Maren is a student adviser at the University of Oslo

^{_{What is your job description?}}

I have the main responsibility for the administration of the bachelor¡¯s programme in Development studies and Sustainability. This includes the planning and administration of teaching and exams, counselling of students, being the secretary for the programme council and working on the programme¡¯s website.

Additionally, I have several general administration tasks such as event support, procurement and ordering of goods and travel, and first-line contact with guests, employees and students. follow-up of new hires and guests.

^{_{What is the most exciting thing about your job?}}

The most exciting thing about my job is that it has a lot of variation. The focus and tasks vary depending on where in the semester we are, and I work closely with the academic staff, the faculty, external guests and students. As a recent graduate and new to working life, it is great to have the opportunity to try out a variety of tasks.  

^{_{How do you use your educational background at work?}}

Working at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography having an understanding of the research field and being familiar with the courses offered at the department is useful. Additionally, I get to keep up with what is happening in human geography research and further my academic development by attending department seminars, disputations etc. Having a similar educational background as the students I am counselling has also proven to be helpful.  

^{_{What is a typical day at work?}}

The days vary a lot but can entail attending meetings, answering emails, counselling of students, processing applications and inquiries from students and staff, work on the bachelor¡¯s programme fieldwork blog, preparing for a disputation or organising a book giveaway.

^{_{How did you get the job?}}

I think it was a combination of several factors. I have previously had summer jobs and volunteer positions with administrative responsibilities, and where I was juggling multiple tasks. Furthermore, I have previously worked at the department as a seminar leader and as a teaching assistant. Giving me further knowledge about the department, and experience interacting with students in an advisory capacity.

^{_{What are your best tips to students who are looking for your type of job?}}

• Get involved in something outside your studies! It makes your time as a student more interesting and gives you valuable experiences. Throughout my time at Blindern I have been both a group leader and volunteer course instructor for Amnesty International witch has given me some great friends and lot of useful experience when applying for jobs.
• Give examples! Instead of simply stating that you are x, y, z come up with examples that showcases how you have dealt with a similar situation or achievements you have. I used the fact that I submitted my master thesis within the nominal length to exemplify that I deliver as promised, and that I can work efficiently while simultaneously delivering on quality.