She is a professor of natural geography and is the deputy chancellor of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences since 1 January 2019.

Holmgren worked with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in Tanzania for three years and for two years at Sida's main office in Stockholm.

During 2010-2015, Holmgren was the director of the strategic partnership Navarino Environmental Observatory between Stockholm University, the Academy of Sciences in Athens and the Greek ecotourism company TEMES.

Since 1 March 2016, Holmgren is a professor in natural geography at the Department of Urban and Rural Development.

As of 1 January 2019, Holmgren is the acting vice-chancellor of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.