Master’s degree student Nils-Fredrik Solem (25) is set to graduate with a business economics degree this summer. He was offered a permanent position with successful start-up Forte_Digital in September.
Nils-Fredrik Solem is not surprised that such a large percentage of last year’s NHH graduates landed such good job offers and relevant jobs.
NHH’s labour market survey showed that 97 per cent of students who graduated with a master's degree from NHH in spring 2020 are either in work or are continuing their studies. A very high number landed a contract with their new employer before they had finished their degree.
‘It’s a privilege to take a degree programme that is so sought after by businesses and is part of the reason why I chose NHH. I knew there were good job prospects at the end of the programme. This was confirmed through having the opportunity to gain relevant work experience during my studies and I’ve seen how businesses value NHH students,’ says the NHH master's student.
NHH candidates have always been sought after in the labour market. In spring 2020, many students were nonetheless concerned about how the coronavirus and infection control measures would affect the Norwegian economy and their labour market prospects.
The labour market survey published last week, however, shows that the 2020 year group had little cause for concern.
Solem dreamt of being a robot engineer when he was younger.
‘I didn’t quite become a robot engineer, but maybe my fascination with technology has always been there,’ says Solem.
This interest gathered speed on an exchange during his bachelor's degree at NHH.
‘I went on an exchange to Seattle, where Amazon’s headquarters is located. A lecturer from Amazon taught a technology-oriented subject in the context of economics. From then on, I thought that was really cool. I decided that I wanted to continue with economics, but specialise in technology,’ Solem continues.
‘Why were you interested in Forte_Digital?
‘One aspect was of course the area of work – they have many exciting data analysis projects aimed at improving customer experiences. They work closely with, among others, NorgesGruppen where they are helping to develop the Trumf system. Another aspect is that it’s a relatively new company, which means it has a dynamic working environment where I hope to be able to make my mark,’ says Solem.
He will soon graduate from NHH with a master’s degree in Business Analytics, an area he believes is important to the business sector.
‘I think the Business Analytics specialisation is something businesses really appreciate. The intersection between technology and economics is a very popular place to be. Being the link between technologists and economists and being able to see through the eyes of an economist and identify where value creation can take place is incredibly useful. So I’m very pleased that I chose this programme option.’
When Solem came home from his exchange and had finished his bachelor’s degree, he took a ‘year off’ to take a semester in programming at the University of Bergen and six months as a political and economic trainee at the Norwegian embassy in Paris.
During his time at NHH, Solem volunteered in the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) and was one of the drivers behind NHHI Active.
‘I got a real taste for the mountains and outdoor life at folk high school and I’ve spent a lot of time since then seeking out new mountains to climb and great nature experiences. I became a volunteer for DNT when I started at NHH in 2015 and basically became hooked. The environment there was great and I felt I could help others to get out and about on walks,’ the enthusiastic student explains.
Last semester, he took the CEMS Master in Management at HEC Paris.
‘It’s been busy, but I’ve noticed I’m most efficient when I’ve got lots going on – then I basically have no choice other than to be productive and efficient,’ says the busy 25-year-old.
He appreciates being part of an active student environment:
‘NHH students give it their all both in terms of their studies to get good results and also socially to plan good activities that the whole student group can enjoy. The energy of NHH students is incredibly impressive and I’ve enjoyed being part of the environment, and have been inspired by the other students’ engagement,’ says Nils-Fredrik Solem.
