How did you get the job?
I applied for the position because I wanted to work with analysis and issues related to the job market, education and integration. After two rounds of interviews, I started in a temporary position, and eventually received an offer for a permanent position.
What do you think were the most important factors for being offered the job?
Both work experience and education were important. I had part-time jobs during my studies, including a part-time job as a research assistant. Having some work experience made it a little easier to stand out among other newly graduated applicants.
My employers emphasized my particular combination of courses, grades and the topic of my Master's thesis when assessing my education.
What are your tasks in your current job?
I collect and analyze data. These may include data from registers, surveys or qualitative surveys in areas such as future employment needs, social integration and career guidance.
In addition, I work with communicating our results through writing reports and giving presentations.
How is the knowledge you acquired through studying economics relevant to your current job?
I rely on the analytical approach I learnt through studying economics at my work.
Methodological competence is useful when I collect data and conduct analyzes.
I also have good use of many of the more general skills acquired through the study time, for example how to familiarize oneself with large amounts of new information.
Do you have any career advice for new students?
It is a good idea to get relevant work experience early on – look for a part-time job or volunteer work.
I also recommend exploring the possibility of writing your Master’s thesis on behalf or in collaboration with an organization or institution.
I benefited greatly from visiting the Career Center at UiO. I received valuable input on writing job applications and working on my CV.
(The interview was originally conducted in Norwegian, and is translated to English).