Meet Maren, our new analyst!

A fresh graduate with a passion for China's economy and a knack for numbers.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Maren, and this spring I completed my master’s degree in Economics from the University of Bergen. I have also completed internships both with Equinor and the Norwegian Competition Authority.

Why did you apply for a position at Kontali?

I guess it began with my passion for China’s economy and Norway’s role in the international perspective – the seafood sector is an intersection of these two interests. There are a lot of exiting things currently happening the seafood sector and the potential for grow is tremendous. The seafood sector is one of Norway’s greatest industries and analysing what is going on here gives a better understanding of the current Norwegian and global economy. I have always been curious about the driving factors behind observable trends, and statistics/analytics is a great tool to examine what is really going on. A course I took on the Economics of Aquaculture and Fisheries at the Norwegian School of Economics really opened my eyes to the opportunities for an economist in the sector. I applied to the Seafood Trainee program hosted by The Seafood Innovation Cluster and through them I was contacted by Kontali.

Why did you accept the offer of a position at Kontali?

I did not have any prior knowledge about Kontali so after I was contacted, I had to do some research. I was surprised to learn that Kontali was world leading within analyses of all parts of the seafood sector, with a solid reputation and clients all over the globe. I was offered a position that was tailored to my interest and played on my strengths. Combined with a good impression of the workplace I decided to accept.  

What sort of assignments have you worked on so far?

As with any new job the first weeks and months are spent getting to know the company and how they work, assignments and responsibly are gradually introduced. I will mostly be working on our EUMOFA project, and various other projects that are relevant.

What challenges have you met so far in your position?

Kontali is, despite its global position, located in the relatively small costal town Kristiansund. A job would entail moving to an unknown city, which definitely was a factor for consideration. On the flip side, a small town means a warmer welcome and I have already had several tours of the city, been on hiking trips, gone fishing, and invited to take part in local happenings. Also, with an economics background my knowledge of fish and other marine species are embarrassingly scare – so there is definitely a steep learning curve there!

What advise do you have to others who are considering a career in Kontali?

Kontali is the place to work if you want to gain insight into every part of the seafood value chain. At Kontali you get both the micro perspective with aquaculture, fisheries and species, but also a macro perspective with markets, trade and policy advisory. In terms of clients, we work with everyone from local fishermen and farmers to producer organisations, national governments and the European Commission. Since Kontali is a relatively small company you receive more responsibility, better follow-up and you are included in projects that are interesting and hold good development opportunities.

I would encourage new graduates to check out the Seafood Trainee program. Although I am a full-time employee at Kontali, I get to partake in trainee sessions with graduates from other seafood companies. The trainee program aims to provide insight into all stages of the seafood value chain through onsite visits, seminars, workshops, and mentorship. This year, there will be three sessions is various parts of Norway, and a week in Iceland.

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