Ola Svensson, Associate Professor, EPFL
Alumni Service
23 April 2019
In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Ola Svensson, Associate Professor at EPFL - École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne in Lausanne (CH). USI Degree: PhD in Informatics, 2009.
How did you start your career?
After completing my PhD, I went for a postdoc at KTH in Stockholm. In 2012, I started a tenure-track position at EPFL.
Why did you choose a career at EPFL?
EPFL is a top university in the world with fantastic colleagues. This together with its location was very attractive to me.
What is your current role/duties?
I am doing research and teaching in theoretical computer science.
In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at EPFL?
To be very interested in the research and to be motivated, plus of course some talent.
What are USI’s positive featuresand qualities?
Friendly atmosphere and very flexible.
What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?
My advisors (Monaldo Mastrolill and Luca M. Gambardella) were great and serve as role models for how I, today, try to advice my students.
What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?
Find the job that you find the most interesting and do not worry (initially) too much about the pay.
