The Young Professionals Committee

Chairman of the Swedish Chamber Young Professionals Committee

Joachim Rittfeldt Hofvenschiöld

Position and company

Co-Founder
Avata

Nationality

Swedish

Hobbies?

Love cooking, meeting new exciting people, adventures, traveling, and finding out more about cultures and food. I have always had a love for games and gaming, previously played professionally in esports so when time allows I play computer games – mainly FPS games.

What would you like to achieve with Young Professionals?

I would like to foster an environment where young professionals can thrive, grow, and develop essential skills for their future careers. Through the Young Professional Committee, I hope to organize events, workshops, and mentorship programs that can aid in their professional and personal development. Moreover, by being actively involved, I hope to bridge any gaps between established professionals and those who are just starting out, creating a cohesive and progressive community.

Why should you join Young Professionals?

Joining the Young Professionals offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it provides a community where one can share experiences, challenges, and successes with peers. Secondly, it often comes with opportunities for continued education, professional development, and mentorship. Joining such a group also shows a commitment to one’s profession, personal growth, and an interest in staying updated with the latest industry trends. It’s a great way to begin building a strong professional network that can prove invaluable throughout one’s career.

Why Young Professionals?

When I first came to the Netherlands I looked into finding a way to remain connected with Swedish traditions, companies, and people. I came across YP and already at the first event  I made a lot of new connections and now friends. The YP network has been a great opportunity for me to get better integrated when I moved to Amsterdam both from a personal but also professional point of view.

What do you find valuable about being a part of the Young Professionals committee?

Joining the Young Professionals offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it provides a community where one can share experiences, challenges, and successes with peers. Secondly, it often comes with opportunities for continued education, professional development, and mentorship. Joining such a group also shows a commitment to one’s profession, personal growth, and an interest in staying updated with the latest industry trends. It’s a great way to begin building a strong professional network that can prove invaluable throughout one’s career.

Young Professionals Committee Member

Malin K. Petrocchi

Position and company

Senior Compliance Officer
Prosus Group

Nationality

Swedish

Hobbies?

I love traveling and take every opportunity to explore new places, near and far. I am passionate about building networks and connecting with like-minded professionals. When not engaged in these activities, you will likely find me enjoying a group fitness class or learning a new craft (currently sewing).

What would you like to achieve with YP?

As a member of the Young Professional Network, I have benefitted both in terms of growing my network and in terms of upskilling in many areas. Having seen first-hand the value-add, I was inspired to get involved myself. I plan on devoting my time and energy to help create events and initiatives that continue to bring value to our members.

I love the idea of staying closely connected to the community, meeting and getting to know people from different backgrounds but a common interest in the Swedish/Dutch (business) world.

Why should you join YP?

Whether you want to grow your network, learn from the best in business, or just meet other bright young professionals for a fun evening, we have it all at YP!

What do you find valuable in being a part of the YP committee?

Being part of the YP committee is a great opportunity to contribute to our vibrant YP community. After attending many events and programs organized by YP, I wanted to give back to this community. It has also been an incredible opportunity to get to know and work closely with my fellow committee members and our YP members.

Young Professionals Committee Member

Alexander Ljungström

Position and company

Managing Director
Einar & Partners

Nationality

Swedish

Hobbies?

Cooking is probably my biggest passion and therapy in life! I’m also a walker, I love taking walks no-matter the weather and mood. It lifts the spirit!

What would you like to achieve with Young Professionals?

As a founder of a company, I would like to develop a supporting network for other entrepreneurs in YP. Getting to know the bureaucracy in The Netherlands is not an easy thing and taking the step of starting your own is a bold move. As a YP committee member, I’d like to share my direct experiences and knowledge in this field. Additionally, I’d like to work on the content strategy of YP to attract talented and driven individuals. The Netherlands and Sweden has a long-standing history of trade, and it starts with the younger generation. Being visible in the right places is key.

Why should you join the Young Professionals?

YP is a great place to create both professional and personal relations that makes a difference. Everyone in YP is in one way or another related to Sweden and happen to live or be involved in The Netherlands. It’s a niche, which makes it more important to find like-minded people in that niche. And the fun events and smiles, of course!

Why Young Professionals?

Network & fun. I think everybody in YP has an inner curiosity about the world, cultures & career. Combining that with upholding Swedish traditions and organizing events is fantastic.

Young Professional Committee Member

Ellen Olofsson

Position and company

Master Student in Global Challenges for Sustainability
CHARM-EU University, currently located at Utrecht University

Nationality

Swedish

Hobbies?

I enjoy strolling around in second-hand shops, baking Swedish Fika on a Sunday, hiking in the woods, reading a good book in a park, or going skiing in the mountains. I also love road/train trips and exploring new places together with a great group and a good playlist!

What do you find valuable about being a part of the Young Professionals committee?

It is an opportunity to be part of the organizing team of a great community. It feels valuable to join the Young Professionals Committee and to be able to share ideas and see need for its continuous development together with other curious and interesting individuals, in this unique Swedish-Dutch platform.

What would you like to achieve with the Young Professionals?

To continue to develop and create interesting events that are valuable to our YP members, where new friends and business connections can be made. With my educational direction and personal interest in sustainability, I am especially passionate about engaging and involving others in the YP community. Furthermore, it is great fun keeping Swedish traditions alive in YP, like celebrating Midsummer together. That is something I am looking forward to continuing to do.

Why do you think one should join Young Professionals?

Join the Young Professionals to learn something new, meet new people, and have fun – it can be valuable on both a personal and professional level! As a Master’s student, I appreciate the possibilities of meeting businesses, getting further insights into different areas, and seeing new perspectives. I would highly recommend students, especially those who are in the final stages of their education, to join YP. An additional benefit is that you as a YP member get to join many of the Swedish Chamber Events, where you during the events can engage in topics such as Sustainability, Innovation, and Diversity & Inclusion, together with a great network of people.

Young Professional Committee Member

Rebecca van Dorrestein

Position and company

Swedish Desk Manager
Heussen

Nationality

Swedish-Dutch

What do you find valuable about being a part of the Young Professionals committee?

I am honored to become part the YP Committee and look forward to our upcoming collaboration with great excitement. Being a Committee Member is valuable in many regards. Not only does it allow for the opportunity of bringing this Networking Powerhouse forward together with the help of the Swe-Cham Team, but it also creates space for the committee members to contribute with their skills and learn from each other.

What would you like to achieve with Young Professional?

My main goal as a Committee Member is to help and support the Young Professionals in its growth. This community has long been a stepping stone for young, aspiring professionals, like myself, ready to embark on their professional journeys. I would like to see more people be given the opportunity to:

  • Forge valuable relationships that can lead to new career opportunities, collaborations, partnerships, and friendships.
  • Participate in events, workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance and develop their skills when it comes to problem-solving, leadership, and communication.
  • Further highlight the Chamber’s focus areas; Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion and Innovation so that the Young Professionals continue to address critical issues, making a positive impact on society and contributing to meaningful change.
Why should you join the Young Professionals?

The Young Professionals of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce is a great platform for those looking to connect with like-minded professionals within the Swedish-Dutch business network. Being a member grants you a unique opportunity to benefit from industry insights and cutting-edge research during our many events, which can give you a competitive edge in your career. As a member, you are also given mentorship opportunities, community engagement, long-lasting friendships, and an opportunity for personal growth.

 

Whether you have been located in the Netherlands for many years or have only just arrived, YP is the best way to create new and lasting relationships within the Swedish-Dutch Network!

Hobbies?

My favorite thing to do in my free time is to sing. Apart from that, I love to be out in nature (like most other Swedes) or play any kind of sport, preferably badminton, padel, volleyball, or golf. I am also very interested in Interior Design.

Why Young Professionals?

I would recommend anyone to join the Young Professionals as it is the perfect way to kick-start your career and international network. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey of networking, learning and personal growth!

Patrons