arvid Bolin did his PhD between the years 2011 and 2017. He did his thesis on Landscape dependent remedies for the maintenance of ecosystem services and biodiversity – and the consequences of ecological interaction in human-modified landscapes. Using data simulation methods to do his research.  

After finishing the PhD, Arvid got offered employment as a teacher at a high school in Kävlinge, which is his current employment. He teaches math and science studies.  To pursue a career outside academia was a rather easy choice for him. He did enjoy the teaching sessions of his time as a PhD, making the decision to become a teacher a rather obvious choice for him.  

Arvid found the knowledge he gained from his studies to be highly applicable and valuable in his current work. He particularly appreciated the transdisciplinary perspective used which he now found to be applied in his student’s curriculum and thus part of his daily work. Additionally, Arvid values the holistic and comprehensive perspective that he developed during his PhD and which he continues to carry with him.  

One of his fondest memories was the conferences that were offered for the PhD student. One of the best he can recall is a conference the class went on to Finland.

It was -20 Celsius, a lot of snow and where he had the opportunity to engage with interesting people and meaningful conversations, a real experience.

He also put great value in the conversations and interactions he had with his fellow colleagues during his study time.  

Arvid feels that some improvement could have been made to the routines and structures regarding the offered courses. He does, however, believe these faults might have been due to the fact that he was one of the early classes, and therefore routines might not have been as established as he hopes they are currently.   

If he could give any advice to current PhD students, it would be to make the most of their time and have fun. He recommends going to as many conferences as possible, creating big networks, and really taking the opportunity to learn as much as possible.