– What are the most important aspects of your job?
– I work as a so-called Information Technologist at DHlab and the Norwegian Language Bank at the National Library.
My work is very varied and includes developing and maintaining research infrastructure, apps, coding packs and APIs for quantitative text analysis of the National Library’s collection, as well as creating datasets for language technology and supporting the national infrastructure for language resources. My job also includes coordinating with researchers and academics to ensure we understand their needs and are able to contribute to their projects using technology and data analytics.
It is also very important that I keep up-to-date with advancements in technology and methods in digital humanities and language technology.
– What do you like best about your job?
– The coolest thing about my job is that I get to combine my interests in both history and technology and work on developing new ways of understanding culture, history and language. I also really enjoy working with researchers and technologists from different disciplines, who often have quite different perspectives and skillsets. And I just really like programming.
– In what ways are the studies offered by the Faculty of Humanities relevant to your job?
– I create research infrastructure for the National Library, so expertise in humanities research is central to everything I do!
– What is the best advice you can give new students who are thinking about job opportunities after completing their studies?
– I have loads of tips! First and foremost: be curious and explore different areas and interests. This can help you pinpoint your passion and discover new career opportunities that you might not have thought of.
Secondly, getting real-life work experience through internships, part-time jobs and volunteering projects is a really good idea. This will improve your CV and help you build a network, as well as help you find out what sort of work you enjoy – which is very important!
Also, make sure you learn some technical skills like programming, data analysis (such as Excel and various visualization tools) or project management. These skills are highly sought after in many industries and can really boost your employability – especially when you are looking for your first job after graduation. Concrete skills can make a huge difference.
And finally: don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to job opportunities. Many humanities graduates find interesting and relevant jobs in sectors that may not at first glance seem related to their field of study. As a humanities graduate, you are virtually by default someone who thinks outside the box. Your unique combination of skills, knowledge and experience can be a major asset on the job market.
Lars Magne Tungland
Subject:
Modern International and Transnational History
Degree:
Master's
Graduated:
2019
Position:
Information technologist
Employer:
National Library of Norway (nb.no/en)