Marte's job at Norwegian Waste Management and Recycling Association has put her in the middle of an important task: how to handle our waste without harming our environment?
- Name: Marte Vestvik
- Study programme: International Environment and Development Studies
- Completed studies: Autumn 2022
- Age: 24
- Current workplace: Avfall Norge (Norwegian Waste Management and Recycling Association)
Tell us about your job and what you do
It is a paid internship at Avfall Norge, which is a trade association for the Norwegian waste and recycling industry and its stakeholders. It's members count more than 200 public and private companies associated with waste management, recycling and recycled materials. Avfall Norge addresses sorting, reuse, textile waste, handling of plastics, fire risk from batteries, and several other topics. We are cooperating internationally through organizations like International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).
An important task I have been working on is the upcomming United Nations Treaty on plastic pollution, and how Norway shall implement the new regulations. I've had the opportunity to assist in developing our consultations response to the UN. The treaty will have a huge impact on the plastics industry and waste management.
Other tasks are coordinating events, administrating networks for researchers and manufacturers, as well as some information-gathering and communication duties. In Norway, by 2025, all municipalities are required to have a collection and sorting scheme for textiles, clothing and shoes. I am supporting this process, through collecting and establishing data and knowledge.
I am also working on Avfall Norge's internship program, called REdu, working with communications and marketing, amongst other things. I was recruited through this program last summer, so it’s very inspiring to now be working with creating the same opportunities for others.
Why did you choose to study at NMBU?
I chose NMBU and this study programme because I’m interested in international politics, as well as a general interest for societal issues and current debates. I’m also interested in how global issues have an impact on our local communities.
At some point, I was unsure of whether I should pursue studies within natural science or social science. When I found out that there actually was a study programme that combined both, it was an obvious choice for me! It’s a pretty unique combination. That, along with NMBU’s profile as Norway’s “sustainability university” was important to me. Also, NMBU is known for it’s great student environment, and that sealed the deal.
How have you benefited from your degree?
My bachelor’s degree is interdisciplinary, encompassing politics, ecology, natural resource governance, statistics, law, economy and so on. You’re allowed to choose from a wide range of electives, making it possible to tailor the degree to your interests. It provides you with a broad perspective, an ability to see the big picture, and to see how different fields of studies are connected. This is all very relevant for my job.
Also, you’re trained in critical thinking, searching for information and writing. At work, we all write all the time! Whether it is emails to colleagues or reports, we communicate with text. I used to feel that it was difficult to begin writing a body of text, but after my studies writing feels very natural. And since it is an English-taught programme, you’ll become an expert in English. Reading dense treaty-documents is no problem!
How was your experience as a student at NMBU?
I thought it was phenomenal! I enjoyed the years there, even when there was the pandemic. I happened to live in a university managed housing complex, sharing a kitchen with several other students. It’s an experience I can recommend, as you will meet students from different fields of studies. They often provide other useful perspectives on themes you study.
I recommend that you join in on the student-run activities. Well, you’ll likely get dragged along by somebody, anyway. There is something for everybody, really. I joined the student democracy quite early on and enjoyed being part of making decisions that improved our study-life. It turned out to be a job relevant experience. I also volunteered at the student-run café at the Student Society, and at the UKA-festival (the bi-annual student festival), working with costumes for the student revue.
Any advice for future students?
Pursue your interests and be curious. I always chose to follow up on something that piqued my interest. You may not know exactly where it will take you but trust the process. Admittedly, at times I have worried about where my career will go after studies, but through my work experience I’ve learned that my education has opened up many possibilities.
That being said, I’ve found out that I enjoy studying and I’d like to immerse my self in a subject. This fall, after I've completed my internship, I’m planning on starting a master’s degree.