Be strategic, but choose something you like and feel motivated to engage with

Name: Caroline Tissot
Study program: MSc in Globalisation
Graduated from NTNU: 2017
Workplace: International Development Norway
Position: Project Manager

The global and transnational perspective I've acquired with the diversity of the program (and of my class) and the skills (especially research, academic writing, cultural and knowledge management) are present in my daily routine at work.

What are you working with?

IDN works  with business-oriented projects contributing to sustainable local economic development in various countries (mostly CEE). Together with local partners in the countries we are working with, we run the whole project lifecycle, from idea phase, design, management, expert tasks and reporting/closing. 

What is the best part of your job?

The possibility to learn about different fields while bringing my social sciences background to more traditional contexts. I have been engaged with IDN from August 2015, and since then I have worked with projects related to gender issues, migration, sustainability (circular economy, eco-villages, green transportation), inclusion of disadvantged groups , to mention some. Hence while working with development projects here, I changed my perception of 'either'/'or': I realized it is possible to work with what I have studied for so long and feel identified with at the same time I contribute to bring a positive impact to the societies involved. 

How did you get the job after your studies?

IDN was the place where I did my Globalisation internship, and I have been working here since then. The internship I found through NTNU Bridge.

In what way do you use your expertise from your studies in your job?

In every possible way! The courses I have taken are very useful when it comes to knowledge background and to aplying a social science lens to what I do. But most of all, the global and transnational perspective I've acquired with the diversity of the program (and of my class) and the skills (especially research, academic writing, cultural and knowledge management) are present in my daily routine at work. 

Your best job- and career advice to our students? 

Be strategic when choosing your internship place and your thesis'  topic, but more important than that, choose something you like and feel motivated to engage with. I believe that when we are so young, more important than have a(ny) job, is to take time to discover our talents and what moves us. And the Globalisation program provides a great structure for that: there are such a variety of courses, of professors with different profiles, an engaged staff and, more than that, your classmates. Trondheim has an unique volunteering environment (UKA, Isfit, ESN and plenty of other organisations), so be out there and engage yourself (all employers value volunteer work a lot!) - remember the importance of networking. These are all 'tools' you can use to learn more about yourself and explore different possibilities. Above all, always have an open mind, be humble, and don't forget to have fun :)