What the PAUSE Scholarship Has Meant to Me
As a PAUSE scholar, I studied at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia in 2002. That time has had a profound and lasting impact on my career and life. The scholarship enabled me to delve into Employee Relationship Marketing (ERM), an area I then saw as an emerging strategy but which today has become a central part of how companies attract and retain employees.

At Wharton, I had access to a world-class academic environment where I could deepen my understanding of marketing strategies tailored to talent management. I explored how methods from Customer Relationship Marketing could be applied to promote companies as employers and how to craft an Employee Value Proposition that attracts the right talent. This knowledge has been invaluable in my role as a strategic advisor in Employer Branding.

The PAUSE scholarship not only provided me with a first-class education but also gave me a broader understanding of the importance of integrating business philosophy with HR strategies. Additionally, the network of professors, colleagues, and fellow students from Wharton has become a constant source of inspiration and learning.

I am convinced that the scholarship was a pivotal milestone in my career. The insights I gained have enabled me to support organizations in building strong employer brands and creating workplaces where employees feel seen, engaged, and valued. Personally, the PAUSE scholarship represents a unique opportunity for both professional and personal development—something I will always carry with me.

Fredrik Stranne
Founder and Strategic Advisor, Coreworkers
Stockholm, November 2024
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What the PAUSE Scholarship Has Meant to Me
As a PAUSE scholar, I studied at the Wharton School in Philadelphia in 1985. My six months there were a time of gaining knowledge and forming lifelong friendships. I also learned to understand essential cultural differences—how to bridge them and build on the diverse perspectives that people from different backgrounds bring. Throughout my career, I have repeatedly reflected on the experiences I gained at Wharton. I am absolutely convinced that they have been crucial in meeting the demands I have faced, and continue to face, as a business leader in an international corporate environment.

The PAUSE scholarship provided me with a unique opportunity for personal development and represents a milestone of incredible memories and invaluable experiences. These have been of great benefit to me in both my professional career and my personal life.

Magnus Johansson
Managing Director, SKF China
Shanghai, March 2008