Meet NAVTOR’s Summer Interns 2026
- 9 hours ago
- 15 min read
Written by Ine Sæveland Rasmussen, Summer Intern Marketing, NAVTOR.
At NAVTOR, innovation is driven by people. Every summer, students from a range of disciplines join our teams to gain hands-on experience, contribute to real projects, and learn what it takes to support the future of smart shipping.
This year, our summer interns have worked across development, marketing, finance, HR, and system operations, collaborating with colleagues both locally and across NAVTOR’s global organisation. From developing software and supporting IT operations to strengthening business processes and communications, they have been trusted with meaningful responsibilities and the opportunity to make a real contribution.
"Summer students are a valuable part of NAVTOR. They bring fresh perspectives, up-to-date knowledge, and new ideas that help us challenge the way we work and continue to improve. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and different viewpoints create value across the organisation, while giving them meaningful hands-on experience. For us, welcoming summer students is both an investment in future talent and a great opportunity to learn from the next generation of professionals."
– Eli Ann Fardal, HR Manager.
We spoke with our 2026 summer interns in Egersund about what they have learned, the challenges they have taken on, and their experiences working at NAVTOR. To follow their journey throughout the summer, we asked them three questions at the beginning of their internship and three more at the end. Their stories offer an insight into the people, projects, and opportunities that shape a summer at NAVTOR.
Ingrid Hetland | Kristoffer Hovland | Tobias Hetland | Simen Mong | Fredrik Ose | Ine Sæveland Rasmussen
Ingrid Hetland
Age: 22
Education: Bachelors in HR, Organisational Psychology and Management, starting a Master in Innovation and Management
From: Egersund
Team: HR
Is there anything in particular you are excited to work on?
I started as an intern at the beginning of 2025 and had the opportunity to continue throughout the summer of 2025. I was then fortunate to return as a summer intern in 2026 as well.
What I enjoy most about working in HR at NAVTOR is the variety of tasks and responsibilities. From onboarding and recruitment to competency mapping and job descriptions, there is always something new to learn. Last summer, I mainly worked with recruitment, which I found both challenging and rewarding.
This summer, I am looking forward to continuing to gain experience across different HR areas. It gives me valuable insight into the company and makes every day different and interesting.
Are there any skills you are especially looking to improve?
I am especially interested in developing a stronger understanding of employment law, including contracts, termination processes, and other legal aspects related to HR. I think it is an important area to understand well, and I am eager to learn more about how these topics are handled in practice.
Tell us one thing about you that readers (probably) don’t know?
If I feel stressed or go through a particularly busy or overwhelming period, I actually find it very relaxing to watch cleaning and restocking videos. There is something about the structure and organisation that helps me clear my head and slow down for a moment.
It might sound a little unusual, but it works surprisingly well as a way to relax and reset. That being said, I cannot promise that my room is always as organised as the videos I enjoy watching!
What kind of tasks or projects did you enjoy the most?
One of the projects I enjoyed the most was working on the recruitment process. Since recruitment is something I have recently studied, it was particularly rewarding to see how the theory is applied in a real work environment.
I also enjoyed having the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions that could potentially be useful for NAVTOR in the future. Knowing that my work could add value to the company made the project both meaningful and motivating.
Did you feel supported and included? Can you give an example?
Absolutely. I have felt very supported and included throughout my internship, and I have really enjoyed working with the people around me. I have been trusted with a variety of tasks and responsibilities, which has helped me learn a lot and feel like a valuable part of the team.
I especially appreciate being included in meetings with the wider HR team across NAVTOR. Taking part in those discussions has given me valuable insight into how HR works across the organisation and what it is like to work in the company on a full-time basis.
What would you tell yourself before starting the internship, now that you’ve completed it?
I would tell myself to say yes to new opportunities and not be afraid to step outside my comfort zone. The things that seem a little intimidating at first often end up being the experiences you learn the most from.
I would also remind myself that nobody expects an intern to know everything. There are always people willing to help, so do not be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, stay curious, get to know people across the company, and take every opportunity to learn. The more engaged you are, the more you will get out of the experience.
Kristoffer Hovland
Age: 24
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
From: Egersund
Team: Development
What motivated you to apply for this internship specifically at NAVTOR?
As a computer science student, I wanted an internship where I could turn what I had learned at university into practical experience. NAVTOR offered the opportunity to work with real software, contribute to ongoing projects, and learn how development is carried out in a professional environment.
Being based in my hometown was a bonus, but the main attraction was the chance to work alongside experienced developers in a company that uses technology to solve real problems.
I returned for a second summer because I had a very positive experience the first time. I enjoy working with the team, and I have learned a great deal from both my colleagues and mentor.
What are your main interests or areas within your field?
I am particularly interested in backend development, software architecture, and building systems that are reliable, efficient, and easy to maintain.
One of the highlights of my internship has been continuing a project I started last summer. Seeing it now being used within NAVTOR has been especially rewarding because it shows that the work I contributed to provides real value.
I enjoy understanding how different parts of a system work together, identifying areas for improvement, and making technical decisions that support performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
Tell us one thing about you that readers probably do not know.
My family runs a local crab fishing business in the Egersund area, where we catch and sell crab.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time at sea and on boats, so the ocean has always been a natural part of my everyday life. That is probably why I still feel completely at home whenever I am out on the water.
How have you grown professionally since starting the internship?
The internship has given me a much better understanding of what it means to work as a software developer.
At university, the focus is often on individual assignments and technical concepts. At NAVTOR, I have learned how those skills are used in larger projects where code quality, testing, documentation, reviews, communication, and maintainability are all important.
I have also become more confident in taking responsibility for tasks, asking relevant questions, discussing technical decisions, and following work through from development to deployment.
What are your plans after graduation, and how has this internship influenced those plans?
The internship has confirmed that I want to continue working in software development after graduation. I would like to work with larger systems and continue improving my skills in areas such as backend development, system architecture, performance, and cloud technologies.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I am also considering pursuing a master’s degree. This would allow me to build deeper technical knowledge and prepare for more advanced roles in the future.
Looking back, how would you describe your overall experience during the internship?
My overall experience has been very positive. I have been trusted with meaningful responsibilities and treated as a contributing member of the development team.
The internship has allowed me to work on software that is used within NAVTOR, learn from experienced colleagues, and gain insight into the full development process.
It has also helped bridge the gap between university and professional software development. I now have a clearer understanding of how teams build, maintain, test, and improve software in a real working environment.
Tobias Hetland
Age: 24
Education: Bachelor’s in Business Administration, currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration
From: Egersund
Team: Finance
What attracted you to this internship opportunity, and what are you hoping to gain from the experience?
I am interested in this internship because it gives me the opportunity to be part of a large, international company in an exciting and global industry. I find it interesting to see how a company like NAVTOR operates across different markets and works with customers and colleagues from all over the world.
I also look forward to gaining hands-on experience in finance and seeing how the concepts I learn through my studies are applied in a real business environment. For me, this internship is a great opportunity to develop new skills, learn from experienced colleagues, and gain a better understanding of both the maritime industry and the global economy.
How do you think this internship will contribute to your future career?
I believe this internship provides valuable experience that will be useful regardless of where my career takes me in the future. It gives me exposure to a global industry and allows me to see how international companies operate in practice.
Through a variety of tasks and responsibilities, I am able to build both professional and practical skills while learning how finance contributes to the overall success of a business. The experience also helps me develop confidence in a professional setting and gives me knowledge that I can carry with me into future roles.
Tell us one thing about you that readers (probably) don’t know?
I spent time on exchange in Australia, where I had the opportunity to experience a completely different culture and way of life. During my time there, I got to explore a lot of the country and try things I had never done before.
One of the highlights was snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef and seeing the marine life up close. It was an incredible experience and definitely something I will never forget.
Looking back, how would you describe your overall experience during the internship?
Looking back, I would describe my internship experience as both rewarding and reassuring. One thing that has stood out to me is how much of what I have learned through my studies can actually be applied in a real work environment.
Before starting, it was easy to think that working life would be much more challenging or intimidating than it turned out to be. Through the internship, I have gained confidence in my own abilities and realised that I am able to contribute and add value while continuing to learn along the way.
What is something you learned that you didn’t expect to learn?
One thing that surprised me was how much communication and collaboration takes place between different departments. Before starting, I did not fully realise how closely connected different teams are and how important that cooperation is.
I have learned that good communication is essential for keeping information flowing, ensuring efficient workflows, and helping everyone work towards the same goals. Seeing this in practice has given me a much broader understanding of how a company operates as a whole.
What advice would you give to future interns at NAVTOR?
My biggest piece of advice would be to stay curious and take responsibility for your own learning. If you need help, ask questions. People are supportive, and nobody expects you to know everything from day one.
I would also encourage future interns to be proactive. If you have capacity, ask if there are additional tasks you can help with. Some of the best learning experiences come from taking initiative and getting involved in new things.
Most importantly, be open to meeting new people, learning about different parts of the business, and stepping outside your comfort zone. The more engaged you are, the more you will get out of the internship experience.
Simen Mong
Age: 21
Education: Undergoing a Bachelor’s degree in Data Engineering
From: Egersund
Team: System Operations
What attracted you to this internship opportunity, and what are you hoping to gain from the experience?
I am particularly attracted to this internship because it offers opportunities within data engineering in my hometown. Since many roles in this field are typically located in larger cities, I find it both exciting and unique that a local company provides this kind of opportunity.
I am also motivated by the chance to gain practical insight into how my field of study is applied in a real work environment. Through this internship, I hope to continue developing both professionally and personally by applying academic knowledge in practice.
What would make this internship a successful experience for you?
A successful internship for me means gaining practical and relevant knowledge that directly supports my studies in data engineering. I am eager to learn skills and insights that I can apply in both my academic work and my future career.
It is also very important for me to be part of a positive and enjoyable work environment. Since this is my first professional experience, I value a workplace that feels welcoming and motivating, helping me build confidence and enthusiasm for my career path.
Finally, I see great value in working alongside experienced professionals. Learning from skilled colleagues and gaining insight into their expertise is a key factor in making this internship a meaningful and rewarding experience.
Tell us one thing about you that readers (probably) don’t know?
I like spending my free time fishing with my grandparents. It’s something I’ve grown up doing, and I really enjoy it, it’s both relaxing and just a nice way to spend time together. It’s definitely one of the things I look forward to when I have some time off.
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during the internship?
I learned a lot about how enterprise IT environments are managed using Microsoft Entra ID and Intune. Through my work, I gained hands-on experience with device management, identity and access management, and the security measures organisations use to protect their systems and data. It was especially interesting to see how these tools are used in practice to manage users, devices, and permissions across a larger organisation. The internship also gave me a much better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities within IT operations and how different systems work together to support the business.
How was your experience working with the team at NAVTOR?
My experience was very positive. Everyone was welcoming, supportive, and willing to help, which made it easy to ask questions and learn throughout the internship. I felt included from the start and was encouraged to take part in discussions and different tasks. I also had the opportunity to work with people from different teams, which gave me a broader understanding of the company and how the various departments collaborate. The positive work environment made the experience both enjoyable and rewarding.
What surprised you the most during your time here?
I was surprised by how much responsibility and trust I was given as an intern. I expected to spend most of my time observing and learning from others, but I quickly became involved in real tasks and projects. Being trusted to contribute in a meaningful way gave me valuable hands-on experience and helped me build confidence in my skills. It was motivating to see that my work could make a genuine contribution while also allowing me to learn and develop professionally.
Fredrik Ose
Age: 22
Education: Bachelor’s degree in data technology
From: Egersund
Team: Development
What attracted you to this internship opportunity, and what are you hoping to gain from the experience?
This is my third summer at NAVTOR, so after working part-time during the last two semesters of my studies, coming back felt like an obvious choice. I already know the workflow here, and I genuinely enjoy working with the team I’m part of.
This summer, I’m hoping to continue working on projects that have a real impact on the company, which I expect will be the case now that our team is fully established. It’s much more rewarding to work on something you know is useful rather than on side projects or busy work.
I’m also hoping for smoother communication. Since most of us are students, our part-time schedules haven’t always lined up. Now that we’re mostly working full-time, communication is much easier, which helps make our work more efficient.
What skills or strengths do you bring into this internship? Are there any skills you are especially looking to improve?
Having just finished my bachelor’s degree, I have a solid set of skills to build on. However, most of my strengths come from the experience I’ve gained while working here. University provides a strong foundation, but a lot of what I know today comes from practical experience.
During my first summer at NAVTOR, I had very little experience with the kind of work we do. The most important thing was being willing to learn, and being a fast learner definitely helped me keep up with people who had more experience than I did.
Over time, your skills naturally improve. You become a better programmer, learn better ways to implement solutions, and gain a broader understanding of the work. That’s also what I’m looking to get out of this summer: continuing to develop my skills, work more efficiently, and take on greater responsibility as we become more involved in different projects.
Tell us one thing about you that readers (probably) don’t know?
One thing people, other than close friends and family, might not know about me is that I’ve played underwater rugby at a fairly high level. I was part of the Norwegian U21 national team for four consecutive years and won three gold medals and one silver medal.
The first three medals came at the Nordic Championships, where we didn’t concede a single goal throughout all three tournaments. The silver medal came at the European Championships. Underwater rugby has been a big part of my life, and although I’ve taken a short break from the sport recently, I definitely plan on getting back into it.
What kind of tasks or projects did you enjoy the most?
The project I’ve enjoyed the most is probably NavAlerter. It’s a project that has been developed entirely by students, which makes it feel a bit special to me. I’ve been involved from the early stages and have had the chance to watch it grow from a small idea into a fully functioning product with all the features it needs.
Seeing that development firsthand and knowing that I’ve helped build it has been very rewarding.
What did you learn about teamwork during the internship?
I’m part of the Octopus team, which works closely with the DataHub team. Our role is to handle, process, and distribute data so it can be used by other teams and systems.
Being part of a relatively new team has been a valuable experience. Like with any new team, it took some time to figure out the best way to work together, but we’ve developed a lot over time. We’ve gone from being a bit more spontaneous in how we work to having a more structured approach, which has made collaboration much smoother.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of communication. We regularly share feedback, help each other solve problems, and build on each other’s ideas, which creates a really positive team dynamic.
What advice would you give to future interns at NAVTOR?
Be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Nobody expects you to know everything when you arrive. I still ask my mentor questions all the time, whether it’s about technical challenges or simply finding the right person to contact about something.
My biggest piece of advice is to remember why you’re here. As an intern, you’re not expected to perform like someone who has already completed a master’s degree and started a full-time career. You’re here to learn, gain experience, and understand how a large company operates. The more curious and open you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience.
Ine Sæveland Rasmussen
Age: 24
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management, currently pursuing a Master’s in Management and Business Development with a specialization in International Business
From: Egersund
Team: Marketing
What motivates you to apply for this internship specifically at NAVTOR?
As a student specialising in International Business, I was excited by the opportunity to work for a global company based in my hometown. NAVTOR’s growth and international presence made it especially interesting to me.
Finding marketing-related summer jobs in Egersund can be challenging, as many opportunities are located in larger cities. That is why I see it as a great opportunity that NAVTOR has its headquarters here and carries out much of its marketing work locally.
I was also motivated by the chance to gain hands-on experience. My studies have given me a strong theoretical foundation, and I was eager to apply that knowledge in practice while developing my skills in a professional environment.
What would make this internship a successful experience for you?
For me, a successful internship means having the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful projects. I wanted to apply my skills in a practical setting and gain experience that complement my studies.
Being part of a supportive team was also important. Learning from experienced colleagues, collaborating on projects, and gaining insights from everyday business situations are all valuable aspects of the experience.
Overall, I see a successful internship as an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain a better understanding of how marketing works in an international company.
Tell us one thing about you that readers (probably) don’t know?
One thing many people might not know about me is that I love attending concerts. I enjoy experiencing live music and have been fortunate enough to see almost all of my favourite artists perform.
This summer was especially exciting, as I got to see my favorite group three times, first in Munich and then again in Paris the following weekend. It combined two things I enjoy most:
music and travel.
Did the internship meet your expectations? Why or why not?
Absolutely. Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects, making the experience both engaging and meaningful.
From day one, I was surrounded by supportive colleagues who were always willing to answer questions and share their knowledge. I genuinely felt like part of the team, and it was motivating to see that my work created value. Working for such an international company was also very interesting and gave me valuable insight into how business is conducted on a global scale.
What is something you've learned that you couldn't have learned in a classroom?
One of the most valuable things I learned during the internship was how to apply theory in a real business environment. During my studies, I learned a lot about marketing, business strategy, and management, but seeing how these concepts are used in day-to-day decision-making is something that cannot be fully taught in a classroom. The experience has helped me better understand how different parts of a business work together to achieve common goals.
Would you recommend this internship to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend this internship to other students. It provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional and international environment while working on meaningful projects. The internship offers a great balance between learning and responsibility, and the supportive culture makes it easy to ask questions and develop new skills. Looking back, it has been a valuable and enjoyable experience, and I am leaving with new skills, greater confidence, and a much better understanding of working life.