Helene Klyve
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- Job: Advisor
- Employer: The Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet)
- Graduated from UiA: 2020
Education:
Global Development Studies, bachelor
I really recommend people to apply for summer job or internships! It can work very well to get a foot inside or be great references.
How did you get this job?
I first applied for a summer job and got it, and then I was given a temporary position afterwards. I loved working here, so I applied for a permanent position when it opened up and was lucky enough to get it.
I think the transition into working was made easier by first having a summer job, where there is less responsibility and expectation. I wasn’t "thrown into it" so to speak. I really recommend people to apply for summer job or internships! It can work very well to get a foot inside or be great references.
What does your job entail, and how do you use your competence?
I work as an advisor in the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), in the transport section. I work with the regulations of biofuels in Norway, so I do a lot of authority work, with following up on regulations, doing audits and sometimes imposing sanctions. Another aspect of my job is to make science- based recommendations for the department of climate and environment, specifically on the use and politics of biofuels.
The transport section is in the Climate department, so mitigating the climate crisis is always in focus. My background in development studies provides me with a larger perspective understanding, always making sure to think about how climate measures can affect other parts of the world.
I love working to provide the science and facts behind policy recommendations, it feels like providing the right input into political discussions and bargains
I love working to provide the science and facts behind policy recommendations, it feels like providing the right input into political discussions and bargains. I also know that the NEA has a lot of credibility (rightly so, we work very hard), and that when we publish something, or publicly speak on a matter, people listen.
Did you have a clear career plan as a student?
I knew I wanted to work with the environment in one way or another. I applied to several similar jobs to the one I got. I am always quite academically inclined, so I knew that working in an office job would be fun for me and a great way for me use my skills.
How do you look back at your time as a student?
I loved to study! All the social things and meeting new people all the time, but also the opportunity to learn new things. I sometimes miss going to lectures and have someone teach me something they are very passionate about. The opportunity to gain new knowledge and perspectives, and discuss important topics is very intriguing to me. Luckily, I also get to do a lot of that in my job! I work with some many smart and passionate people who know so much about such specific areas, it is great.
I loved to study! I also loved living in Kristiansand, I think it is the perfect size for a student town
I also loved living in Kristiansand, I think it is the perfect size for a student town. The campus is also great, I love how everything is in one location.
What study experiences do you value the most?
The traveling we got to do in the program was very rewarding, and so fun. I had the best time spending two months in Sri Lanka living with 10 people in a way too small apartment that got extremely hot every night. I'm not kidding, it was the best time! And of course, I learned a lot about water scarcity in Sri Lanka.
The traveling we got to do in the program was very rewarding, and so fun
I also spent 6 months in London on exchange as SOAS, and would recommend everyone to apply for that! You grow so much on exchange and get so many new friends and experiences, and you get to see what it is like to study in other countries and other universities.
Why did you choose this particular program?
I was very interested in human geography and stumbled upon development studies looking for that. I really wanted to go study something that could give me the opportunity to work abroad.
I would recommend the program to anyone interested in learning about why the world is the way that is it today
I would recommend the program to anyone interested in learning about why the world is the way that is it today. Anyone who could be interested in working internationally, and with international relations.
What advice would you like to give other students?
Choose a program that excites you. I did not choose a program thinking it would get me a specific job. I chose something I found interesting and motivating, and that got me a job that I love, even if I did not end up with a specific title after my studies. If a study program is boring to you, so will the job be, even if it is safe.
Be conscious when choosing topics for your theses. In my master's I focused even more on climate and environment, and really realized that was the path I wanted. I'm very happy I did, I now get to be in a job that has an amazing work environment, with something that I am super passioned about, every day. I feel very motived to go to work every day.