From Berghs to London: Nicole's Journey to a Creative Career Abroad

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

Berghs was my dream school. I worked on my Berghs Bachelor application until the very last minute before the deadline, it truly felt like this or nothing. Going abroad had always been a dream of mine. I wanted to experience a different design culture than the Scandinavian one I grew up with, but just as importantly, I wanted cultural exchange, to grow, challenge myself, and see who you could become outside the expectations attached to home.

I already had diplomas from other institutions, but I wanted a full bachelor’s degree on my résumé. Berghs and Ravensbourne both carry strong reputations, and having institutions people recognise and trust genuinely opens doors. And going through a Swedish institution made the application much easier.

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

Today I work in advertising as an Art Director and Producer. It perfectly aligns with my passion for film, temporary art, and creating unconventional ideas. 

What I love most is the challenge of creating emotion in a short format. You have just a few seconds to spark something in someone’s mind. The idea that you can genuinely improve someone’s life, by selling a product or service in the right way through brand storytelling, is something I still find fascinating. I want to take this passion and create more guerilla marketing, find my way to leadership, and working with even more inspiring people.

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

I attended Berghs during the pandemic, which meant we couldn’t work from the school itself. Instead, our entire class basically lived and worked 24/7 out of a nearby hotel. It was intense, blood, sweat, tears, and a lot of laughter, and it created bonds I still carry with me today.

I loved the fast paced learning environment. The teachers were incredibly knowledgeable and pushed us through tough love. I sharpened my skills very quickly, and seeing results that fast was deeply motivating. It felt like I was finally in motion, like the real start of my life.

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

When we arrived at Ravensbourne, we were told that students coming from Berghs stood out for their rhetoric, presentation skills, and design thinking. That foundation has stayed with me and is something I still genuinely enjoy using today.

Berghs taught me structure, teamwork, and how to think clearly under pressure, skills that made the transition abroad far smoother.

Why did you choose Ravensbourne University London as your destination?

At the time, Australia and the US were fully locked down so my options were limited. But honestly, London made the most sense. It’s a global creative hub and a strong place to build a European business network.

Choosing London turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. These five years gave me more than I could have hoped for and completely reshaped both me and my career, even if it meant buying a raincoat instead of lying on a beach.

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

The pace slowed down significantly at Ravensbourne. Berghs was an intense high speed crash course, while Ravensbourne felt like a traditional university experience spread over three years.

At Berghs, everything was tightly scheduled with clear deadlines; at Ravensbourne, it became much more “you get out what you put in.” I think this worked particularly well for us Swedes, we already had the discipline and structure, so I made sure to attend every opportunity, lecture, and industry event available.

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

I graduated as a First Class Honours student with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Brand Design. I chose a broad degree rather than a niche one at the time, and I still believe that was the right decision.

The programme had strong industry connections and access to great resources. Each brief allowed freedom in how you responded, whether through film, branding, 3D, graphic design, or copywriting. I gravitated toward film, Art direction, directing and producing, whilst collaborating closely with designers and other specialists.

That teamwork mirrored agency life. Everyone gets to focus on what they do best, and the work becomes stronger because of it.

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

London is big and all areas are very different. I’ve lived in many areas, but Islington and Hackney were my favourites. Hackney still has my heart.

I bought a kayak so I could be on the water, spent time in parks, and stuck to local cafés instead of big chains. I always preferred living in “a city within the city.” Having your go to places where people recognise you makes all the difference in feeling at home.

How diD London’s creative scene inspire you?

In every possible way. Whatever niche you’re into, London has it. The city never shuts down, food at all hours, live music everywhere, constant movement.

London has offered me 5 years of things I could never have anticipated. I’ve stumbled into Rolling Stones performing, VIP section at Stevie Wonder concert in Hyde Park, lived in a house with a gym and rooftop pool, Skydiving in Cambridge, Atlantic Records 75th anniversary party alongside Ed Sheeran and my flatmates that became friends for life.

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

I thought London would feel culturally closest to Stockholm, I was completely wrong. The politeness, the confidence, the way people socialise, even the food and living standards were very different.

London is a mix of people from all over the world, and that cultural exchange has been my favourite part. It’s a social city and you talk with everyone, taxi drivers, people on the Tube, strangers at clubs. Everyone brings a story, and that’s what makes the city feel alive.

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

I’ve learned how large life can be. I went from opening Photoshop for the first time to winning creative competitions like Creative Conscience and Cream Portfolio awards, and working at some of the world’s top advertising agencies, including VML, Accenture Song and Droga5.

It’s been a brutal and beautiful journey. Standing on the rooftop terrace in our skyscraper office in London was actually the moment I realised it was time to move home. I felt accomplished, and ready for the next chapter.

Being abroad gave me perspective on where I come from. I’ve never felt more Swedish than when I lived outside Sweden. It clarified not only what I’m good at, but how I want to combine creativity, purpose, and income. Today, I see myself as a creative conceptualiser, and I’ve just returned to Stockholm, which now feels like a new city full of possibility and I’m looking for my next this or nothing.

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

Berghs, Ravensbourne, and London made me resilient and grateful. Moving abroad forces you to grow up fast, adapt quickly, and stay flexible.

It’s challenging, constant moves, high costs, and a hectic pace, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. The people I’ve met feel like family, and the exposure to different cultures and creative practices has shaped everything I do today.

Nicole together with her Course Directors Paula and Steve.

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

I’ve been invited back to Ravensbourne as an alumni to hold talks to inspire and give advice to the new generations of creators and I’ll happily share my top advice here as well. 

• It’s not for the faint of heart, it will force you to become a bigger version of yourself.
• Save money beforehand to give yourself a buffer.
• Take feedback on your work seriously, but be selective about who you take it from.
• Live with international flatmates you didn’t know beforehand, it’s how lifelong friendships form.
• Get internships during your studies.
• It takes time, meet everyone and let your people find you.
• Say yes to everything and treat every situation as an opportunity.

You don’t want to look back wondering what life could have been if you’d gone abroad when you had the chance. As Nike puts it best, just do it.