"Economics helps us understand societal issues"

Shasa Aziz Baker's work at the Swedish Government Offices varies according to political priorities. At the moment she is investigating how we can get companies to better meet the requirements of e-commerce in terms of product safety, equal conditions and environmental impact. She is also working on developing methods to measure society's climate change and analysing various EU laws that may be important for Sweden to follow. She has always been interested in societal issues.

"I think more people with a social conscience should study economics because it helps us to understand the distribution and use of resources, which determines so much in politics and the development of society," she says.

In love with Gothenburg 

In her work, she uses the control models she learned during her Master's degree in economics every day. 

"I am surprised at how much I use them in my daily work. We discuss the models all the time here in the office." 

Originally from Stockholm, Shasa wanted to live in a new city. She also wanted to study economics, which is why she applied for a bachelor's degree in economics at the School of Business, Economics and Law in Gothenburg. 

"I have to say that the 'west coast is the best coast'. I fell in love with Gothenburg and lived there for eight years. I moved back because of the job market in Stockholm," she says.

Comprehensive overview

Trade economics and macroeconomics are courses she describes as particularly rewarding. The behavioural economics course also stood out. It combines psychology and sociology with economics and is about understanding consumer behaviour and how and why people are led to make different choices.

"It is the breadth of the courses that has created my understanding of economics. I am also grateful for the courses in law and business administration, which have contributed to the overall picture," she says.

Exchange studies in France and Denmark 

During her time at the School of Business, Economics and Law, Shasa spent two semesters abroad. First in Lyon during the Bachelor's programme, then in Aarhus during the Master's programme. 

"I highly recommend studying abroad. It is an experience that gives you a completely different understanding of the world. You learn to interact with people with different frames of reference, and that is a huge advantage in working life," she says. 

Living, studying and working in a different place with a different culture has also given her perspectives on other job markets. 

"The proximity to Denmark and the network I have built up have given me better conditions for working abroad." 

In Aarhus, she studied environmental economics and a course in EU economics and policy. The courses gave her a new understanding of societal issues, and she decided she wanted to work with environmental issues.

Following her own path

Back in Gothenburg, Shasa joined the Handels Students for Sustainability (HASS), where she served as president for a while. 

"It is a good complement to be involved in the student union because it gives you the opportunity to put what you have learned into practice." 

In addition to the courses and student initiatives, she found it valuable that the School of Business, Economics and Law taught her to plan towards a goal. 

"My biggest tip is to follow your own path when choosing courses and not to compare yourself too much with other students. I took a year off from my Masters to study art. It enriched me to go my own way. The programme offers some flexibility so you can build your own pace of study," she says.

Various environmental issues

After completing her studies, Shasa first worked at the Swedish Chemicals Agency, but then sought out government agencies to work with environmental issues on a broader scale in different areas. She has now been there for a year and describes it as a flexible workplace where it is possible to move between different departments. In the future, she would like to work on environmental and climate issues in a more international context.

"It is less about the position I see myself in and more about the issues I get to work on. I want to make a difference by contributing to social development. Apart from the personal development that this work gives me, it is my driving force," she says.