Anja Fintland (26) has just completed her Master's degree in Business Administration at the University of Stavanger Business School. She is now starting work as a consultant at PwC.
Age: 26 Study programme: Master in Business Administration Specialisation: Business Development and Innovation (Now Sustainable Business Development and Innovation) Where I live in Stavanger: Stavanger Øst From: Stavanger
Specialising in innovation seemed particularly interesting and relevant. This is also a specialisation that is not available in many other places and it is something that can make you more attractive on the labour market
I chose to do a Master's degree in Business Administration at the UiS because:
I thought that the UiS had a lot of great specialisations and that innovation seemed particularly interesting and relevant. This is also a specialisation that is not available in many other places and it is something that can make you more attractive on the labour market. I also liked the way the subjects offered had been put together, and the fact that they included some teamwork and practical tuition. The study programme is also in English, something which I considered to be an advantage.
It is worth mentioning that Stavanger is a great city to live in, both in respect of the study environment and the various opportunities available in the city for sport, music, culture and nature.
I chose the "Business Development and Innovation" specialisation because:
When I was studying, this specialisation was called Innovation, but I chose it mainly because of my own interests. I think that innovation as a subject is very exciting and relevant and I prefer a combination of qualitative and quantitative subjects.
Consequently this specialisation seemed like a very good choice. It teaches you everything, ranging from what innovation is, and that there are different types of innovation, to those strategies that are relevant for leading innovation processes. It provides a broad, holistic understanding of innovation and shows how innovation is linked to economics, technology and sustainability.
This is what a typical study day looks like for me:
Due to Covid-19, the campus has been replaced with a home offices for much of the semester. I have also written my Master's thesis during the last six months, so I have spent most of the semester working on it.
Before the coronavirus, I spent much of my time on campus, either in lectures, in the reading rooms or in the book café (recommended!). I have also worked as a student assistant in two subjects, something which has been a great part-time job to have alongside my studies. I learned an incredible amount while at the same time I gained a greater insight into how the professors plan their subjects, correct assignments and motivate students, etc.
Tell us about something particularly memorable from your studies:
After completing my studies, I thought about all my experiences and the large network I have acquired from becoming involved in my studies. This included being responsible for the Business Fair held by the MastØK association, working as a part-time organiser of the university’s 2020 Fadderuke (Freshers Week), working as a student assistant and participating in the LevelUp student incubator.
I have benefitted hugely from all these experiences which have had a great impact on my everyday studies. This has helped me to meet and become acquainted with lots of great people, and it has also prepared me for working life.
The study environment at the programme can be described as follows:
An excellent, inclusive study milieu. There are many different associations and organisations that you can become involved in and which enable you to make lots of contacts and create good networks. My impression is that cooperation between the UiS Business School and its students has also improved significantly in recent years.
The Business School has also become better at linking its studies to the business sector, something that students have been wanting for a long time. This has strengthened the academic courses available, something which has also resulted in more practical learning and the opportunity to pursue internships, etc.
This is my dream job:
During my studies I have discovered that I enjoy teamwork, i.e. working in an interdisciplinary manner on various projects. I think it’s fun to have variety in your everyday life, and I don't want to tie myself down to just one academic field. Working as a consultant has therefore always seemed like a very relevant profession for me, because it provides you with broad expertise and experience from many different quarters.
I was therefore delighted when I landed a job at PwC in January! I will be working here as a consultant in their "Consulting" Department, and I look forward to being able to contribute to many exciting projects!
It is worth mentioning that Stavanger is a great city to live in, both in respect of the study environment and the various opportunities available in the city for sport, music, culture and nature.
