Student Collaboration a Mark of Quality
For years, students have written their bachelor’s thesis in collaboration with Fjell Industries. – Their expertise has been incredibly important to us, says Managing Director Carsten Andersen.
He encourages more companies in the subsea industry to cooperate closely with relevant educational institutions. In 2004, students wrote their bachelor’s thesis in collaboration with Fjell Industries for the first time.
- It is a mark of quality for a company to demonstrate a focus on research and recruitment. This gets noticed, and shows we are constantly working to develop. We need new skills to succeed, and the students contribute to that, says Andersen.
Received an award
One of the thesis’s dealt with quality in production processes.
- Previously, much of our work was based on other’s designs. Now we take more responsibility for these ourselves. The thesis highlighted areas we have to deal with in terms of quality assurance, says Andersen.
Two of the students who wrote their thesis at Fjell Industries, helped develop a new pump. This thesis received a NOK 25,000 grant from Frank Mohn AS. This is an award to students at Bergen University College who have shown particularly good insight and creative ability.
- Take your time
Technical Manager at Fjell Industries, Jon Alsaker, has worked closely with the students. He has the following advice to companies wanting to recruit students.
- First of all, the assignment must be relevant and interesting for both parties. It is also important the scope is thoroughly discussed with the relevant educational institution. In addition, it is essential that companies devote resources to follow up on students. We often spend more time on this than intended, but the benefits can be great once the thesis is completed, says Alsaker.
Encourages cooperation
Carsten Andersen believes many companies can cooperate more with colleges and universities.
- Companies often have potential projects that are exciting, but they do not have the time to get it started. I would encourage them to contact educational institutions and let them know what you are doing. Perhaps a student thesis can contribute to the realisation of the projects, says Andersen.
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