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Internship at the Ministry of Education and Research

“If you have the opportunity to choose an internship as part of your study programme, it is a golden opportunity, and perhaps the smartest choice you will make during your studies”, says Ida Marie.

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Ida Marie Gillerstedt

What tasks did you perform during your internship?

– During the internship, I was involved in most things, both actively and as an observer. A large part of the work has been to contribute to the implementation of meetings, both physically, digitally and hybrid. Common tasks in connection with this are correspondence with other employees and external persons, professional and practical preparations, writing minutes and technical responsibilities. I have had the opportunity to try my hand at everything from presentation sharing in Teams, writing speeches to meeting participants and conducting small talk with guests in the elevator. I have been involved in planning and carrying out trips for myself and other staff in the ministry, in connection with a trip to Paris to attend the UNESCO General Conference. Most of the time, however, was spent on routine tasks in such a position, tasks such as answering inquiries received by the Ministry of Education and Research, writing summaries of scientific texts, writing minutes and minor translation work. I have tried a lot of different things and really tested my skills.

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

– During the internship, I had most use for good reading and writing skills. The ability to read, understand and process large amounts of text and information in a short time is an essential part of the type of work I have been involved in at the Ministry of Education and Research. I have also made good use of the communication skills that you practice during the study programme, as well as critical thinking in problem solving. My English skills in particular have been put to good use throughout the internship.

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

– Most of all, I got a good impression of a workplace that I am interested in for the future, and work experience that is relevant to this type of career. The responsibility and trust one gets in an internship has benefited my self-confidence. I have also seen from the inside how such an institution is structured and works, which has been incredibly educational.”

Anything else you would like to add?

– If you get the opportunity to choose an internship as part of your study programme, it’s a golden opportunity and perhaps the smartest choice you will make during your studies. Not only do you get to test how your education is work-relevant, but you also get a foothold within a potential workplace. Networking is also great, but it is important to offer yourself and be there to get to know colleagues and at the same time build a broad network. Not least, you gain experience that you would not otherwise gain through your education. It certainly is not as frightening as one might think. Also, it's a great opportunity for a break from the reading room, and a lot of fun!

In short: if the opportunity arises, apply!

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As an intern, I got to be part of the Norwegian delegation to UNESCO's 41st General Conference in the autumn of 2021. There I got to sit in Norway's chair during the plenary session.

 

Ida Marie Gillerstedt

Study program:
European Languages
Programme option: English Literature, American and British Studies

Internship course:
EUS4900 – International Project Semester, European Languages

Internship placement fall 2021:
Ministry of Education and Research (www.regjeringen.no/no/dep/kd/id586/)

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By Torunn Nyland, Career and Employability Coordinator HF
Published Jan. 6, 2022 6:04 PM - Last modified Jan. 4, 2024 9:37 AM