This week we are delighted to share the story of Michaela Zankl FIEP, who is a Fellow and staunch advocate of the IEP, Chair of the IEP Sweden Board and FIEP Regional Manager at Folkuniversitetet. She has extensive experience in the employability sector and a deep commitment to driving innovation and collaboration within the field.
What motivated you to join the IEP?
“I have been on the board of ViS, for a couple of years and have seen how important cooperation is, even between competitors. We need one strong voice if we want better conditions for private and public providers. We also need to gather knowledge and provide a broadened network for our staff. IEP has the potential of being just that.”
What are you currently working on with the IEP?
“For a while now, I have had my main focus on the Quality Improvement framework (QIF) and finding ways of implementing it within my organisation. This means that I have to be sure of the function of the QIF, the ideas within it and how to make it a part of our daily work.
“Folkuniversitetet is a non-profit organisation founded by universities, and our foundation is to be independent and base our work on research. This aligns the QIF with our values and ways of working. It has long been said that there is so little research to rely on and that the existing research can be difficult to grasp. With the QIF, we get it packaged in a way that is relatively easy to take on.
“In my role as IEP Sweden Chair, I am also working with our partnership manager and the important task of growing in Sweden. We are looking forward to welcoming more members from both the private and the public sectors. The municipalities have challenges ahead of them when it comes to providing people with more activities and making sure they make the right priorities. I truly believe that the IEP can be a valuable resource.”
Can you share some examples of how the skills you’ve gained from the IEP have been valuable in your work?
“I have been professionally trained in quality improvement before but my knowledge has deepened, and with the QIF I have got many more tools in my toolbox. We have also begun talking to each other in a much more specific and professional language, leaning on the QIF. It helps us hit the target with greater precision.”
Has your journey with the IEP helped you learn things about yourself? If so, how?
“It certainly has. I have learned that I am truly someone who believes in giving without expecting anything in return, even though it can be challenging. Being part of a member organisation means that you have to contribute your time, knowledge, and energy. I may feel a moment of disappointment, but I usually find ways to get more people involved and contributing.”
What would you say to someone considering enrolling in IEP membership and learning?
“Just do it, but remember that the IEP is not about quick fixes. You will need to make an effort to deeply understand what drives our labour market and its various components, what truly makes a difference, and how it relates to yourself and your experiences. I believe that it is precisely then that you achieve change. Just like in the work with participants.”
What support were the IEP team able to give you as a learner?
“I love how the IEP has thought through the whole concept of learning. Both with courses you can take whenever and wherever. Also, the live support session with the QIF. This targets different needs.”
Anything else you would like to add?
“If you are a member of the IEP, make sure you let your colleagues know how the can engage and get the most out of it.”
