#ourstories
Meet Johanna from Upplands Väsby, Sweden!
Johanna’s top tip: “Trust yourself – you are enough!”
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I’ve always loved creating and constructing things – even now I make my own clothes and do carpentry. I even built my kids a playground in our yard! So, I studied my Master’s in chemistry and chemical engineering at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). I specialised in polymer technology, driven by the idea of making things for the body, like artificial joints. I wanted to work with real-world applications, not just in a research lab. I was offered a PhD position, working with nanoparticles in materials. But three years, in, I realised academia wasn’t for me. I’d heard of Habia through my PhD work. It excited me because of all the different things they work with across a wide range of applications. So, when I saw a material scientist job advertised, I applied. 15 years later, I’m managing global teams in R&D, product development, material chemical and electrical engineering and machine technology. It’s amazing to be surrounded by loyal, friendly people who are all focused on solving problems together. The part I enjoy the most is discussing and developing cutting edge technology. You feel like you’re really part of the front line when you work here. On the other hand, I also love working with people and talking to them about their challenges – both technical and individual. The most important thing I’ve learned is it all comes down to the team – get the right people together in the right place at the right time, and nothing is impossible.
Johanna Björling
Vice President of Research and Development, Habia Cable and HEW-KABEL