From Political Science to Global Public Health – Meet our Alumna Alexandra Högberg

Alexandra Högberg began her academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Gothenburg. Even then, she knew she wanted to pursue a master’s degree and work with international development aid. For a long time, she chose between international relations and continuing her studies in political science.

“In 2020, however, my interest in health increased enormously. I read everything I could get my hands on and realized how much societal structures, economic conditions, and national recommendations can impact individuals’ health,” Högberg says.

This marked the beginning of a new direction for her. She discovered the Master’s Programme in Public Health Sciences at Stockholm University, and it felt like a natural next step – especially considering her ambition to work internationally.

Studies During the Pandemic – With the World as a Classroom

When she pursued her master’s degree between 2020 and 2022, it was in the middle of the pandemic. The first year was entirely remote, which meant challenges but also opportunities.

“We were students from all over the world with very different backgrounds, which greatly enriched our discussions. Group work and essays were recurring elements and helped me develop analytical skills, collaboration skills in international groups, and my academic writing,” Högberg says.

During the second year, students could attend in person if they wished. However, since the programme included students from all over the world, there was also the option to continue studying remotely.
Högberg chose to move to Paris, where she completed an internship at the non-profit organization Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS).

The internship was not directly related to health, but it aligned perfectly with her international interests. It also gave her the opportunity to develop her French.

Before beginning her master’s thesis, Alexandra Högberg was awarded a Minor Field Study scholarship, which took her to Mozambique for two months. There, she collected data for a study on the barriers female medical students face regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights.

“The combination of education and international experiences was crucial for me, both personally and professionally,” Högberg says.

Working with Inclusive Digitalization in Developing Countries

Today, she works as Operations and Capacity Development Manager at SPIDER – a center at Stockholm University focused on inclusive digitalization in developing countries. Her path there began with a job posting on Stockholm University’s website.

“When I was interviewed for the job, I was in Mozambique and ready to switch networks if the connection dropped. A month later, I rebooked my flight ticket so I could start working at SPIDER,” Högberg says.

At SPIDER, she has worked on several projects, including the digitalization of medical record systems in Somalia and capacity-building programs for telecommunications authorities in Africa. Today, she is responsible for an international programme that is now also being expanded to Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.

The role involves everything from programme coordination and project management workshops to conference representation and travel – so far to eleven new countries.

“My day-to-day work varies a lot, which I enjoy. One day we welcome high-level UN officials; the next day we host a group from different countries for capacity-building. Other days I’m traveling myself to conferences or leading workshops and training sessions,” Högberg says. “Sometimes I’m sitting at the office in front of my computer, and other days I suddenly find myself on a horse cart in the fishing village of St. Louis in Senegal.”

Would like to Work Internationally with Health

In the future, she hopes to combine her experience in international projects and collaboration with authorities in the health sector. Her goal is to continue working globally, preferably within larger international organizations. She would also enjoy living abroad for longer periods on different assignments.

She has clear advice to prospective students considering studying public health sciences:

“It’s a very broad education that opens many doors. If you want to work internationally, make sure to take advantage of all opportunities that provide international experience. It makes a big difference,” Högberg says.

Alexandra Högberg’s academic and professional journey shows how public health sciences can serve as a bridge between social sciences, global health, and international development work – and how studies can become the starting point of a career that spans the globe.

Håkan Soold