Fanny Almersson

Describe your role and what it is that you do overall and on a day-to-day basis. 

As a PhD student in the Department of Accounting at the Stockholm School of Economics, my primary focus lies in researching the intersection of accounting and gender through a field study of women’s football. This involves frequent field visits to the football club I collaborate with, conducting interviews and observations. Much of my time is dedicated to extensive reading of academic literature and writing for my dissertation. I actively participate in research seminars to discuss ongoing research projects from a diverge range of international business schools. Apart from that, I also present my research at conferences both in Sweden and Europe. Finally, I spend some of my time as a teaching assistant for the introductory accounting course in one of our bachelor programs, teaching the seminars on management accounting.

What interested you about the field/company/role you are currently in? 

I was drawn to SSE's PhD program because it perfectly aligns with my academic aspirations while offering ample opportunities for practical engagement. Working closely with professors at the department allows for a dynamic collaboration where they provide valuable guidance while empowering students to drive their own research projects. This fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, ensuring a significant degree of autonomy for pursuing individual research interests, all under supportive mentorship. In addition to that, SSE's strong industry connections provides exciting opportunities for qualitative researchers to engage in impactful projects. Personally, my passion for sports led me to the Center for Sports and Business at the school, which has been instrumental in bridging my academic interests with practical involvement in the sports industry. This holistic approach allows me to contribute meaningfully to both academic discourse and real-world applications in the field of sports.

Why did you choose to study your Masters at SSE? 

I chose to study the Master in Accounting, Valuation, and Financial Management at SSE due to my interest in “managing with numbers”, which stood out as a central focus of the curriculum. Having already completed my bachelor degree at SSE, I was familiar with the great learning environment the school offers, particularly in accounting courses, which were among my favourites. I had met some of the professors during my bachelor studies and was eager to further benefit from their expertise and active involvement in the master program. The combination of academic excellence, close interaction with faculty and the tight-knit community at SSE were the most important factors in my decision to apply to the Master program. Having been actively involved in the student association during my Bachelor years, I valued the sense of belonging within the SSE community and sought to continue that experience during my Master studies. Overall, SSE provided me with the perfect platform to explore my academic interests in depth and lay a solid groundwork for my future career.

How did your time/education at SSE help guide you to the career journey you have embarked on? 

Completing the Master program at SSE opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing a PhD, which I had never considered before. During my final year, while writing the Master thesis on the Stockholm Marathon Group and their budgetary process during the covid-19 pandemic, I discovered how much I enjoyed the research process. It allowed me to blend my passion for sports with my academic interest in accounting, a connection I hadn’t seen before. Undoubtedly, pursuing a PhD is a very challenging career path to undertake. However, for me, the challenges are outweighed by the profound sense of purpose I derive from delving into one of my greatest passions: understanding the role of accounting in transforming the world of women's sports. Every day, I'm driven by the opportunity to contribute to this field and make a meaningful difference.

Following your time at SSE, do you have any words of wisdom or advice you would like to share with our current students?

Reflecting on my time at SSE, I can't stress enough the importance of community engagement. While excelling academically is crucial, it's the connections we forge with our classmates that truly enrich our experience and shape our journey beyond the classroom. My advice to current students? Don't just stick to your old circle - branch out and get to know your classmates. You'll be amazed by the diversity and richness of backgrounds you'll encounter. During my time at SSE, I met many of my today closest friends, and those connections have been invaluable post-graduation. So, as you navigate your studies, keep an open mind, reach out to new faces, and nurture those connections. Balancing academic rigor with social engagement not only enhances your overall experience but also lays the groundwork for lifelong friendships and professional networks. And of course, keep up the great work academically, but remember to enjoy the journey and the people you meet along the way.

What are three things that sum up your time at SSE?

Academic excellence, friendships, and a lot of coffee.