»I get a bit claustrophobic when life feels too planned out«
Sara Damne on embracing uncertainty
»I got into technology because it’s one of the things I like the most«
»In high school, I enjoyed studying in general, but mathematics and physics were always my favourites. I knew I wanted an education that would allow me to dive deeper into those subjects. That was when I stumbled upon coding, and it immediately impressed me. It felt so tangible. You can create something from scratch without a fancy lab – just your computer and the simple act of typing.«
Sara’s interest in technology and programming led her to Stockholm to study computer science at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. There, she could explore her favourite subjects while gaining insight into the IT industry and potential career paths. The experience gave her a clearer sense of direction and helped her imagine what her future in tech could look like.
»The programme is closely tied to the industry, so even in my first year at university, I got a clear sense of what work would be like once I graduated. I think that’s pretty unique.«
A growing office
After graduating, Sara joined Netcompany’s Stockholm office as a consultant. At the time, the team consisted of just 15 Swedish consultants. Since then, much has changed. The office has more than doubled in size and continues to grow.
For Sara, being part of that journey has been an incredible experience. As she puts it, it’s been a unique opportunity to contribute to something that’s evolved rapidly and significantly in a short time.
»We’ve been able to shape our own version of the culture because there were so few of us when we started. There’s this strong sense that we’re all in it together – everyone knows each other, and we all genuinely care about the office. We’ve been deeply involved in everything, from making sure someone’s there to welcome new employees to ordering beers for our Friday bars.«
»It’s a big change for sure, but I’m genuinely excited that we’re making progress«
»As we grow, everyone’s excited about the new office space and the direction we’re heading. But it’s also a bit strange. We’re reaching a point where knowing everyone is no longer possible. It’s a big change for sure, but I’m genuinely excited that we’re making progress.«
Sara also sees real value in being part of a smaller, close-knit office backed by the strength of a large international company. While the Stockholm team has had the freedom to shape the office culture, there’s always a solid foundation to lean on.
»There’s a corporate structure you can fall back on if things don’t work out,« she explains. »It’s reassuring to know it’s there.« She also appreciates the connection to the broader organisation: »It’s always nice to spend a few days in Copenhagen and experience that vibe – then return home and bring a bit of it back with you.«
Modernising the Swedish tax system
Today, Sara is part of one of Netcompany’s largest public sector projects in Sweden, where she’s helping implement a new IT solution for the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket, based on Netcompany’s SOLON TAX product.
Sara has been involved in the project since its initial kick-off in September 2024. Now, the team has entered a new phase, mapping the client’s business and functionality needs to ensure these are fully reflected in the IT solution being implemented.
As Sara explains, this is not as straightforward as it may sound. Implementing a new IT system is about more than just technology – it’s also about people. Introducing a new system means changing established workflows, which can be a challenge even when the change is for the better.
»It definitely comes with challenges. First, we have to understand what the client needs and figure out how to translate that into our product in a way that makes sense to them and that they can get on board with. We’re essentially trying to change how people work, and that’s never easy.«
»Basically, what we do is that we’re
problem-solving all the time.«
Looking back on the project now, Sara can clearly see how much she’s learned. Both from the project itself and from being involved right from the beginning.
»I’ve learned so much from this experience. It’s not that common to be part of a project from the very start, and I think that’s something I can really take with me. Previously, I worked on a very mature project where much of the structure was already in place. Being part of this project has given me a new perspective. It’s made me appreciate the foundational work that goes into setting things up, and I now see how important it is to lay the groundwork for everything to function smoothly.«
As Sara puts it, while the process has had its challenges, the learning has been worth it:
»Sure, it can be frustrating at times, but in the end, it really pays off. I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but you have to trust the process. Looking back, it would’ve been great to know everything I know now when I was in the middle of it. But the truth is, you learn by doing – and that’s what makes it all stick.«
Embracing the unknown
For Sara, being okay with not knowing everything from the start isn’t just how she works; it’s how she approaches life, too, both at work and outside of it. She doesn’t have a fixed five-year plan or a clear-cut career goal, and that’s exactly how she prefers it. What matters most is staying engaged and enjoying what she does.
»I’m not someone who dreams of climbing the ladder,« she says. »I just want to do work that’s fun and meaningful. As long as I get to do the things I enjoy – like designing solutions, understanding client needs, and figuring out how those needs fit into an IT system – I’m happy. That kind of everyday work really motivates me, and things tend to progress naturally from there.«
Rather than mapping out every step, she finds energy in the unknown.
»I always say I get a bit claustrophobic when life feels too planned out, like there’s nothing left to discover. That’s just how I am – and honestly, that’s what keeps things exciting.«
