A Qigong practiser, a linguist, a former actor and a trained
medicine technician, Dan Alfjorden began his career in Umeå at the
Umeå University as a cleaner, then mailman and later as a custodial
technician/caretaker. Now he works at Umeå Institute of Design and
has been for the last six years.
What are you doing at Umeå Institute of
Design?
I take care of the premises and the much of the equipment for
the premises. I am also selling materials to the students, take
care of the key cards and alarms system and many other things.
Is there anything you find particularly positive about
UID?
The good atmosphere at UID and the great communication between
everyone here. It is great to take part in the students'
development and change. (I also like the openness and the contact
with people.)
Is there anything you would like to improve at
UID?
Sometimes staff and students forget to put things in order after
themselves, which might give a sloppy impression, so if they can
improve in that area, it would both strengthen their own and UID's
professional image. Moreover, we might need more places for rest
for the students, not that I would like UID to be a place where you
come to sleep...
What do you think are the reasons for the good reputation
of Umeå Institute of Design?
I think we are good at telling and spreading to people what we
are doing, and good at networking as well. We have a really great
network! Our cooperation, internally as well as externally is also
one reason, I believe.
What will you be doing in ten years?
Maybe I'll work at the new service centre at the Arts Campus, or
maybe I will be a reporter in Stockholm, Umeå or New York?
April 2010
