What does your job consist of?
I analyze and make forecasts for the construction industry and real estate market, and continuously monitor the macroeconomy as part of the process. My team and I calculate investments in these markets and make forecasts at a detailed level, both geographically and according to the type of building. I often give talks to clients and at different seminars and conferences. I am also responsible for conveying the center's analyses to the media.
How do you make use of your education in your current position?
Market theory is the cornerstone of everything we do. I use both micro and macroeconomic theory daily without even thinking about it.
In addition, it is useful to have taken courses on mathematics, statistics and econometrics when preparing your own statistics and forecasts.
What do you do on a typical day?
There's no such thing as a typical day. I do anything from:
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Participate in podcasts, radio, television or being interviewed by journalists
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Analyze or write reports by myself or in collaboration with colleagues
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Attend leadership meetings
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Meet customers or give talks
How did you get the job?
I wrote my thesis in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Government and Modernization. I found the project through The Science Shop at UiO. The Ministry of Local Government and Modernization gave me access to data from Prognosesenteret, which I could use in the Master's thesis, and thus I became familiar with what the center does. When a position was announced at Finn.no, I applied for it and was hired without knowing anyone there.
What is your best advice for students who want your type of job?
Good grades are not everything. It is important to keep up with what is happening in society, ranging from politics to market movements, while studying.
Be sure to look outside the textbooks and try to get an understanding of how to apply theory in practice early in the study. In my type of position, it is important to be flexible and outgoing and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone.
(This interview was conducted in Norwegian and has been translated.)