Richard Reistad from Bergen has recently graduated with an MSc in Business Administration from the University of Stavanger Business School. His interest in entrepreneurship led him to choose a specialisation within business development and innovation.
Age: 28 Education: Master's degree in Business Administration, specialisation in Business Development and Innovation (Now: Sustainable Business Development and Innovation) From: Bergen
I wanted to learn more about product development, how innovation within companies takes place and what are the drivers to continuously evolve in line with society and new market opportunities. I think an education in business combined with that kind of expertise makes me fit well into many types of positions in the future.
Why did you choose to do a Master's degree in Business Administration at UiS?
I chose to do a master's degree in Business Administration at UiS because the University of Stavanger emerged as a competent learning environment that offered a high degree of individual freedom in terms of electives and specialisation. I myself come from Bergen, where the campus is more spread out across the city, and I therefore appreciated that all study programmes were gathered. I simply wanted a student life where I could meet other students by wandering around a single campus or sitting and reading in the student café.
Why did you choose to specialise in Business Development and Innovation?
I chose this specialisation because I have always been interested in entrepreneurship and the development of new solutions. I wanted to learn more about product development, how innovation within companies takes place and what are the drivers to continuously evolve in line with society and new market opportunities. I think an education in business combined with that kind of expertise makes me fit well into many types of positions in the future.
Tell us about something you remember particularly well from your studies.
Of all the things I have experienced over the last two years, I best remember the challenging cases in the subject Business Decisions where the solutions were something one came up with on one’s own. I remember it as a transition from the Bachelor’s programme where the answers were most often found in one’s book. It was an incredibly refreshing change.
How would you describe the study environment at the programme?
In my experience, everyone can feel comfortable at UiS, perhaps because of its size and diversity. It's also easy to join a wide array of events, study groups and volunteer work, so there's something for everyone. In terms of learning environment, you will always meet like-minded people, so of course it all depends on what you want to put into it yourself! I can recommend finding others who push you a little so that you don’t have to constantly rely on your own motivation. It ebbs and flows like everything else!
What is you dream job?
Business developer. I think being able to develop a company or take a product or concept from idea phase to finished solution sounds both exciting and rewarding!
