During her bachelor’s degree in Organisational Psychology, HR and Leadership at BI Trondheim, Julie Ryan was introduced to Water Linked at an internship career day hosted by the university.
There, she attended a presentation by Water Linked’s HR Manager, Mona, who immediately made a strong impression.
“When you are a student and thinking about going into your first grown-up job, it can feel a bit scary and uncertain,” Julie says.
“But Mona came across as warm and friendly, and that made Water Linked feel like a place where I would be welcomed, supported and safe to learn.”
That first impression turned into an internship. The internship later turned into a part-time role alongside her studies. Today, after completing her bachelor’s degree, Julie continues to contribute to HR at Water Linked while considering the next step in her education.
Choosing Experience Over the Classroom
When BI students were given the choice between studying abroad, taking additional electives or completing an internship in their fourth semester, Julie didn't hesitate.
"I wanted practical experience," she explains.
"University gives you the theory, but I wanted to understand what HR actually looks like in real life."
At Water Linked, Julie found exactly what she had hoped for: a chance to learn HR by being close to the work, the people and the everyday processes. As a relatively small company, with Mona as the only person working with HR at the time, Water Linked gave her a broad and practical introduction to the field.
“I was trusted with real responsibilities from the beginning. That made me feel like I was genuinely contributing.”
Learning by Doing
Ask Julie what surprised her most during her internship, and the answer isn't a particular project or achievement.
It was how quickly she felt like part of the team.
"You don't feel like 'just the intern'," she says.
"People listen to your ideas, trust you with responsibility and want you to succeed."
Working in a growing technology company also gave her a much broader understanding of HR than she expected.
Today, her role can involve recruitment processes, improving HR routines, supporting onboarding and solving unexpected system issues.
"I actually enjoy solving problems," Julie laughs.
"When something isn't working and I get to figure out why and fix it, it's incredibly satisfying."
Growing Alongside the Company
As her confidence grew, so did her responsibilities.
After completing her internship, Julie was offered a part-time position alongside her studies - a role she's continued during her studies while working full-time during the summers.
One responsibility she especially enjoys is supporting Water Linked's own summer interns.
"It's nice to now be the person helping new students have a great experience, because I remember exactly what it felt like to be in their shoes."
Looking back, Julie believes the biggest change has not only been learning new HR processes, but also becoming more confident in her own abilities.
"In the beginning, I was afraid of saying something wrong or sounding stupid. Now I'm much more comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and taking initiative."
Balancing Work and University
Combining university with a part-time job isn't always easy, but Julie says Water Linked has made it possible through flexibility and trust.
"School has always come first," she says.
"If I needed more time during exams, that was never a problem. And when I had more availability, I could work more."
Having work that directly relates to her studies has also made both experiences stronger.
"The theory suddenly makes much more sense because I can connect it to situations I've experienced at work. And at the same time, what I learn at university helps me become better at my job."
It is a combination she hopes to continue if she moves on to a master’s degree, while remaining part of the Water Linked team.
A Culture Built on Trust
When asked to describe Water Linked in three words, Julie doesn't need much time to think.
Trusting. Open. Collaborative.
She believes those qualities make the company especially attractive for students and young professionals.
"You get responsibility early, but you're never left alone. Everyone is willing to help, answer questions and support your learning."
It's something she feels people outside the company often don't realise.
"Even as a student, you're treated like an important part of the team. Your work matters."
Advice for Future Interns
Julie knows that applying for a first internship can feel daunting. But if she could give one piece of advice to future students considering Water Linked, it would be simple:
"You don't need to know everything before you start. Be curious, ask questions and take initiative. An internship is about learning, and it can help you discover not only what you're good at, but what you genuinely enjoy doing."
For Julie, what began as an opportunity to gain practical experience became something much bigger - a place to grow, contribute and build the foundation of her career.
And for students wondering whether an internship can truly shape their future, her journey offers a clear answer.
Sometimes, it absolutely can.