Edlynne Martinez
Job: Child Welfare Officer
Employer: Kvinesdal asylum reception centre
Graduated: 2024
Study Program:
Global Development, Crisis and Change (Master)
It’s incredibly meaningful and rewarding to see the difference we make every day.
A meaningful and fast-paced workday
Edlynne’s workday begins with a team briefing, where staff share updates on residents and coordinate follow-up. Working with vulnerable groups means staying updated on each resident’s well-being and adjusting support as needed.
Most of Edlynne’s time is spent working directly with children, enrolling them in school, checking in on how they’re doing, and conducting needs assessments. She also plans and participates in activities and environmental work to create a safe and supportive atmosphere at the reception centre. Her responsibilities also extend to the front desk from time to time, where she answers questions from residents and helps new arrivals.
- It’s a fast-paced and sometimes hectic job, but it’s incredibly meaningful and rewarding to see the difference we make every day.
Adjusting to a new work culture
Edlynne learned about the position through a friend from her master’s programme. The opportunity emerged through a mix of networking and good timing, and she decided to apply.
Transitioning into her first full-time job in Norway brought both challenges and growth. Although her master’s degree was taught in English, the job is entirely in Norwegian, which required her to put in extra effort at the beginning.
- It was a bit challenging at first, but over time I’ve become much more confident and comfortable in my role. The experience has helped me grow a lot, both personally and professionally, and it’s really strengthened my integration into Norwegian working culture.
Why she chose the Global Development programme
The main factor behind Edlynne choosing to study Global Development is her fascination with how different systems shape people’s lives around the world. She has always been curious about the forces that create disparities between communities and how these can be addressed.
During her work as a research assistant in the Philippines, Edlynne’s interest in global systems and social inequalities grew. She spent a lot of time working with local organizations and community members, which helped her see how global factors affect people’s day to day lives.
- That experience sparked my interest in looking at global development in a more holistic way. For me Global Development brings together everything I care about – understanding the world, connecting with people, and finding practical ways to make systems fairer and more sustainable.
Edlynne expresses how her education has been highly relevant in her current role. The programme helped her understand the social and cultural contexts behind migration and asylum, giving deeper insight into the vulnerabilities many residents face.
A study environment defined by diversity
One of the aspects Edlynne appreciated most about UiA’s Global Development programme was the diversity in the classroom. Students from all over the world brought different cultural and social perspectives, enriching discussions far beyond what any textbook could offer.
- I honestly learned just as much from my classmates as I did from the coursework.
She recommends the programme to anyone who wants to work in international or multicultural environments, or those who are curious about how global issues play out in real communities.
Advice for students
- My best advice for new students would be to start networking as early as possible. It really pays off in the long run for your career. Go to seminars, conferences, join student organizations, or even just grab coffee with classmates and professors, all of it helps you build connections, learn from others, and get opportunities you might not find otherwise.
- Also, if you fall in love with Norway like I did, I’d strongly recommend starting to learn Norwegian as early as you can. Even a basic level will make daily life easier and help you feel more connected to the community. Plus, it’s a huge advantage when applying for jobs, employers really appreciate it, and it opens up so many more opportunities, both professionally and socially. It also shows your commitment to integrating, which makes a big difference if you want to work here long-term.