My student job became the starting point for a career close to top management

“I have both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Negot., and my career path has actually been a bit winding. Already in my first semester of the bachelor’s programme, I got a student job as an administrative employee in a recruitment agency. Later, I worked with talent acquisition in the oil and energy sector, where I also completed my master’s internship. When I joined Orifarm, I continued working with talent acquisition for several years before making an internal move. Today, I am still at Orifarm – just in a very different role.

I work as Executive Assistant to our IT Director and function as a strategic sparring partner. A large part of my work is about creating structure for the management team and ensuring that we follow up on the goals we have set. I work with budgets, financial follow-up, and with ensuring that the IT function supports the company’s overall strategy. When there are strategic projects that are particularly important, I am often brought in because I have the mandate to speak on behalf of management and ensure progress.

From my studies, I especially use my language skills. Grammar and communication are important when I prepare material for top management and the board or communicate internationally. I also use negotiation techniques – in the way I approach different people. Cultural understanding is also crucial in an international company.

I thrive on working close to top management because things can move quickly, and because I can help shape decisions. I don’t enjoy routine work – I want to work on different projects and be able to feel that what I do really matters. An important realisation for me has been that choosing one direction doesn’t lock you in. Careers can change, and you are capable of more than you might think.”