Seizing every small opportunity in her path allowed Anine Kristoffersen (24) to follow her big dreams.
“There was an element of chance to how I ended in Madrid. A year earlier, whilst in my second year of high school, I had finished 90 percent of my application for IE Business School. Then, I forgot about it until the next year, when I received a call from a Spanish phone number.”
“It turned out to be from the university. They told me that I was a potential candidate and asked me if I would consider finishing my application.”
And that’s how Anine Kristoffersen started her Bachelor degree in Business Administration at IE University, Madrid back in 2019 – supported by the Kistefos Young Talented Leader Scholarship.
She was only 19 years old when she left Bergen, Norway and embarked on her new journey to Madrid all by herself, only accompanied by her suitcases.
“Of course I wanted to finish my application! So, that weekend, I got straight onto the next plane to Oslo for the admissions test. And that was the start of my life-changing experience.”
Finance, technology and strategy
After finishing her Bachelor in 2023, Anine wanted to gain some practical work experience and find out what truly interests her, before eventually selecting a Master's degree to specialise in.
“I have worked as a Business Analyst for almost a year now, and I find it very interesting. I structure and analyse data sets to uncover business insights through operational and strategic advisory. I also utilise data and insights to evaluate projects, processes and investments'', she says, adding:
“Data-driven decision-making is very important for a company's success, and I learn something new every day. I’m very passionate about finance, technology and strategy, and how the three of them complement each other and can be applied to business.”
Studying business administration at IE provided Anine with the necessary tools needed in every aspect of a company – from finance and marketing to operations and supply chain management, she’s learned about them all.
“There were a lot of other courses as well – including programming, technology, academic writing and presentation skills. The spectrum is very broad, which helps prepare you for the important strategic choices you’ll make as a professional.”
From village to big city
Another passion of Anine’s is travelling and experiencing the world.
Her stay at IE has provided her with a glimpse into two distinctly Spanish worlds: the picturesque village of Segovia, where she stayed for two years, as well as the hustle and bustle of Madrid.
Spoiler alert: she loves both places.
“I’m really happy that I got to experience both of them. I chose Segovia first, because there was a real sense of a student community there. Even just going to the grocery store, I would bump into at least five fellow international students. .”
But, she admits, Madrid also holds a special place in her heart.
“I love big cities, and I really love Madrid and how the city feels like it’s made for professionals and has a business vibe to it.”
Out of the comfort zone
During the past four years, Anine has had the opportunity to conduct several internships in consulting, finance and strategy. She’s accumulated a total of two years of work experience, lived in six different cities, and learned Spanish fluently – the latter through a four-month internship as a Portfolio Advisor at a Spanish asset management company.
“Everything was in Spanish, which was very much out of my comfort zone, but incredibly educational, both in terms of finance and the language. When I look back at it now, I’m very happy that I did it. That’s how I became fluent in Spanish and discovered my interest in finance.”
She also fondly remembers her first networking event through the Kistefos scholarship.
“When I first started at IE, there was a networking event where the advisory board from the school was present. There were also some very successful and inspiring people in attendance. One of the CEOs came over to us to motivate us and said encouragingly, ´Come on, you can do this!´.”
Being a Kistefos scholar means meeting fellow scholars – and not just from your own neighbourhood.
“The scholarship provides many networking opportunities, as you get invited to several events with other scholars and alumni. It is very motivating to get the chance to meet so many inspiring people.”
Go for it
When it comes to the trickiest part of becoming a Kistefos scholarship alumni – getting admitted to the actual university in question – Anine Kristoffersen has given us a few helpful pointers and recommendations. One of them might even come in handy for high school students.
“When I attended high school, I always kept myself busy working part-time jobs and as a volunteer, as well as being active in the student council. Seizing all of these small opportunities allowed me to follow my big dream.”
Being curious is another hot tip, according to the 24-year-old. And some final words of wisdom?
“Show initiative. Go for it!”
