Digital Business Day

“In a time not distant, it will be possible to flash any image formed in thought on a screen and render it visible at any place desired. The perfection of this means of reading thought will create a revolution for the better in all our social relations.” - Nicola Tesla

Usually, the Business Day fills the Aud Max with many companies and interesting merch, but we live in unusual times. Business day will be organized digitally this year. Preceding the event, Tuntreet had a chat with one of the organizers and a career supervisor to discover the advantages and disadvantages of a digital event – and how to get the most out of it.

Journalist: Nora Helgeland
Translator: Benjamin Alexander Faulkner

Photo: Tord Kristian F. Andersen — **Photo:** Tord Kristian F. Andersen

Emilie Giltvedt Langeland, responsible for this event in the Business Committee, is the one making things happen. Societal changes have made it difficult to plan the Business Day. Luckily, pioneers within the field of technology like Nichola Tesla have paved the way to a future where we no longer have to meet each other physically, and an event like the Business Day can be held digitally. Emilie personally attended the first digital Business day and found that the threshold for participation was lower than usual: “It was easier to catch a one-to-one conversation with the companies; in addition, it was a lot more environmentally friendly and cheaper.”

Tone-Line Fiane, a career supervisor at NMBU, believes the digital Business Day provides more peace and quiet for better conversations with companies, and therefore you are able to “give an even better impression.” Instead of heading for Aud. Max., you log on to Careergate.nmbu.no with Feide, click “Events”, where you are met by a virtual Urbygning. Each company has its own stand where one may book interviews, chat with them or catch a company presentation. “A disadvantage is that some of us find it harder to contact the companies. I recommend you accept the challenge and make contact. Do not be afraid of asking silly questions. If you are unsure of what the company does, join the live company presentation – then you have a lot better ground to start a conversation on later,” Tone-Line advises.

“The Business Day is important for the companies to build reputation and visibility amongst students. They can come into contact with potential employees, discuss future cooperation about your Masters’ Thesis, and summer employment”, she expresses, and explains that this is the reason why we have a Business Day. “With the help of the Business Day, we are able to showcase both our diversity and our keenest students. “Fiane encourages everyone to use the day for what it is worth. It could be your first meeting with your future employer.

Emilie tells us that her position as Business Day organizer has given her valuable experience, not to mention a good social environment. “I have learned a lot about meeting culture and how to work with other people. I have also learned the importance of being prepared for everything.” One example of this was last year when they had to delay the Business Day to avoid collision with the Business Day at NTNU. “Luckily, the companies were very cooperative.” She has also noticed that a handful of the companies are challenged by the virus, and do not fare as well economically. Nonetheless, they sign up eagerly, which indicates that students are valuable to them.

Despite its’ advantages, Emilie hopes for a physical event next autumn. “The advantage of a physical Business Day is a higher number of both students and companies, and current plan is to gain access to a larger building to be able to expand.” The arrival of the veterinarians has raised questions, for example: how to combine the veterinarians own Business Day with that of the existing one. “It’s exciting,” she concludes.