Berghs Bachelor Alumni in London: Louise's Creative Journey Abroad

Hi Louise! Could you tell us a little about yourself and what made you decide to apply to the Berghs Bachelor Program in the first place?

I think my journey to Berghs was a bit unconventional, but at the same time, everyone finds their own way there. After spending 4–5 years traveling around the world, I always knew I’d study eventually, but I wasn’t sure what. I had planned to go into engineering, but one summer night out in Stockholm, I met someone who was studying at Berghs and spoke highly about the Berghs Bachelor program. I’ve always been a creative person, but I hadn’t seen a clear path for it before, so I thought, why not apply? I’m really glad I did, because it opened up a path I didn’t even know existed.

What do you work with today, what does that entail and what do you enjoy most?

I recently made a bit of a sidestep in my career. I started out in graphic design and worked my way from junior to middleweight designer, but I’ve always been drawn to project management. About a month ago, I started a new role as a digital project manager, which I really enjoy. I still work closely with design, but now more with websites and digital products, and I love constantly learning and exploring new ways of working.

How would you describe your semester at Berghs — what were your biggest takeaways or favorite parts?

My first semester at Berghs was really fun, even though it was during COVID, which came with its challenges. I think it actually brought us closer as a group. After living abroad for so long, it was really nice to come back to Stockholm and find a new sense of community while meeting so many different, creative people. Berghs felt like a bit of a crash course, being thrown into live projects straight away, but I learned so much and really enjoyed that hands-on way of working.

How did your time at Berghs help you prepare for your studies abroad?

It definitely helped me prepare for studying abroad. One of the biggest takeaways was learning how to work with different people — everyone brings a different perspective, and making sure that everyone is heard is what leads to the best work. We did a lot of group projects, which really taught me how to combine different strengths and create something stronger together.

Why did you choose Ravensbourne University London as your destination?

I chose Ravensbourne and London because I had just come back from living in Australia for two years and wanted to experience somewhere new, while still being closer to home. I’d also always been curious about living in London, so it felt like the perfect fit.

How was the transition from Berghs to Ravensbourne— in terms of learning environment, culture, or pace?

It was quite a big shift, especially starting during COVID and going from in-person at Berghs to studying online. At Berghs, you get thrown in the deep (but fun!) end, with a fast pace and lots of different projects, whereas Ravensbourne is more self-directed, focusing on one or two subjects at a time. That gave me the chance to really deep-dive into topics, use the creative facilities, and explore London’s creative side as part of the learning experience.

What degree did you pursue, tell us a bit about it, and which parts of the program inspired you the most?

I chose to study graphic design at Ravensbourne because I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take, and it felt like a broad and flexible path. I’ve always been interested in areas beyond advertising, like exhibitions and more conceptual work, so it gave me space to explore different fields — from arts to politics. Graphic design felt like an open playground, and it has opened up opportunities across different sectors since then.

What’s it like to live in London — any favorite neighborhoods, cafés, or routines?

I’m definitely a North-East London girlie. I hang out mostly in areas like Hackney, London Fields, Islington, and Homerton, and there is always something going on. What I enjoy most is that no matter what you’re into, whether it’s music, art, or exercise, there is always something new to do. I also love how easy it is to get out of the city and explore nature on weekends. I’m a huge fan of hiking and discovering new spots, so it’s a nice balance between busy city life and time in nature.

How diD London’s creative scene inspire you?

Having already lived abroad before moving to London, I didn’t encounter many cultural surprises. One thing I really appreciate about London is how multicultural it is. You meet people from everywhere, and it feels inclusive. That kind of environment, where different perspectives are celebrated, is where I thrive most.

DID you experience any cultural surprises or lessons when you moved abroad?

I think I got the crash course when I was living abroad in Australia for a couple of years. But one thing I really appreciate about London is how open and multicultural it is. You meet people from everywhere, and it feels very inclusive. I think that kind of environment, where different perspectives are celebrated, is where I thrive the most.

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

I think the biggest learning curve has been realising that I’m capable of more than I thought. I was pretty unsure about going back to studying after being away for a few years, but once I committed to it, it worked out, and I really enjoyed it! I managed to graduate with first-class honours, which proved to me that if you put in the work, you can go further than you expect. That has built a lot of confidence.

How has your journey through Berghs & Ravensbourne shaped your career?

My journey has taught me to stay open-minded and just say yes to opportunities. At Ravensbourne, I worked with the student union, designing the visual identity for the Freshers’ Festivals (I got to create huge banners across the school with lots of visibility, which was such a fun way to start my final year!). From there, I got my first job in the industry as a Graphic Designer, where I worked with clients like Netflix, and now, stepping into digital project management, it’s all about staying curious and grabbing opportunities as they come.

What advice would you give to future Berghs students thinking about joining the Bachelor Program and studying abroad?

Stay curious and push yourself outside your comfort zone, and try to experience things you wouldn’t find back home. Dive into what the city has to offer — exhibitions, music, the creative scene — and make friends with people from different backgrounds. If you choose to study abroad, try to make the most of it.