"During my bachelor I realized that I wanted to learn even more about business and leadership which is why I pursued the master program, and I have not regretted my decision".
Name and study programme
My name is Øystein Haave. I am studying Master Service Leadership in International Business
Why did you choose to study Master Service Leadership in International Business?
I chose this study because it sounded very interesting and relevant in today's globalized society. I also liked the fact that it is an international study program, where half of the class are international students from all over the world. My bachelor was tourism management, and during that bachelor I realized that service and hospitality is the field for me. I wanted to learn even more about business and leadership which is why I pursued the master program, and I have not regretted my decision!
Why did you choose Stavanger and UiS?
The fact that I ended up in Stavanger was actually quite random. I had never been here before, and the west of Norway was an area I had spent very little time in. I have to admit that I am a city boy raised in Oslo, who thrives the most in urban environments. That's why I wanted to study in a city, and Stavanger was the largest place in Norway that offered tourism management as a public bachelor program. And here I am! It is funny how things work out well, even though you don't always have a plan or a reason. So if you are new to the Stavanger region, explore it! Do like I did when you move here and spend some days going to new places in the area. You will always find someone who is down for a hike, a beer or a museum visit.
Why did you choose your specialization?
After high school, I was very uncertain regarding what I wanted to study, so I took a year at a folk high school (folkehøgskole) in Bergen. I had sports and travel as my main topics, where I was very lucky to travel around the world to many different countries. While traveling I realized that tourism is something I wanted to study. Growing up in a multicultural part of Oslo, I have always been surrounded with many different cultures, which I find very interesting. I also like to challenge myself, so the combination of leadership and hospitality was the perfect choice for me!
How does a typical day at UiS look for you?
A typical day for me at UiS is quite eventful. I have class three times a week, and depending on when the classes are, I usually have some group work before or after class. Our class usually hangs out in the cafeteria and common areas during the lunch breaks. After class I always need some energy refill, so the SiS Book Cafe is often my savior! They have very good coffee and a cozy environment. Before I end my day at the campus area, I work out at SiS Sportssenter. They have a huge variety of activities! Cross fit, group sessions, climbing, bouldering, squash… I mean the list goes on and on. On Tuesdays and Sundays I also play floorball, which is great fun! Having everything in one place is very convenient, and the campus area is kind of my second home in Stavanger.
Do you have any memories from your time here till now?
Oh wow that is a hard question haha, where do I start? I have so many good memories from my time here at UiS and I still cannot believe that I have studied here for almost four years! If I have to choose one memory it has to be the fadder weeks (buddy weeks) in the beginning of each study year. I have been a fadderkid two times, in addition to being fadder myself once. It is very social and you get to meet so many wonderful people, have amazing parties, social activities and great memories. I also have to highlight the nature around Stavanger, with Preikestolen and Lifjellet as my two favorite hikes. Highly recommended!
When starting my master studies, the entire class had a kick off at Viste Strandhotell. This was a great week where we had the entire hotel to ourselves! We had several team building activities, and introductions of all the professors and classes. I have fond memories of just sitting up late next to the beach and having long conversations with my new classmates where we really got to know each other.
Do you have any advice for future students?
Whenever people ask me for study tips I usually try to think of what I would have said to myself four years ago when I was a new student here. My biggest advice has to be to not bite off more than you can chew at once if you know what I mean. Try to study a little bit everyday, instead of working like crazy at the end of each semester. It is not easy I know, but you will be so grateful when the exam period is getting closer and you don't have 11 extra chapters to read. Don´t tell my professor haha.
It is also okay to say no, both in social settings and study settings. There will always be more opportunities and it is impossible to be a part of everything. Finally, I have some motivation advice for the exam period. Treat yourself! Studying is hard enough as it is, so use the exam period as an excuse to buy some snacks to increase motivation. I used to say to myself that in the exam period it is okay to eat chocolate on all days that ends with the letter Y haha.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My calendar, as my friends can vouch for, is almost always full. I love to fill up my freetime with all sorts of things, preferably social activities. Hosting game nights at my place, going on a hike with someone, taking a swim, or going out for a beer or ten. On the other hand, on some days there is nothing better than just staying inside in your PJ’s all day watching Netflix for hours until it asks you if you are still there… Whoopsie....
I also like to travel. Having friends and relatives spread across the country, I usually spend some weekends each semester visiting them. This summer I also have some big travel plans, including a family trip to Italy, Interrail in South Eastern Europe with some friends, and traveling a bit around Norway.
What would you like to work with after your studies?
The question all students love haha. I have to admit that there is not a specific position I have in sight at the moment, but I like to think that the path is made by walking. Sounds deep right I know, but I am not worried about a future job. Whenever interesting positions will be published, I’ll just apply and eventually work my way towards my “dream job”.
Right now I have a part time job at Stavanger Airport, as a check-in and gate agent. It is a very fun and diverse job, where no days are similar. Some days are very calm whereas others are crazy hectic. I am an aviation enthusiast to say the least, so working that close to planes and airlines is definitely my cup of tea. That's why I’ll be quite surprised if my future job isn't in the aviation industry. My birth town of Bodø in the north of Norway is soon building a new airport so who knows, maybe I will be a future airport manager?
