Gyda develops inclusive housing policies

What is your job description?

I am employed within the urban planning department, where I provide counsel on housing and neighborhood development. I am the project manager for the municipality's housing policy plan and oversee the portfolio for age-friendly and inclusive housing and neighborhood development. My responsibilities include formulating housing policies, encouraging the development of alternative housing models such as co-housing, fostering social sustainability within zoning plans and area development, and spearheading initiatives to realize the municipality's housing policy objectives.

What is the most exciting thing about your job?
First of all, I love my job. I am professionally and methodically challenged and have been given significant responsibility early on. Additionally, I collaborate with highly competent colleagues across the municipality, from whom I learn a great deal. I also recognize the importance of the municipality's efforts to ensure that everyone has a good place to live, and that more seniors can continue living at home for as long as possible while leading active and fulfilling lives. Housing and neighborhoods are central to this work, and it requires interdisciplinary collaboration to find effective solutions. I also value the autonomy to structure my workdays independently, enabling me to apply my expertise effectively and pursue continuous professional development.
 

How do you use your educational background at work?
I wrote my master's thesis on collective housing models, which Asker municipality turned out to focus on in their housing policies and development. Therefore, I get to utilize both the knowledge and experience gained from my master's thesis, as well as the perspectives and conceptual framework related to urban planning from my education. In addition, writing housing policy plans involves a great deal of reading and writing, which is also essential in a master thesis in human geography.
 

What is a typical day at work?

A typical day consists of meetings, writing, following political processes, anchoring the work with the management, and collaboration across departments within the municipality. And coffee, great colleges and a very relaxed working environment.
 

How did you get the job?
I got involved in a project towards the end of my master thesis, that worked towards developing a co-housing project in Asker. From there I applied to a job in the planning department in the municipality. Instead of interviewing me for the job I applied to, they wanted to interview me for a temporary position in the department of urban planning. When my contract ran out, I was hired in a permanent position.
 

What are your best tips to students who are looking for your type of job?

Municipalities offer excellent opportunities to kick-start your career. Unlike many private companies, they frequently recruit fresh graduates from social science backgrounds. Therefore, it's essential to engage actively, inquire, and pursue internships to establish connections. Reach out to acquaintances working in the municipalities you're interested in. You may need to effectively market your skills, so be conscious of how your expertise aligns with the municipality's needs, and what unique contributions you can offer personally. My experience is that human geographers are excited about other human geographers, especially in workplaces where there aren¡¯t that many with a social science background. So don¡¯t be afraid to reach out.