– What are the most important aspects of your job?
– As an adviser in the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), I have a sort of three-part working day. I process individual applications for a residence permit. This could be, for example, an application for family immigration, a study permit or a visa. I also guide applicants and their family members on the regulations related to the Immigration Act.
These days, I also work in a team that works more closely with various collaboration partners, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the foreign missions. We are working to improve procedures and workflows. At the same time, everyday work at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration can suddenly change. We are an organisation that, for obvious reasons, has to constantly adapt to what is happening around the world in terms of migration. So, flexibility is a key word in our job.
– What do you like best about your job?
– It is a dynamic job where I get a lot of trust, both as a case manager and as an advisor. I am challenged on a daily basis. It is also a rewarding job, and particularly when providing guidance, I feel that I can really make a difference in people's lives. And not least: I have incredibly nice colleagues! We have a social and fun time at work.
– How is the education from the Faculty of Humanities relevant in this job?
– I acquired a lot of skills during my studies at the Faculty of Humanities that are useful in my job. This includes explaining complex regulations in a concise and intelligible manner. I also endeavour to use the clearest language possible when writing decisions, which was an important skill when I wrote my master's thesis.
Another example is that I also have to relate to a large number of Norwegian and international sources when I process cases. I have to maintain an overview and apply the regulations correctly.
– What is the best advice you can give new students who are thinking about job opportunities after completing their studies?
– If you are interested in a government job, my tip is to apply for summer jobs. I was first employed as a temporary summer worker in 2021, before moving to a permanent position in the winter of 2022. I had then been temporarily employed for about six months. Several agencies and directorates have short summer temporary positions, but it's often the case that they need you for a longer period. Then you already have a foot in the door!
I would also recommend an internship if your study programme offers it. At MITRA, students get the opportunity to try their hand at practical work abroad, and in that connection I was an intern at the Norwegian delegation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. This was an important experience that I used actively in my job search after finishing my master's.
Read about Anja's residency at the Council of Europe (norwegian)
Anja Birkelund Torheim
Subject:
Modern International and Transnational History
Degree:
Master's
Graduated:
2020
Position:
Adviser
Employer:
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) (udi.no/en)