Quick Q&A with…
Amanda Lundell, since a few month back our woman in LA:
Who are you and in what ways are you working with Lund University in Los Angeles?
– I am originally from Sweden but have studied at Lund University and graduated with a masters degree in Business Strategy this fall. I have also had time to live in Sydney and in Spain, and I have traveled around Asia and to New Zealand.
– At Lund University Foundation (LUF), an independent charitable non-profit organization that is supporting Lund University, my responsibilities are to develop and to strengthen our US Alumni network and by doing so enable more philanthropic donations to Lund University. Furthermore, I will organize Alumni-events, contribute to the development of LUF’s long-term strategies, and work with improving and updating our website.
How come you ended up in Los Angeles?
– I have always been fascinated with traveling and exploring new places – therefor I was determined to work internationally. I get highly motivated by challenges and I want to see results, so when I read the ad for this internship I thought to myself that this position would suite me perfectly! And luckily, so did Lund University… (laughter).
What are your expectations for these 6 months in Los Angeles?
– My goal is to have doubled the size of our Alumni- and Friends of Lund University -network and by doing so greatly increase the awareness of the work of LUF in the US. I hope to have contributed, through my work at LUF and initiating new contacts, to more contributions and donations being made to Lund University. If I can aid Lund University in being able to distribute more scholarships to talented students from the US, supporting them to obtain a masters degree in Lund, then I have done a great job!
– On a personal level I expect to learn more about American business culture and how to build strategic relations and partnerships. If possible, I hope to come back and work in the US after my internship period has expired at Lund University Foundation.
As the first job after graduating, being transferred to Los Angeles, sound like a dream to most of us. How does a normal work-day look like for you?
– Due to the time difference there are always urgent emails that have to be responded to first thing in the morning. So initially I handle those, but mostly my work is to do research, find Alumni and Friends of Lund University as well as organize the Alumni database, create material for our website, and to organize the Lund University Foundation Alumni and fundraising events.
How do you see your life after LUF?
– I will continue to work internationally, preferably with strategic questions such as business establishment, positioning and relationships. Working for Lund University Foundation, I believe, will be a great learning path and a strong platform for my future international carrier.
Facts about Lund University Foundation (LUF)
The foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that focuses on prioritized areas such as charity, science, and education. The aim is to strengthen the ties between America and Lund University, foremost focusing on US residential Lunda Alumni. The purpose of Lund University Foundation is to attract philanthropic donations for research and scholarships. The position of Amanda Lundell, and the whole LUF organization, is exclusively financed through special donations and pro-bono work.
Text and Foto: Joen Garsén
Translation: Amanda Lundell