Katrine Wangen from Bærum chose to specialise in innovation for her Master's degree in Business Administration. – After having attended job interviews during the past year, I have noticed that my specialisation is very relevant.”
Age: 24 Study programme: Master's degree in Business Administration Specialisation: Innovation (Now Sustainable Business Development and Innovation) Where I live in Stavanger: Bjergsted From: Bærum
I was offered a place on several Master's degree study programmes. Still, I chose the University of Stavanger because I had never visited the city before, and I saw it as a fantastic opportunity for new experiences and networking.
Why did you choose to do a Master's degree in Business Administration at UiS?
I started by doing a Bachelor's degree in Business and Administration at the BI Norwegian Business School. This provided me with the basic as I learnt a bit about everything, but I wanted new, more specific expertise. I was offered a place on several Master's degree study programmes, but chose the University of Stavanger because I had never visited the city before and I saw it as a fantastic opportunity for new experiences and networking.
The UiS also offers great opportunities for exchange visits to exciting countries, but that was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. In addition, their Master's programme is conducted in English, which was a great opportunity for me to prove my written and oral language.
Why did you choose to specialise in Business Development and Innovation?
I had already completed several courses on marketing, economics and finance when I was doing my Bachelor's degree. As I wanted to acquire new expertise it was easy to choose this as my specialisation. The academic field of innovation seemed innovative, exciting and creative.
Job advertisements often mention concepts relating to innovation and development because they are regarded as constituting valuable expertise in today's market, which is characterised by rapid technological change. It is elementary to possess knowledge about how companies should position themselves in the future in order to maintain a competitive advantage, and these are things you learn in your studies.
The UiS was the only university offering a specialist MSc economics programme incorporating innovation , and after attending job interviews during the past year, I noticed that my specialisation is highly relevant. In my experience innovation expertise is important in the business sector and can make a big difference at the start of your career.
What does a typical day of study looks like for you?
During my first semester I spent a lot of time at the School attending lectures and groups. I remember that semester as being fun, educational and social. Alongside my studies I have worked part-time in a bank and it has been easy to balance my timetable. After March 2020, the pandemic turned our everyday lives upside down. Exams were conducted from the living room table and group work was moved to Teams.
During my final semester I wrote my Master's thesis on Business Model Innovation. Most of my work was done online since it's easy to coordinate a busy everyday life with collaboration on Teams. My Master's thesis was completed on 1 May and I’m delighted with the results!
Tell us about something particularly memorable from your studies.
During the first semester we had a unique subject called Business Decisions. The lectures, business presentations, case solutions and discussions made a special impression on me. It was academically demanding, but extremely instructive and exciting. While studying this subject, you have to analyse and discuss current issues relating to ethics, strategy, economics and innovation, etc.
It is almost impossible not to mention Fadderuken (Freshers Week). It was an incredibly comprehensive programme involving fun activities throughout the week. I would recommend that all new Master’s students at the UiS should participate in Fadderuken – it is where you create friendships and meet potential partners for the programme.
How would you describe the study environment at the programme?
Since we were divided into groups across the various specialisations, I had a great experience of the study milieu at the UiS right from my very first year. It is therefore easy to get to know people, although participating in Fadderuken provides you with a great starting point.
What is your dream job?
My ambition has always been to have a meaningful job with new challenges and opportunities for developing my expertise. I am interested in several positions and I’m not exactly sure what my dream job is, but I think that my path will become apparent as I progress. I am currently working as an executive officer in a bank, but I am applying for consultancy jobs with financial institutions and consultancy companies.
During the first semester we had a unique subject called Business Decisions. The lectures, business presentations, case solutions and discussions made a special impression on me. It was academically demanding, but extremely instructive and exciting.
