Occupational therapist and KI alumn Diego Cifuentes is working back in Chile

What is your background/education experience?

I worked as an occupational therapist for 10 years, then became a University lecturer. I currently hold the position of Director of Student and Community Affairs at my faculty. I completed the European master’s in occupational therapy and have a diploma in public management.

How and why did you choose to study at KI?

I chose to study at KI since it is one of the most important institutions in health sciences worldwide. Also, I feel captivated to know new cultures.

First, I went to KI as an exchange student. A few years later, KI was part of the institutions delivering the European master in occupational therapy.

Describe your experience, including any highlights from your time at KI.

I fell in love with Swedish culture! One of the most exciting things at KI was the library at Solna Campus, where I had the chance to access an incredible number of exemplars which were not accessible in my country. 

I admired the organization itself, infrastructure, the kindness of staff in general, the relationships that professors established with students, quite differently as in my country. Those were very powerful influences.

After you graduated from KI, what was your next step, and how did you find this opportunity?

After KI as an exchange student, I enrolled in the European master. This time, KI was a key factor in making the decision to apply for the master program.

What is your current role?

I am Director of Students and Community affairs in the Faculty of Medicine at Universidad de Chile. I also do some teaching at the school of Occupational therapy.

Describe a day on the job.

I attend to student questions and concerns most of the day. I plan strategies for promoting sustainability within the University community; I also check some cases of students with disabilities. Finally, I listen to some interesting student projects.

How did your studies at KI help your future career?

Establishing authentic relationships with students and staff in general. To constantly have realistic ambitions and to fulfill goals.

What are your future aspirations?

To be the Dean! 

I would like to study for a PhD in education or maybe another master’s degree in some specific them related to management.

What is your advice to current students?

Multicultural learning, interprofessional work, authenticity and complex thinking are the keys!