I do not know why I am writing this. To be honest with you, I don't think I'm the best person to discuss about "building a career" in this country. However, I received quite a number of messages from readers asking me about getting a job. I will try my best to write something that is really useful for you, people. This will be based entirely from my experience.
To get a job in Norway is half easy and half tough with a big dash or even splash of luck. I think it applies to all countries, anyway :-P. When we applied for my visa here, I remember how the embassy in Singapore was putting so much emphasis on my educational background. My husband looked so proud every time he would tell people in the embassy (and in other immigration offices) that I have a Bachelor degree in Psychology. I was proud, as well. So when I first came here, I did not really have any worries of getting a job. I liked the idea of living in Bergen area since it's the second largest city in Norway and I was positive that I could find a job even WITHOUT learning norwegian.
But, NO. A big N-O. Eventually, I changed my mind. I felt the need to speak Norsk. So I went to a language school, soaked myself for 6 months learning the most difficult language in the world (personal opinion) and ended up passing the Level 2 exam. I could have taken the Level 3 as well as advised by my teachers but I chose to look for a job. Level 2 is considered to be a satisfactory level. What I need is just to practice speaking the language outside and not inside the school.
In the course of my language acquisition, I also submitted my school documents for recognition. Norway has an organization that approves and recognizes the education you gained. It is called NOKUT (Nasjonalt organ for kvalitet i utdanningen). In english--Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. After almost 6 months of waiting, I received a certificate from them showing the "verdict". Norway does not recognize my degree as bachelor. They consider it only as something like "yes, you're a highschool graduate and almost a college graduate"--with 120 study points/2 years of higher education. It was quite confusing and depressing at first but now I understand after a thorough analysis on their education system. I was very depressed because I felt like they look at my education at a very low level. My parents worked so hard to send us to a good school. They're not rich so it was challenging for them but they still tried. I did my best to finish my "bachelor" for 3 and half years even if it's a 4-yr course because I did not avail of the summer breaks. And not to mention those sleepless nights for a well-researched thesis! I was a hardworking student, for God's sake! My parents and I worked hard for this. And it was not for free (unlike here).
In order for me to be considered as a "university graduate" in this country, I have to go to school again. But first, I have to pass the Bergen Test which is the highest level of the norwegian language exam and after passing such, that is the only time I can apply for a course in the university. I am 35 years old now so by the time I finish school, I will be almost 40. Imagine that.
I am still interested to go to the university but not this year or even next year. I am waiting for some opportunities where I will see the light. The light that will lead me to the right career path. Psychology may not be the right one but I know it's just right there waiting for me. I just have to be more patient in finding it. :-P. Optimism!
I don't want to discourage you in building a career in Norway. Is it difficult for a foreigner? Yes , it is. The language plays a very significant role. She's the main character and not you :-). This does not apply to all fields, though. Engineering, veterinary medicine, maritime and IT are quite in demand (regardless the language).
This is just my experience and as what I have said, the splash of luck plays a role too. I consider myself lucky because I found a job that is somehow providing me with so many life-learnings. It is, as well, opening career possibilities for me in a different direction.
So I hope I answered your queries and questions. If not, I already warned you in my first paragraph. I am not the best person to talk to about getting a job here :-) Nevertheless, I hope I gave you something substantial today.
If you're contemplating on moving to Norway as an immigrant (may it be through family reunification, protection or asylum), LANGUAGE and NOKUT are important things to consider. And if you want to earn your own money and to stop from being completely dependent on others especially on the government's support, be available to any job. Don't wait for the preferred job to be available. Even if it's a shitty job, still and all, you will get a fair pay to provide your basic needs and some of your wants. Life in Norway maybe expensive but boy, you can still afford to have a good life even if you have the "lowest" kind of job.
My favorite job search engines are www.nav.no and www.finn.no. I find them as the most comfortable sites to use. And oh, it's all in NORWEGIAN. :-P Lykke til!
