Making the magic happen at Oslo Business Forum

Eva at Oslo Business Forum. Photo: OBF

Eva first came to Norway as an exchange student in 2022. After enjoying her time here, she decided to pursue her master’s degree at BI. Reflecting on her journey, Eva highlights how important it is to take advantage of the many opportunities the school offers outside the classroom. 

“There is so much more than just lectures. Getting involved in extracurricular activities not only strengthens your CV, but also helps you grow personally,” she says. 

In 2023, she was one of around 150 BI students that volunteered as student ambassadors at Oslo Business Forum (OBF). Through this position, she expanded her professional network and gained a lot of practical experience. 

BI Internship at Oslo Business Forum

Her efforts as a student ambassador led to her securing the role of Head of Ambassador at the OBF conference in 2024, a position offered through the BI Internship programme. 

In this new role, she was responsible for the recruitment of student ambassadors, managing communications, and overseeing the smooth running of the conference. This role gave Eva both a leadership challenge and a great chance to develop important organisational and teamwork skills. 

Eva says that one of the most rewarding parts of her experience was being part of a team that always aimed to "go above and beyond." 

“You meet incredible people, gain practical experience, and understand how the real world works. Every opportunity contributes to your growth, and you never know where it might take you.” 

Ambassadors at this year's conference. Photo: OBF

"A steep learning curve”

BI offers a wide range of opportunities that help students bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering insights into the professional world and preparing them for their future careers.

Eva explains that not everything can be learned just by sitting in a classroom.

“There is a steep learning curve when you step outside the classroom. Whether it is organising events or managing a team, you quickly develop skills that are difficult to teach in a lecture – you learn by doing.”

In addition to gaining practical experience, they also grow their networks by connecting with other students and professionals who can play a key role in their future careers. 

“It is not just the ambassadors, but also the speakers, the OBF team, and partners. You become part of something big, and those connections can be incredibly valuable later,” she explains.

Eva’s advice to her fellow BI students is clear - seize every opportunity:

“Whether it is attending events, joining a student organisation, or applying for an internship – every small step counts. You never know how or when those experiences may benefit you, but they often do,” she says.