This autumn, we proudly welcomed six interns from Handelshøyskolen BI (BI Norwegian Business School) for the fourth consecutive year. Over the course of eight weeks, these talented students engaged in hands-on projects alongside some of our deeptech portfolio companies, delving into strategy, business development, market analysis, and financial evaluations.

Meet Shahana Rzayeva and Ulrik Lie Ulvness, who seamlessly integrated academic theory with real-world applications during their tenure at Kongsberg Innovation.

Bridging theory with practice

Through engaging with startups in our incubator, interns acquire practical skills in business development, including effective communication, data analysis, and decision-making. Shahana reflects on her learning journey, emphasizing the newfound proficiency in data analysis and the invaluable lessons in storyboarding— a skillset applicable far beyond the confines of academia.

"One specific skill I acquired during my internship was data analysis and collection. It was the first time i conducted interviews with significant companies mastering communication with startups, experts, and other sources. Handling vast Excel datasets, I learned to extract valuable insights, a pivotal aspect of my internship experience", shares Shahana. Ulrik also agrees that he acquired skills that he benefited from both during and after the internship.

"In retrospect, I'm amazed by the valuable skills i gained. The mindset cultivated during this internship, particularly regarding storyboarding, extends beyond academic tasks to practical problem-solving in life — a lesson i find immensely beneficial."

A transformative internship experience

Beyond professional development, the internship at Kongsberg Innovation fosters personal growth and meaningful connections. Shahana recounts the strong bonds formed during her tenure, reflecting our company culture. "I cherished the challenges we faced, as they reflected the real-world demands of a consultant. From learning how to negotiate with clients to mastering the art of presentations, every task pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I gained confidence and forged meaningful relationships with my colleagues. The supportive atmosphere fostered a culture of learning, where asking for help was never frowned upon."

"In those 8 weeks, I absorbed invaluable lessons that continue to shape my professional journey, providing me with expertise for future opportunities."

In Kongsberg Innovation, we are committed to creating value not only for our own startups and companies, but also for our colleagues and interns. Our flat structure and collaborative work culture foster a positive learning environment where asking for help is encouraged.

The internship opened doors into a career in Kongsberg Innovation

After completing the internship, one student got the opportunity to join Kongsberg Innovation as employees. "The internship opened doors into a career in Kongsberg Innovation", shares Ulrik, who transitioned from intern to business developer. "During my internship, I gained invaluable insights into the startup environment and working with business development. The experience was a confirmation that this is the field I want to work in."

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