Market Analyst Bane NOR

What does your job entail?

Bane NOR is a state enterprise responsible for operating, maintaining, and building railway infrastructure in Norway. We have over 5000 employees working across the country. I work in the procurement unit, which is one of the largest purchasing organizations in Norway. Here, our contract advisors handle procurements ranging from large construction projects to smaller railway maintenance and everything else we need to operate Bane NOR.

As a market analyst, I use my skills in economics and statistics to assist our contract advisors. Primarily, I conduct statistical analyses to identify supply trends, including in the construction or rail-technical markets. I present these analyses to management or other stakeholders with the aim of highlighting potential opportunities and threats for the procurement organization. These analyses form a fact-based foundation for the organization to make important strategic decisions. In addition to this, I am responsible for processing the data we receive by developing and maintaining statistical reports in Power BI. These reports serve as tools for the organization to find relevant information and data in a presentable format.

What is the most exciting aspect of your job?

The most exciting part of my job is using my professional interests to contribute to the efficient management of the funds we receive. I particularly enjoy identifying market trends that the organization uses as a basis for making informed decisions.

The railway sector is also an extensive and complex area that is currently in a modernization phase. Assisting and learning about the various projects we face is very exciting. Moreover, the opportunity to work with an important societal mission is something I highly value.

How do you apply your education in your job?

I mostly use my statistical skills in my analysis and reporting work, as well as the data processing skills I acquired from the course Data Science For Economists. Additionally, I use my economics "glasses" daily to understand trends in supplier markets.

What is a typical day at work like?

Workdays vary greatly depending on the projects I¡¯m working on. Typically, I start my day by keeping updated on market news. Beyond that, I often juggle several projects of varying size: from minor contract overviews with shorter deadlines to larger analyses across an entire market. Other days may be spent in meetings with internal or external stakeholders or presenting my work.

How did you get the job?

After submitting my master thesis, I came across a job posting from Bane NOR looking for a market analyst. I was invited for a first interview to present myself, followed by personality tests and a case assignment which I presented at the second interview. I enjoyed working on the case assignment, and it made me want the job even more. Fortunately, I succeeded and was offered the position.

What is your best tip for other students aspiring to your type of job?
My best tip for succeeding as a student is to apply what you learn in economics to everyday life. This way, the theorems and principles will stick better, and student life will be more enjoyable. Also, be curious about daily events and how they can be described from an economic perspective!

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