What does your job consist of?
l work as a Collection Specialist. The job is mainly to establish a dialogue with the bank's customers who have fallen behind on their mortgages and help them get back on track.
There is also some dialogue with external actors such as brokers and public bodies, when we follow up on property sales, debt schemes, bankruptcies and estate. The goal is always to minimize the bank's losses.
What do you like the most about your job?
The job is demanding and challenging, which I like. The days are varied, and I get a lot of insight into the housing market and society's debt situation.
How do you make use of your education in your job?
I use the methodology and intuition every single day. At a micro level, I need to be up to date on shocks and changes that impact consumer economy, credit markets and housing markets. At the macro level, I need good analytical insight into the debt situation in Norway, as well as follow changes in rules and regulations that regulate the bank's activity.
How is a typical day at work?
The job is to manage the agreements in my portfolio. There is no typical day in this job. My days vary based on what cases I am working, what types of inquiries I get and how the portfolio performs in the market.
How did you get the job?
I applied for it. I had heard about the employer and liked the business model. It helped that I had the right educational background and relevant position in the past.
What is your advice for students who want your type of job?
It is important to try and find a part time job in the industry you want to work in while studying. You should think more broadly when it comes to looking for relevant positions for economists. Although most economists work in the public sector, there is a great need for our expertise in the private sector as well - especially in the financial sector.
What do you think is the best think about studying at UiO?
The sense of achievement, the network that I established and knowing that I was working towards a safe future.
(The interview was originally conducted in Norwegian and has been translated into English.)