From History to Digital Business: Marc’s Business Developer YH Program Experience in Stockholm

If you’ve studied at university but still feel unprepared for real work life, you’re not alone.

Many people reach a point where they realise they want to learn more, but not by reading another textbook. They want real projects, real teamwork, and a clearer sense of direction.

This is the story of Marc, who moved to Stockholm to study Digital Business, now Business Developer, at Hyper Island. With a background in history, journalism, and international relations, he wasn’t looking for another academic title. He was looking for something more practical. Something that felt closer to the real world.

 The Business Developer program is one of Hyper Island’s YH programs. YH (Higher Vocational Education) is a Swedish, industry-connected education format designed in collaboration with employers and built around hands-on learning, real briefs, and team-based project work. 

If you’re wondering how this practical approach translates into a career-defining advantage, read on to discover the impact of the "Learning by Doing" journey. 

Marc, originally from the Netherlands, had already lived in France and Morocco before moving to Sweden.

By 25, he had built a broad academic foundation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History with minors in Journalism, Politics, Governance, and International Relations. His curiosity also led him into international work, including a role at the Dutch embassy in Morocco.

After returning to the Netherlands, he worked for a high-end clothing retailer in Utrecht. It was during these years in the job market that something started to shift.

Marc realised that although he had spent years studying, he didn’t feel prepared in the way he wanted to.

When he compared university to his professional experiences, the difference was clear. Real-world exposure had taught him more than lectures ever had.

That realisation triggered a bigger question: should he continue working, or invest differently in himself?

After almost three years in the job market, Marc reached a turning point. He wasn’t against further education. But he wanted to make the right choice.

He took time to reflect on what he actually wanted. During that process, he learned more about himself — what energised him, what didn’t, and what kind of environment he thrived in.

Instead of enrolling in a traditional Master’s degree, Marc chose to study full-time at Hyper Island in Stockholm.

He chose the Digital Business program (today Business Developer), because it aligned with what he actually wanted to do.

To reduce uncertainty, he even moved to Stockholm six months before the program began. He wanted to meet students and understand the environment before committing fully.

The decision only felt stronger once he arrived.

Marc describes the environment as intense, but in a productive way.

What made the difference wasn’t just working on ideas, but learning how to build something feasible. Something that could actually work as a business.

At the same time, the experience became just as much about personal growth as it was about strategy.

But instead of being paralysed by uncertainty, he used it.

The combination of strategy, teamwork, and reflection gave him clarity.

When asked what makes the experience different, Marc highlights two core elements:

• The community — students, staff, collaborators
  
• The personal growth that happens alongside the projects
  

He also emphasises how much learning happens without always noticing it.

The rhythm of working in teams, solving real briefs, and continuously reflecting creates a kind of learning that feels embedded.

It’s not just about understanding digital business in theory. It’s about learning how to build ideas with others, test them in practice, and shape them into something that could work outside the classroom.

After graduating, Marc plans to move again. He’s drawn to new environments and new challenges.

He wants to work with societal and environmental issues and is looking for organisations that align with his values.

Long-term, he also sees entrepreneurship as part of his future.

And he keeps the possibilities open.

If Marc could give one piece of advice to someone considering Hyper Island, it’s simple:

Just do it.

But he also emphasises one practical step: talk to alumni.

And according to Marc, alumni are usually open and happy to share their experience.

Marc’s journey shows what can happen when learning feels real.

Not theory first. Not sitting alone with books. But learning through projects, teamwork, and constant growth.

If you’re looking for a hands-on learning experience that helps you build practical skills and gain clearer career direction, explore Hyper Island’s industry-connected programs and see what could be next for you.