From Oslo to Washington
Elizabeth currently works in the syndicated research branch of Penta Group, where she leads stakeholder outreach and recruitment campaigns that connect public and private sector leaders, including policymakers, agency officials, and industry experts with the company's research efforts.
– I develop and execute strategic outreach plans, craft tailored communications, and track engagement to meet defined participation goals and client needs.
Her role also involves close collaboration across teams, working with researchers and client-facing colleagues, and staying informed on policy trends to ensure our participants reflect timely and relevant perspectives. Ultimately, Elizabeth helps ensure that the work captures diverse, high-quality insights that inform impactful data analysis.
The road to University of Oslo
Elizabeth discovered the master programme while exploring options at the University of Oslo (UiO) and other universities. When asked what it was about this master's programme that stood out, she answers that it was the interdisciplinary approach and the way it brings together diverse courses and concepts.
– Having studied political science, sociology, and political communication, I felt this master’s offered a unique opportunity to engage in discussions highly relevant to today’s societies and our increasingly globalized world.
Turning theory into impact
Elizabeth credits the Master's in Education with giving her the tools to thrive in a role where understanding systems is key.
– The programme’s interdisciplinary nature helped me understand how information flows between institutions and individuals, and how policy interpretations both influence and are influenced by outcomes.
Courses on globalisation, technological change, and formal and informal learning environments gave her valuable insight into how complex systems interact and evolve.
– These perspectives were central to my master’s thesis and continue to inform how I support more effective, inclusive policy conversations in my role.
Tips for future international students
Thinking of making the move to Norway? Elizabeth has some advice:
– Fully immerse yourself. It may be challenging at first, but say yes to new opportunities, take time to understand the culture, and make a genuine effort to learn the language.
While most people speak English, learning Norwegian is key to feeling integrated and succeeding in the long term.
– Try to establish a routine early, so you feel grounded before winter sets in, especially if you're not used to the cold and darkness. Norway has a lot to offer, but it often requires initiative, things won’t usually come to you, so be proactive in seeking out experiences, connections, and community.
Student community
While coursework was rigorous, Elizabeth’s most cherished memories from UiO are rooted in community.
– My best memories are without a doubt the time spent with friends and peers. I especially remember the long days working on my thesis in the Helga Eng master's room, hours of writing, brainstorming, and sometimes just quietly sitting together, all bundled up during the dark, cold months.
Even though she found it stressful at times, those small moments, grabbing coffee on breaks, eating lunch together, or soaking up the sun whenever it made a rare appearance, helped so much.
– Having a group of peers to lean on, laugh with, and learn from made me feel supported and reminded me I wasn’t alone in the process. Those connections are what made my time at UiO special.