Featured Alumnus - Jakob Ohrner - Sweden

Featured Alumnus - Jakob Ohrner - Sweden

Featured Alumnus - Jakob Ohrner - Sweden


By International Programs and Jakob Ohrner, June 24, 2025


Educational Experience: AA - Green River College (2012-2014), BA Communication Studies - San Francisco State University (2014-2016), MSc Management Studies - Stockholm University (2017-2019).

Work Experience: Executive Assistant, Sonim Technologies (2016 - 2017), Strategic Alliances Manager, Spread Group (2019 - 2021), Management Consultant, PA Consulting (2021 - 2022), Management Consultant, Deloitte (2022 - Present).

Share a bit about yourself and what you have been up to since you left Green River.

After my time at Green River College, I transferred to San Francisco State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies summa cum laude. From there, my journey took me from Silicon Valley to Stockholm, Shanghai, Leipzig, and Malmö—each chapter helping me grow personally and professionally. I went on to complete a Master of Science in Management at Stockholm University, including an exchange semester at Fudan University in China. Since then, I’ve worked across B2B sales, business development, and management consulting in a variety of different industries.

How did your education at Green River College prepare you for where you are today?

Green River gave me the foundation I didn’t know I needed. The smaller class sizes, committed faculty, and international environment created a space where I could both rediscover my academic confidence and grow as a person. For someone like me—who had struggled in traditional education systems—GRC was transformative. It wasn’t just about checking boxes to transfer; it was about learning how to learn, how to lead, and how to connect. That mindset carried me through my undergraduate years and into graduate studies at top institutions.

What kind of advice would you give a GRC student who dreams of getting into a top university?

Build strong relationships with your peers and professors, be genuinely curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I have friends all over the world that I met during my time at Green River that I'm still in touch with and have had the chance to meet and catch up with when traveling. I’d also say: own your story. Whether you’re a traditional student or someone taking a less conventional path, your experiences have value. Use them to your advantage when applying to schools, writing personal statements, or pursuing scholarships. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real and showing growth. But most of all, have fun and make the most out of your time there. The memories you create from your experiences will bring just as much value, if not more, than you would if you get too hung up on your grades or extracurriculars.

Please share anything else you would like to add.

Looking back, my time at Green River was one of the most formative chapters of my life. I met lifelong friends, rediscovered my voice, and took the first real steps toward building the life I have today. If you’re wondering whether you belong or if your dreams are too big—know that you do, and they’re not. Green River isn’t just a stepping stone. For many of us, it’s the launchpad.

Jakob Ohrner at Deloitte