From Boston to Berghs: Studying a Portfolio Program in Stockholm

Hi Emma! You graduated from the Advanced Portfolio program in the Fall of 2025; Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background and your aspirations!

I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and did my undergrad at The University of Colorado Boulder! I majored in Psychology during my first two years at university, which really sparked my interest in understanding how people think and behave. Along the way, I discovered the creative world of advertising and realized that was where I wanted to take my career, so I switched my major to Strategic Communications. Even though the two fields weren’t directly connected, my background in Psychology has really shaped how I approach communication and advertising, with a curiosity about people and what drives them. After graduating, I knew I wanted to keep learning and broaden my creative perspective, which is ultimately what brought me to Berghs!

Can you share with us where you were in your life/career when you found out about the Advanced Portfolio Program?

I found out about Berghs' Advanced Portfolio Program in the fall of my senior year of college. In my classes we often worked on Young Ones briefs, and a name I always saw attached to winning work was Berghs SOC. I was so curious about this school and the students creating such amazing projects. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do once I graduated, but I knew I wanted to continue growing my design skills. So when registration opened that February, I didn't hesitate, and I applied that day. I never planned to attend portfolio school until I found Berghs!

What specifically about the Advanced Portfolio program prompted you to apply?

The inspiring, smart work I saw the students producing. In my undergrad I always admired the campaigns coming out of Berghs, and the more I learned about the school the more I wanted to surround myself with those creatives.

How would you describe the program for someone who didn't know about it or Berghs?

The Advanced Portfolio Program is a crash course in advertising. One week you're learning what an idea is, the next you’re producing a case video, then you're pitching your work to a client. I have never learned so much information in such a short amount of time! It's 15 weeks of challenging and extremely fulfilling work. Not to mention, you're doing it in the most creative school! From the moment I stepped into the Berghs building I was infatuated with the creativity oozing out of the rooms and splattered on the walls. 

How were your teachers?

The teachers were amazing! Honestly, some of the coolest people ever. For such a quick program, Berghs gave us many opportunities to connect with guest speakers, lecturers, and teachers throughout, each bringing their own slice of life and insight to inspire our own career paths. Whether it was for 3 hours or 3 weeks, everyone who taught us clearly cared about shaping our perspective and leaving us feeling energized and excited to enter the industry.

What did you find most fun or valuable during your time at Berghs?

Participating in Berghs Bollen during my first month at the school was extremely fun. The whole school participates in a soccer tournament, where everyone is dressed up in costumes, a great bonding experience. I am no soccer player, but it didn't matter! All the students, whether you knew them or not, would cheer, support, and celebrate you.
Industry Week was also incredibly valuable, especially coming from abroad. Visiting advertising and design agencies and hearing about the work they're creating was an amazing taste of the industry.
But honestly, one of my favorite things was simply being able to work with and get to know so many other students at Berghs. The community within the school is so strong, not only becoming close with my ten classmates, but working alongside all the other Swedish students too.
During my time at Berghs I made connections with students I still keep up with today. It makes me so happy knowing I have a network of people I can always reach out to in Sweden.

What has happened in your life since you graduated from the program?

I landed an internship in Chicago at an independent advertising agency, Highdive! This still feels surreal. I'm an Art Director Intern who gets to touch so many different briefs. It's so cool to experience the full process from brief to live work, and to see an idea change how people move through their day. These creatives push the limits of what seems possible, learning the rules to break them. My time at Highdive has made me realize how fun this career really is. I feel so lucky to be somewhere where work feels like play.

Do you feel Berghs played any part in helping you land your internship?

Yes! Not only did Berghs help me build a portfolio I am incredibly proud to share, but it helped me bring a perspective to the table that I gained while living in Sweden. My time at Berghs taught me how to work with anyone, always have an open mind, and stay creatively curious.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking the Advanced Portfolio Program?

Take the leap! Why not? It’s the perfect short-term program during any point in your career. If you’re looking for redirection, inspiration, or to update yourself, Berghs is the perfect place. I wish I could do it all over again.

Keen to reach out to Emma Thomas? Reach out to her on LinkedIn.