Sara Ekberg

Business Administration

Who are you and where are you from?

I was born and raised in a small town in the middle of Sweden called Sandviken. My family was devoted to sports, and most of my childhood revolved around playing floorball (innebandy) and soccer. In Upper Secondary School I majored in languages and after finishing school I spent a few years travelling, before I packed up my life and moved to Jönköping.  

How did you decide to become a doctoral student? And why did you decide to do it at JIBS?

I did my Bachelor and Master degrees at JIBS, and the reason for choosing JIBS in the first place (and staying here) is its international environment. To have the possibility to interact with people from all over the world is something I appreciate and find very inspiring. When I began my studies, it was not my intention to do a PhD. But when I finished my master degree I was offered a job as a research assistant and project coordinator. It was something I enjoyed doing and it felt like the right thing to do, to take the step and become a doctoral student.

What are your main research interests?

My dissertation is focusing on user-generated content (UGC), and its impact on newspapers. It’s an empirical project with its foundation in the difficulties in the industry with the changes that digitalization and UGC has caused. To explore this area I’m using organisational theories. Previously, I have conducted research on challenges of micro firm growth, and crisis management from an organisational perspective.

What is the best thing with working at JIBS?

In addition to the international environment I mentioned before, I also appreciate the open-door policy we have here. We have many opportunities to discuss our research in seminars as well as random “fika” breaks, and I find that very helpful in developing my research. It also makes JIBS a very pleasant workplace.