What’s your job title?
- Marketing Intelligence Specialist Trainee (it is a mouthful 😊). I am part of the NCE Seafood Innovation programme which introduces newly educated people to the aquaculture industry. The programme lasts for one year.
How long have you been with Benchmark and what made you join?
- I joined in August 2022. I joined because of Benchmark’s commitment to the environment and the work that they do. This made it an irresistible position for me. At the final interview round, I came to the Bergen office where I met with different people in varying roles. Based on their knowledge and the atmosphere, I decided that if I were to be offered the position, I would say yes.
Can you describe your role?
- I provide support to stakeholders in Marketing HUB1 (salmon) by carrying out detailed analysis work, translations, and other necessary tasks to make their workflows operate smoothly. I also try to help my colleagues finish assignments they haven’t gotten around to yet, to remove tasks from their lists. I am currently also working on the carbon footprint of the salmon eggs from our facility in Salten, Norway – which is fascinating.
Where are you based? I am located at our main office in the centre of Bergen
What’s your favourite part of the role?
- The instant positive impact that I feel the role has given my colleagues. I love being helpful and contributing towards a common goal. That’s why it is very satisfying that the role provides me with meaningful and interesting assignments that are of value to my colleagues.
What’s your biggest challenge?
- My role is new, making the road ahead unpaved. This creates expectations to show the role’s worth to Benchmark and shaping it for the future. There was no manual showing what the last person used to do, so I am dependent on creating meaningful tasks “from scratch”, but this can also be seen as a benefit.
Tell us about the people you work with?
- If I had to use one word to describe my colleagues, it would be “inclusive”. They have made me feel extremely welcome in the short amount of time I’ve worked here, and I genuinely look forward to going to work. Everyone is busy, but you are always welcome to stop by and have a chat, ask a question, or extend a ping-pong challenge their way.
What makes you happy?
- Knowing after a hard day’s work that a colleague’s day became a little bit easier because I provided the necessary information gives me the motivation to keep doing my best every day. I also enjoy waffle Fridays!
If you could develop any innovation for the aquaculture industry what would it be?
- I am an advocate for fish welfare, so I would continue the work to properly monitor fish welfare to make sure the focus on this aspect continues to grow. In addition, I would work to break down the old stereotypes regarding the aquaculture industry that still circulate in Norway. This is a transparent industry with focus on bettering itself every day.
Where do you see the aquaculture industry in 5 – 10 years?
- I believe the sky is the limit for this industry. Within 5-10 years we will be further along in solving the sea lice problem. Through innovation and hard work, this focus will ensure that the fish and environment are less impacted every year.
What are the benefits of the NCE Seafood Innovation Programme for you?
- The opportunity to meet others like myself, just starting out on their professional careers, who are information-hungry with a burning passion to promote themselves and create networks. Of the 20 people in the programme, 10 are in Bergen, so we have quarterly meet ups , providing us with a chance to travel and experience many exciting areas within aquaculture together.
What advice would you give a newcomer into the industry?
- Don’t sell yourself short! Even though you just left school, you still have something to contribute from the get-go. It takes time to gain experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be an asset from day one !
