Internship student interviews:
Animal Science
Astrid Frøysnes Flaa - Tangen Zoo
Where did you do your internship?
Tangen Zoo
What study program were you in?
Master's in Animal Science, specialization Ethology and Animal Welfare
How long did the internship last?
September to December
How did you get in contact with the company?
I work there part-time, and the company was open to me doing an internship related to my master's thesis.
What did you learn in the internship?
I learnt a lot about intraspecific individuality, but also a lot about the differences between domesticated and wild animals. I also learnt about how to train animals with different personalities and which modifications you can do in training. I learnt about which training has the largest effect in zoos, meaning what training has a stress-lowering effect when considering veterinarian visits and medication procedures. I also learnt a lot about camels and zebras.
Do you have any advice for students that are considering doing an internship?
Get directly in contact with the company you wish to do your internship at. You can for example meet up in person and bring the internship guide with you (link). I believe that many companies would be happy to host students for an internship. Having done an internship is also a big benefit when applying for jobs later on.
Mari Hoffgård - Felleskjøpet Agri
Where did you do your internship?
Felleskjøpet Agri
What study program were you in?
Master's in Animal Science, specialization Animal Nutrition and Feed Manufacturing Technology
How long did the internship last?
Through the Autumn parallell
How did you get in contact with the company?
Through my master's thesis supervisor.
What did you learn in the internship?
I learnt a lot about the process that leads to a finalized feed mix, and I got more knowledge about horse nutrition. I got to try out modifications and optimization in feed supplements for horses. I also participated in meetings with and presentations for Felleskjøpets clients, and I got familiar with the role as a sales person and a feed advisor. I for example manned Felleskjøpets stall at the Oslo Horse Show where I advised costumers on feeding of horses.
Do you have any advice for students that are considering doing an internship?
Doing an internship is very rewarding, and gives you another type of learning and motivation than typical studies do. Ask your study advisor at the faculty for recommendations about companies you could do an internship at. Maybe you are already interested in a company, in which case you should contact them.
Hilda Austlid - Geno
Where did you do your internship?
Geno
What study program were you in?
Master's in Animal Science, specialization Animal Breeding and Genetics
How long did the internship last?
4 months
How did you get in contact with the company?
Through the study advisor at NMBU.
What did you learn in the internship?
I was hosted by Geno at Store Ree, where I learnt about the breeding and genetics of the Norwegian Red, as well as some beef cattle breeds. By working in the barn with the bulls and the heifers I got to learn a lot about semen and embryo production both in theory and practice. I also learnt about general care and feeding. In addition, I got to join a breeding researcher at their office in Hamar one day, where I learnt more about the breeding goals of the Norwegian Red and future plans in the company.
Do you have any advice for students that are considering doing an internship?
Do an internship where you can apply your theoretical knowledge to the practical work in the company. Join as much as you can during your time in the company. This provides a good foundation when you look for a job and is also useful for understanding the whole picture in the company.