Internship at Blå Kors, step-by-step

What tasks did you perform during your internship?

– I have been an intern at Blå Kors, in the step-by-step department, where my main task was to conduct a professional lecture on a self-chosen gender-related topic. I was given plenty of time to prepare this assignment, which gave me a lot of flexibility and room to work in parallel with the semester assignment at a manageable pace. The topic of the lecture dealt with masculinity identities and mental health, including some discussion rounds to engage reflections among the audience. In addition, I was able to participate in meetings, theme gatherings, sessions in everyday skills, social activities such as cinema and sauna, conferences over Teams, and what was most educational, supervision hours with participants.

In order for me to gain more insight into Blå Kors' overall activities, my supervisor gave me the opportunity to do a couple of internships at two other departments: Blå Kors Oslo Vest (drug abuse institution), and 'Gatenært'. During these internship days, I participated in a number of social activities, where the main idea was that I would engage in conversations with patients and fellow humans.

How did you use skills you have acquired from your education at the Faculty of Humanities?

– Blå Kors works with people who experience exclusion in society, especially related to substance abuse, crime and mental health problems. In this work, I believe that it is both beneficial and relevant to have a good academic foundation in relation to gender-specific aspects. Knowledge I have acquired during my master's in Gender Studies has given me a nuanced picture of how men and women can be influenced in different ways in social structures, and how this can consequently affect their coping strategies afterwards. For example, gender roles can affect who seeks help and how they are met by the system.

I have particularly benefited from the concept of intersectionality taken from the subjects KFL4040 – Feminist Theory and KFL4055 – Gender and Society, which is a fundamental tool to keep in mind when meeting with participants. Social categories such as class, ethnicity, disability, age and sexuality can create double burdens in some individuals that require a more sensitive approach.

What do you think is or was the greatest benefit from your internship?

– The internship was first and foremost a great opportunity to challenge myself on a more professional level, that will make me more equipped for working life than I am! Among other things, the internship has given me more confidence in myself and my own academic abilities. I have gained practical experience with intersectional perspectives in reality, not just in theory. Furthermore, it has given me a concrete and very exciting experience with people in vulnerable life situations. In addition, I have been very well received by my colleagues in the office, who have challenged my perspectives in several areas.

Anything else you would like to add?

– I can highly recommend an internship! I was incredibly stressed and anxious ahead of the lecture I was going to present, as I personally struggle with stage fright. When I finished, I felt a real sense of accomplishment and noticed a clear development in myself. If you are facing a similar challenge in practice, take the chance! It both provides valuable strength and prepares you for some of the demands that await in working life.

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