Maxime, IB Career-related Programme

What was the greatest strength of the programme?

"It’s the fact that you gain so much hands-on professional experience before you even enter the workforce. It gives you a really solid foundation. I did my basic military training right after graduation, but the very same month I finished, I started a full-time position as Assistant Front Office Manager at the Malmö Arena Hotel. I wouldn’t have been able to get that role without my upper secondary school education."

What do you learn during your studies?

"A whole lot. You learn a great deal about entrepreneurship, and tourism is another major component. The internships are also a huge part of it. There are two different internship periods: the first one is in Sweden, and the second one is abroad. I went to Norway, where I worked as a receptionist and at a tourist information office. You learn so much about the industry that way.

Additionally, the programme partners with the Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) and the Swiss Education Group (SEG). We visited them for a week to learn more about their hospitality management degree. There is also an opportunity to apply for scholarships. I received one, which allowed me to attend their summer school for two weeks.

Another great aspect was running a student enterprise (UF-företag), which taught us every step of starting, managing, and eventually liquidating a business."

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) actually like?

"The education is entirely in English, and the structure is a bit different from the standard Swedish system. You take an entrance test in Mathematics and English when you apply. Personally, I was worried about the English part. But you speak it all the time and adapt quickly, so it’s nothing to worry about. Just give yourself time – you just can't be afraid to make mistakes, and the teachers completely understand that. You have to speak to learn.

Today, my English is incredibly useful in so many different situations. During the final year, we had two major exams that make up a large part of the final grade. This differs from the Swedish system where everything counts along the way, even your bad days. It’s a different setup, and what I like is that we get the best of both worlds – both the IB and the Swedish qualification."

Did you find the choice of school difficult?

"Choosing an upper secondary school is always tough, I think. But I wanted something other than social sciences or economics, and I had been considering the IB. I wasn’t confident about my English at first. However, when I went to Malmö Borgarskola’s Open House, it just felt right – especially considering how good the programme actually is and everything you get to learn. I even shadowed students in the year above me."

What is your advice to future applicants?

"Talk to people, but don’t let anyone else dictate your choice. People often think that vocational programmes aren't as good as purely academic, university-preparatory ones. But that’s actually not true. A vocational programme usually opens up job opportunities immediately after graduation, which academic tracks don't. Plus, you still get university eligibility from vocational tracks. So don't listen to prejudices – go with what you want.

If you are even a little bit tired of traditional schooling, the IB Career-related Programme is an excellent choice. It gives you a better chance of going straight into work. I also found my time in the programme to be incredibly fun."

What are your goals for the future?

"I really enjoy working at the hotel where I am today, where I work as a receptionist and assist with management duties whenever needed. I would love to develop further within leadership; that’s what I find truly rewarding. Whether I pursue further education within that field or work my way up, I don’t know yet. But I have all the opportunities ahead of me."