Shanshan Liang greatly appreciates the experiences she gained from the internship, including learning about cultural differences in the workplace from her home country, China. Shanshan is masterstudent at Applied Economics and Sustainability.
Why did you choose an internship?
I chose to do an internship because, as a student studying Applied Economics and Sustainability, specializing in climate and energy, I wanted to connect my classroom learning with practical experience in the renewable energy field. Joining Becour seemed like a great way to do this and could be beneficial for finding a job in this field later on. What excited me even more was the chance to use the data I collect during the internship for my thesis. This way, I could learn about various companies' renewable energy goals, contribute to Becour's mission, and advance my academic research all at once.
What are your experiences with the internship so far?
During my internship, I experienced a collaborative and interactive work setting that was quite different from what I was used to in China. Here in Norway, everyone worked in the same office space, making communication and collaboration easy among team members.
One standout feature was the brief morning meetings held every day. These 15-minute sessions allowed each department to share project updates, discuss challenges, and seek input from others. It was an effective way to stay informed about ongoing projects and gain insights into the company's overall activities.
What advice do you have for those considering an internship?
For those thinking about an internship, I'd say that it has been a rewarding experience for me. I've met most of my expectations, learned a lot, and deepened my understanding of the renewable energy certificate market. I'm even using the data I gathered for my thesis, which is a great bonus. However, it's essential to know that an internship demands a significant amount of effort—more time and energy than a regular 10-credit course—so be ready for that.
Internship positions might be limited; in my program, only 4 or 5 students are doing internships. I consider myself fortunate to join a company that collaborates with NMBU because the application process was not overly complex, and I received the result just a week after the online interview. If you're planning to do an internship, it might be wise to reach out to more companies and apply early.