Consultant for Statsbygg

What does your job entail?

Statsbygg is the government's advisor in construction and real estate matters, a property developer, and one of Norway's largest builders and property managers. Statsbygg leads some of the country's largest and most complex construction projects and maintains some of our most important properties. The department I work in is responsible for early phase assessments and spatial planning, advising others in the public sector on construction and lease matters, and developing government properties for new purposes.

Government entities must have secure, flexible, and well-suited premises, while ensuring that the state's expenditure on premises is sustainable and prudent. We advise ministries and other public actors on investments in buildings, real estate, and lease acquisitions.

To make informed decisions about future investments, there is a need for analyses and assessments. My section is responsible for, among other things, concept evaluation studies, concept development, and cost/benefit management in the largest projects. This is part of the early phase of the construction project where we produce a report aimed at identifying and justifying what is a cost-effective solution to a societal need. This involves conducting socio-economic analyses where we assess costs (monetized impacts) against the benefits the project can bring to the user and society at large (non-monetized impacts).

What is the most exciting thing about your job?

One of the most exciting aspects of my job is that I get to use socio-economics to solve complex issues with different approaches and innovative thinking, while working in a strong professional environment. No day is the same, and the projects vary greatly, so I find great joy in a job that challenges me to continually learn new things (both about construction and socio-economics).

How do you use your education in your job?

I would say that I utilize my entire education. Cost-benefit analyses are a large part of my workday, so here I get to apply everything from empirical methodology on assessing present values and tax effects to environmental impacts and benefits of various construction solutions.

What does a typical day at work look like?

No day is exactly the same. Days can vary from being in multiple meetings with external and/or internal colleagues where we discuss current solutions, to working more independently in Excel with cash flow analyses or writing reports. The work we do is largely project-based, where we work across disciplines, and collaboration with architects, engineers, and other professionals is an important part of the job.

We also work a lot with presentations, both short and long, about projects and socio-economic analyses in the construction sector. We often present these to other departments in Statsbygg, but we are sometimes invited externally to participate in seminars.

How did you get the job?

I started looking for a permanent job in my final year of my master's degree. I didn't really have any idea what type of job I wanted, but I suddenly came across the job listing for Statsbygg and quickly decided to apply! The process consisted of two interviews where I answered a relevant case study.

A job that combined quantitative and qualitative methods sounded fantastic, and Statsbygg was able to offer me just that. Fortunately, I got the job.

What is your best tip for other students who want your type of job?

Even though good grades can be an advantage, they are not everything. It is just as important to be interested in what is happening in society. Understanding the theory behind economic mechanisms is important, but it's even better if you understand how this happens and affects the real world.

Therefore, my most important tip is: Keep your curiosity and academic interest after your studies! Don't be afraid to show enthusiasm early on.

(The interview was originally conducted in Norwegian, and is translated to English).