Can you tell us a bit about your job at Embriq?
I took over as director of Consulting in the spring about three years ago. My priority since then has been to build up the department. I’ve been busy maintaining effective processes and making a good impression on our consultants. We’ve seen increasing growth and have recruited 17 consultants. We’re busy building up Embriq into an effective and strong brand. For me, it’s important that the consultants are seen and heard if they have opinions or thoughts about how we can do things better in the department, and I often encourage them to give feedback. Everyone who meets us has to come away with an excellent impression whether they choose to take things further with us or not – it’s always important that they are treated with respect and met with understanding.
Typical tasks that are part of my job range from everything from sales, relationship building and recruitment to arranging trips both in Norway and abroad, team building etc. I’ve worked alone until April this year, but then Stig Hanssen joined the team. Having a sounding board that you can bounce ideas off is really underestimated. Much of my time is spent on interviews as we are always on the lookout for good Java developers.
Why did you choose Embriq?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Informatics from NITH, now called Westerdals Oslo School of Art, Communications and Technology. I started my career working as a salesperson in Eniro for three years before I left for Experis where I worked on recruitment of IT staff and consultancy. Then I went to the Force consultancy before I got a dream offer from Embriq. My present position involves many of the areas and tasks I’ve worked with before, but I was also given new challenges – something that was right up my street!
I thought Embriq was an exciting company, and I still think that today. The different areas and tasks I get to do in my job are very rewarding as well as exciting, and I had a very steep initial learning curve!
What do you think is the coolest technology trend right now?
I have an Apple Watch 6 which I’m really dependent on. There are, of course, both advantages and disadvantages of such a gadget because you are available all the time. But I’ve learnt to switch off alerts so that my days don’t start with stress and unread e-mails right from the get-go. They can usually wait until my day starts at the office. It’s better to focus on having a pleasant morning watching the news or listening to the radio. I learnt this quite early on in my job!
What is your favourite gadget?
My smartwatch. It’s wonderful to be able to use that instead of my mobile phone.
What is the best book you have read?
The best book I’ve read is I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. I’ve always read a lot of books and see myself as a bookworm. My children call me a nerd when I curl up by myself with a good book. I’m a great fan of crime novels and read most books in this genre – Swedish, Norwegian and Danish. Otherwise I read most of Kepler. I read Agatha Christie at school and Unni Lindel later at college. A good bookworm starts early!
Do you have a favourite television series that you would recommend to others?
I don’t watch many series, but I really like documentaries. Usually I watch true crime and any other crime that catches my attention. I often watch series involving women and like to watch those with my children.