The big cities have many workplaces — but also many students looking for a placement. Finding the right spot in Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö is therefore as much about how you search as where you search. This guide gives you concrete ways forward.
To find a placement in a big city, combine several channels: the school's contacts, placement platforms, companies' own pages and your personal network. The big cities have more positions but tougher competition, so those who search broadly and early have the best chance.
Why the big cities are both easier and harder#
Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö offer a wide range of workplaces across almost every industry. At the same time, that is where the most students apply. The advantage is the sheer number of opportunities; the challenge is being seen in the noise. The solution is to be targeted and early rather than sending the same application to everyone.
Where to find the positions#
- The school's contacts. The programme often has a network of workplaces. Always start there.
- Placement platforms. Digital services gather listings and make it easy to search by location and industry.
- Companies' own pages. Many employers post placements under "jobs" or "careers".
- Industry networks and fairs. Local events in the big cities are a great way to make contact directly.
- Your own network. Family, friends and former colleagues often know someone.
Look where competition is lower#
Everyone applies to the best-known employers. A smart move is also to look at smaller companies, suburbs and neighbouring municipalities around the city. There, competition is often lower and the supervisor has more time. Read more about opportunities and challenges of placements in small companies.
How to stand out in your application#
When many people apply for the same spot, the choice often comes down to the application. A clear placement CV and a targeted cover letter make a big difference. Do mention why you want to be in that particular city and at that particular company.
Use your network#
Many placements are filled through contacts before they are even advertised. Tell people around you that you are looking for a placement, be clear about industry and period, and dare to ask. One tip is to build your presence on LinkedIn during your studies.
How Prakto can help#
Prakto gathers placements and makes it easier to search by location and field. For students it becomes clearer where the positions are, and for schools and companies the match between student and workplace becomes more structured than via scattered emails.
Frequently asked questions#
Where is it easiest to find a placement?#
It depends on your industry, but generally the big cities have the most positions. Competition is higher there, though, so it pays to also look at neighbouring municipalities and smaller companies.
When should you start looking for a placement in the city?#
As early as possible. The best positions are often filled before term starts, so begin during the previous term or over the summer.
How many positions should you apply for?#
Apply broadly but with focus. It is better to send ten tailored applications than thirty identical ones. Quality beats quantity.
Conclusion#
Finding a placement in Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö is about searching broadly, early and with focus. Combine the school's contacts, placement platforms, companies' pages and your network — and dare to look beyond the best-known employers. That increases your chance of landing the right spot.
Sources#
- Statistics Sweden (SCB) — statistics on the labour market and regions in Sweden.
- Arbetsförmedlingen — information about the labour market locally and regionally.
