The Noroff student will travel around Europe while pursuing an online bachelor's degree. Her dream is to work internationally in cybersecurity after graduation.
On September 18 and 19, Norway's leading technology and business conference, Techpoint, was held in Kristiansand. Noroff is the main partner for the conference, and every year, students work as volunteers.
One of those who traveled all the way from Bergen to contribute during these days was online student Sophie Ellertsen. She has only been studying Cyber Security for a little over a month and viewed the conference as a great opportunity to network and gain insight into the industry. On the first day, she was a participant, but when we met her on the second day, she was there to work. Her task was to give participants a warm welcome and guide them to the right presentations.
- It was a very smart choice to go to Kristiansand to volunteer at Techpoint. I have met many people working in various areas of cybersecurity. This is such a great opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and build my network, Sophie explains.
This is such a great opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and build my network. Sophie Ellertsen
At the conference, Sophie met several fellow students. Photo: Elisabeth Larsen.
Wanted a New Career Direction
Sophie is a trained personal trainer and has worked both as a freelancer and a center manager. She realized that she couldn't continue in the profession for much longer without burning out and wanted a career change that would allow her to develop further.
- I felt a need to learn something new, so I did some research on which field I wanted to pursue a degree in. In the end, I was choosing between psychology or something in technology, she says.
She had academic counseling with Noroff and other schools. She also spoke with friends who had studied both psychology and technology. What she often heard was that a degree in technology would get her into the job market faster than one in psychology.
- I wanted a sought-after degree that could quickly lead to a job, provide professional challenges, and allow for personal growth. This made me lean more toward a degree in technology, but you often hear that you should be technically inclined – which I don't really consider myself to be, she admits.
Even though Sophie doubted her technical skills, she decided to take the plunge. After resigning from her position as center manager, she applied for a bachelor's degree in Cyber Security at Noroff University College. So far, the studies have exceeded her expectations.
- Before starting my studies, I received an email from Noroff about a certification I could take, so I learned Python before I began. This prior knowledge has helped me a lot, and I find it incredibly fun. It’s really just about problem-solving all the way, she explains.
I wanted a sought-after education that quickly leads to a job, offers professional challenges, and personal growth. Sophie Ellertsen
Photo: Elisabeth Larsen.
Taking Online Studies on a European Tour
While Sophie pursues a bachelor's degree online, she wants to travel around Europe. In just two weeks, she will head to Riga, and later she plans to travel further south to stay for a few months. She is considering the possibility of studying physically at the campus in Kristiansand next year, but for now, she is enjoying the benefits of online studies.
- I am very satisfied with all the lecturers and find them skilled and clear in their communication. They encouraged us to message on Teams if we had any questions, and I've received good answers every time. Other online students are also very active, so there are great opportunities to form a group to collaborate with if you want to.
- What do you dream of doing once you complete your studies?
- Once I have completed my studies, I dream of working internationally, preferably within the police or military sectors. I want to be able to move around and live in places that focus heavily on technology, such as California. I envision a high-intensity job where I can learn a lot and develop professionally, Sophie concludes.
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