Ida learned to think critically, question power dynamics and look at how policies affect different groups in society.
Name: Ida Morén Strømsø
Job: Senior Adviser for Climate Adaptation at the Norwegian Environment Agency
Study Programme: International Environment and Development Studies
Completed studies at NMBU: 2019
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your current role? How did your career path lead you there?
I currently work with climate adaptation at the Norwegian Environment Agency in Oslo, supporting the Ministry of Climate and Environment in coordinating national adaptation efforts. My work includes policy advice, knowledge development, and international cooperation, including with the EU.
After studying at Noragric and completing a master’s in social anthropology at UiO, I worked in Spire with policy and advocacy, and then in an internship with the Norwegian Mission to the UN in Rome. From the internship I got contacts in UNFAO, giving me the opportunity to work with Indigenous Peoples’ food systems there. Afterwards, I moved back to Norway and worked with climate advocacy work in Save the Children. All of these experiences have proved useful working in the public sector on climate adaptation.
What attracted you to your programme at NMBU?
After briefly starting another bachelor’s abroad, I realized I wanted a programme with like-minded students and a stronger international focus! Noragric seemed perfect as I heard about engaged professors and courses that connected environmental issues with global inequality in a very inter-disciplinary manner. Living in Ås, while learning alongside classmates from all over the world, felt like a great fit for me!
What was the most rewarding or memorable part of your studies?
I have a lot of great memories from my time at Noragric! The programme really trained us to think critically, question power dynamics and look at how policies affect different groups in society. Those perspectives have stayed with me through my various roles. Also, I was lucky enough to participate in two field courses, both to India and Tanzania, which were unique opportunities for practical learning, and became some of the most memorable experiences of my studies.
How did you experience the academic and social environment at NMBU?
NMBU has a friendly and very vibrant student environment, with passionate students. Class discussions often continued over lunch or dinner, and it was easy to connect with classmates who cared about the same issues. There were plenty of student groups to get involved in, and I was active in the student branch of Spire, which felt both meaningful and social, and gave me the chance to work on advocacy work alongside my studies. This also turned out to be valuable for my career going onwards. The professors were approachable and easy to reach outside class.
How do you use the knowledge or skills you acquired during your studies in your current job?
Training in critical thinking has been essential in my current and previous roles. Relevant for my policy and advocacy roles, the programme provided me with a solid overview of different institutions, global dynamics, and environmental sustainability. Analysing or raising awareness towards injustice towards marginalized groups has also been a theme through my career ever since I studied at Noragric. In general, I believe studying or working in international environments is beneficial regardless of the job you wish to pursue, for increased intercultural understanding and to gain different perspectives from around the world.
What further career plans do you have?
I’ve really enjoyed working with different actors, from the UN system and civil society to the public sector. That variety has helped me see similar issues from different angles, even though most of my experience comes from civil society. Going forward, I want to keep working with environmental sustainability and social justice. I don’t have a fixed career plan and I am happy where I am, but it’s important that my work feels meaningful, challenging, and gives me the chance to keep learning.
What advice would you give to current or future students?
First, enjoy your time at Noragric, both socially and academically! And take the opportunities that come along, such as the field courses. Also, take advantage of the close-knit environment and reach out to fellow students and professors, even outside of the classroom.
If you wish to work in an NGO or any policy-related work, I encourage you to engage in political student societies or NGOs alongside the studies to put your knowledge into practice and gain valuable work experience, making it easier to find meaningful and interesting jobs after your studies.