The people behind AKG: Erica Hodin, IPSU specialist

Everyone can study – as long as you do it your way

Meeting people where they are and creating the conditions for studies on the individual’s terms is at the heart of Erica Hodin’s work at AKG. As a specialist in Individual Pedagogical Support in Education (IPSU), she works in a personalized and coordinating way, always with the participant’s needs in focus.

Recently, her commitment was also recognized internationally, when she was appointed Global AKG Values Ambassador 2025.

In her role as a specialist within IPSU , Erica meets participants at different stages of their study journey. The work consists of new starts, mapping and in-depth conversations where the support is always adapted to the individual’s needs, conditions and life situation.

“It is a very individualized work,” says Erica. A lot is about creating security and structure. Without relationships and trust, nothing works. Then our whole service falls apart.”

The approach is conversation-based and rests on evidence, while leaving room for flexibility. Erica often acts as a bridge between participants, educators, teachers and education coordinators, with the goal of creating a sustainable and functional study life.

“Everyone can study – as long as you do it your way.”

In her everyday life, Erica mainly meets participants, but also educators, teachers, education coordinators, other specialists and the Public Employment Service. Her role is broad and she has insight into the entire chain around the participant.

“Coordination takes a lot of time. There are many contacts and many things that have to work around a person. But it also gives a lot of energy.”

What means the most is to follow the participant’s journey over time. From uncertainty and doubt to increased self-confidence and faith in the future.

“Seeing someone start to believe in themselves again is the most powerful thing there is.”

Erica describes AKG as a workplace where trust, values and team spirit permeate everyday life. She has previously worked in regional and health care, but feels a greater freedom in her current role.

“Here there is a strong trust in the employees. You are given resources, support and confidence to do your job in the best way.”

She also highlights the close leadership and the opportunity to be involved in the development of the business.

“If you want to get involved and contribute, it is taken advantage of. It’s not just nice words. We actually work like that. Here, I get to be involved in building, not just performing.”

Cooperation is a key element of ERICA’s work. For support to work, trust is needed at all levels between participants, colleagues and external partners.

“When collaborations work best, they are unpretentious. Everyone is focused on the same thing: the participant.”

She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, shared goals and a sensitive approach, especially when dealing with people with low self-esteem and negative past experiences.

Working at AKG has given Erica a deeper understanding of how crucial flexibility is. Small adjustments, at the right time, can create big changes, not only for the individual but for the whole life situation around them.

“It can be about routines, about the courage to take the plunge into something new or about daring to believe in yourself again.”

She wishes more people knew the social benefits that interventions like IPSU actually contribute to.

“When a person grows, it affects the whole family and, by extension, society.”

Erica’s commitment has recently been recognized internationally. She has been named Global AKG Values Ambassador 2025, an award given to employees who live AKG’s values in their everyday lives.

Among nominations from seven countries, Erica was selected for her strong focus on participants, her empathy and her ability to combine professionalism with genuine humanity. Colleagues describe how they often leave a meeting with Erica with more energy than when they arrived. The award includes a personalized prize, a donation to charity, and the opportunity to share her experiences with AKG’s global leadership.

“It’s a great honor,” says Erica. “But for me it’s also a team win. I’m not doing this alone.”

Looking ahead, Erica is most excited to continue developing IPSU both as a service and in her own role.

“We have a strong team and a way of working that really makes a difference. Now it’s about continuing to build on it, together.”