Tell us about yourself. Who are you?
My name is Erik Sehlstedt, I’m 24 years old, born and raised in Sollefteå, Sweden. In 2015 I moved to Umeå to study, initially a Foundation year in Technical and Natural Sciences and then the Master of Science Programme in Energy Engineering. I am currently finishing my Degree Project partly integrated with my work tasks at Mondi Dynäs, where I am employed as Development Engineer since January 2021. This is my first steady job, but I have had several seasonal employments at industries in the High Coast-area as well as internationally – in summary: four occasions with different roles at Statkrafts offices and hydropower plants in Sollefteå, Örnsköldsvik and Umeå, together with three occasions with Mondi – one of which at the mill in Frantschach, Austria. Beyond this I have also been employed with Umeå University as an assistant for teaching and supervising courses in my programme.
How do you spend the days?
As part of the technology team of Mondi Dynäs, my main task is to support the production. This can be done in many ways: everything from data collection and analysis or providing input and information regarding issues – to assisting in problem solving or the execution of development projects.
A normal day at work I spend most of my time in the office. I mainly work on in-house paper quality, partly by preparing weekly and monthly reports on the overall paper quality and partly by responding to requests of more in-depth analysis. The latter in practice corresponds to taking a closer look at data for specific products, properties and time intervals. I’m also investigating possible areas of improvement by looking into current equipment and communicating with colleagues to find and evaluate development opportunities.
Apart from this a typical day also contain a few meetings. This can be everything from daily internal meetings keeping everyone up to speed, to recurring meetings regarding safety analysis or production info.
What do you like about your work?
So far I am very happy with my employment, I feel like I have very competent and helpful colleagues to assist me as well as provide me with meaningful work tasks where I can put my strengths to use and grow into the role and the team. I also appreciate the serious safety work and focus, providing all the proper equipment, education and instructions. Moreover, providing the opportunity to when necessary fulfil my work from a distance and in times when needing to keep the physical distance still emphasizing on avoiding the social separation by maintaining daily meetings online. Furthermore, not only do I find my task interesting and challenging but at the same time being able to partly integrate some with my degree project is very advantageous. I’m looking forward to learn more and take on additional exciting tasks further on.
How do you see your industry and its future?
I’m glad to be a part of Mondi and I feel like we have a clear role in the kraft paper industry and a bright future. Mondi Dynäs produces innovative and high quality products that combines strength with economic and environmental benefits; I’m positive and feel like there are a lot of opportunities, for example in competition with plastic, and facing challenges like these is something to look forward to.
What do you prefer to do when ypu are free?
In my free time I like to stay active and I enjoy most physical activities. All my life I’ve played soccer and floorball because of the team spirit and competitive elements, other interests include longboarding, hiking, snowboarding and ice-skating. In university I spent a lot of time participating in various welcoming programmes arranging events and social activities for national as well as international students, in which I think my versatility has been very useful and expanded. Meeting friends to make a campfire or play some games is otherwise a favourite, moreover I enjoy cooking, playing the guitar and fishing.
What is the best thing about living on the High Coast?
Currently I live in Umeå, but have the opportunity to spend time with my parents or at their summer house when I desire to travel shorter to work. What I enjoy most about my hometown as well as the High Coast-area is the beautiful nature; being close to the forest and mountains has always kept me relaxed. Still I enjoy spending at least my weekends in Umeå and the train connections makes it comfortable to travel.
What is your best tip for those who want to come here and doscover the High Coast?
For anyone coming to visit the High Coast I very much recommend exploring the amazing scenery of Skuleskogen National Park. A trip to Rotsidan also provides a relaxing and inspiring experience, this has long been a family favourite. Another one is enjoying the view over the High Coast-bridge, perhaps from the windows of the nearby hotel restaurant or its adjacent disc golf course.
