A learning opportunity of a lifetime

Graduates of the 2021 programme together with HR advisor Alex Brackfield. From the left: Haakon Husøy, Sophie Kilaas, Kristin Verpe, Isabelle Molander, Vedangini Sahajpal, Erik Dengerud, Alex Brackfield.

Haakon previously served as an officer and security policy analyst in the Norwegian Armed Forces and holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York. He found applying for the programme an easy decision. 

“I’ve always had a very solid impression of the fund and its people”, he explains. “I initially wondered how my slightly unconventional background would fit into the world of finance, but upon starting, I discovered the wide variety of disciplines represented here and the value they add. This level of diversity, both in disciplines and nationalities, is one of the fund’s great strengths and sets it apart both nationally and internationally.” 

Read more about our graduate programme

Recommends the Graduate Programme

The graduate programme runs for two years, and Haakon has within the first year already worked in three different departments on everything from active investment management in energy to technology and cybersecurity, encountering both interesting challenges and fantastic colleagues. 

He strongly recommends the graduate programme and believes it to suit candidates from a wide range of disciplines. 

“This is the place for someone who is curious, values the fund’s global outlook, and has an interest in investment, technology or the intersection of the two. You won’t find a place this exciting”.

On completing the programme, Haakon is guaranteed a permanent position in the organisation.

Much to learn and a wealth of opportunities

Opportunities to test the water in new professional fields, work across disciplines and move around the world are just some of what Haakon likes best about the fund – along with the chance to make a real difference. 

He finds it exciting to work in different departments and take on completely new tasks.

“In my opinion, the rotations are among the best things about the graduate programme. But you need to know what you’re letting yourself in for. Often you have to get to grips with a whole new discipline as you rotate through the organization. This might be unfamiliar territory for some. You have to take the programme for what it is – a unique and great opportunity to try out new things and learn from the very best.”

Haakon’s advice is to be humble and remember that you will not necessarily master everything straight away. He says that the programme helps you learn more about yourself and makes you reflect on how to deal with both setbacks and successes so that you continue to perform well over time. 

“You especially need to be able to distinguish between things you can do something about and things that are externally driven. It might be a matter of markets moving after an unexpected event rather than your own efforts. It’s also a good idea not to overestimate how well you’ll perform from the outset. You need to be patient, retain focus, and believe that you’re good enough.” 

A higher purpose

Haakon admits that he was bit tense at the beginning, but he soon realised this was a place where he would thrive. He was given a strong induction programme, a mentor in the leader group and a dedicated buddy. 

“I got to speak to my mentor before I’d even started, so I knew more about what I was getting into, making the leap easier. But I was still a little awestruck when I walked in the door!” 

The fund’s purpose and social role are one of the main sources of motivation for Haakon in his working day.

“I find it highly rewarding to contribute to the fund’s mission of safeguarding and building financial wealth for future generations. It enables me to unlock an extra gear when the going gets rough. The fund’s social role is particularly motivating at times like these, with the pandemic, war, and general uncertainty making it clear what a huge resource and buffer the oil fund is for Norway. I’m very proud to work here.”