“I wanted to broaden my perspective a bit, because I work as a political adviser for the Innlandet Conservative Party’s county council group. Increasing knowledge in order to see the world in a slightly different way is very sensible in a role like that,” says Gjølme (42).
In Digital Communication and Culture at the University of Inland Norway (INN), students gain a general understanding of digital environments and the influence digitalisation has on communication, meaning, and people’s experience of interaction with one another. It is therefore a versatile master’s degree that suits many different backgrounds.
Gjølme was originally trained as a teacher and has worked in both teaching and school leadership. He has also been an elected representative for 18 years, which led him into a career as a political adviser.
“I advise politicians on decisions that affect the world around us, so this master’s degree provides a valuable perspective, as politics increasingly exists in the digital sphere. However, I also believe that if I were to return to teaching, it would be relevant knowledge.”
As a part-time student, you attend the campus in Hamar in person five times per semester over a period of four years. This makes it flexible and easy to combine with work, and it results in a good mix in terms of both age and geographical background among the students.
“The desire to pursue further education came from myself, but my workplace is very supportive and makes it possible for me to complete the study programme,” says Gjølme, and continues:
“I would recommend the programme because, in a world that is changing so rapidly in technological terms, it gives you a toolkit to both understand and reflect on what this does to us as human beings and as a society. Hamar is also a great town and easy to get to, regardless of where in the country you live.”
Hamar is one of six campuses at INN, and here you will find several master’s programmes and continuing education courses for those who want to top up their knowledge and skills in order to be better equipped for working life.
“There is value in higher education in itself. It’s about thinking differently about things than you perhaps have before, and being open to both change and development. I believe that comes in useful in most things you do,” Gjølme emphasises.