Daniel Kumlin
I’m originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, but I grew up in Monaco. I’m now in my third year of the Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence. I’ve always enjoyed playing around with software and computers, and I also love nature and the sea—boating, fishing or just being outside.
"I chose IE University because I wanted something international, with people from all over the world."
Connecting computer science and sustainability
Daniel's journey to the Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence and life at IE University reflects both his international experiences and his passion for technology. Born in Sweden and raised in Monaco, Daniel’s transition to university life has been filled with new challenges, opportunities and personal growth. Though his academic journey has been focused on computer science, his path wasn’t always clear.
Daniel admits that growing up, he didn’t have a concrete plan for his future. “I wasn’t even thinking about my future. I was just playing video games and having fun,” he explains. However, his love for technology was evident from a young age. It wasn’t until high school that he realized this hobby could be turned into a career and he began looking seriously at degrees and educational options. This realization led him to pursue computer science as a profession.
Choosing IE University was a conscious decision for Daniel, and one that was shaped by several key factors. “I wanted something international, with people from all over the world,” he says. The diverse environment of IE University appealed to him, especially given his interest in meeting new people and learning from different perspectives. The fact that IE University encourages entrepreneurship further solidified his decision.
When asked about his experience at IE University, Daniel is quick to emphasize how it lives up to his expectations. “The international community is incredible, and there are so many opportunities to explore things beyond just academics,” he says.
For Daniel, this isn’t just about learning the technical aspects of computer science but also about understanding how to apply those skills to real-world challenges. He appreciates that IE University encourages students to think critically and creatively about how their knowledge can be used to solve problems.
IE University’s commitment to sustainability also resonates with Daniel. “I’ve been thinking a lot about how technology can be used to solve environmental issues,” he shares. Although he hasn’t completely decided on his future path, he is open to the idea of starting his own company, potentially in the sustainability space.
Beyond his academic interests, Daniel’s time at IE University has also been shaped by the friendships he has built. His first year in Segovia helped him establish strong connections with his classmates. “You just go and instantly meet people,” Daniel explains. Segovia provided a more intimate setting, where he quickly got to know everyone. This close-knit environment made the transition to the big city of Madrid a lot easier for him.
One of the biggest challenges Daniel has faced has been managing his time. The workload of computer science, combined with personal projects and extracurricular activities, has taught him the importance of prioritizing tasks. He acknowledges that balancing all of his commitments can be difficult, but feels that he’s developed better time management skills over the years.
Participating in hackathons has been a definite highlight. “It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in such a short time when you’re working with a good team,” Daniel reflects. These experiences have further fueled his interest in entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
Looking ahead, Daniel remains undecided about whether he will pursue further education or jump straight into the workforce after graduation. He knows he wants to work in the tech industry but hasn’t yet made up his mind about the specific direction. “I’m still figuring that out,” he admits, but he’s confident that the opportunities at IE University will help guide him toward the right path.
In the meantime, Daniel is enjoying the process of learning, exploring and growing—both personally and professionally. Whether he ends up joining a company or starting his own, Daniel’s passion for technology and commitment to sustainability will undoubtedly shape his future endeavors.