Q&A WITH R&D

Why does Borregaard hire summer interns? 
In the research department, we have long and very positive experience with having summer interns. During a summer, you`ll get to try out as a researcher in an industrial context, which can be an important experience before choosing your path post your studies. The summer intern programme is an important recruitment platform for us, as we get to know the students who are with us for eight weeks. At the same time, it is a big plus that the summer interns work on entirely real tasks, which help us keep the plant going during the summer. 

What kind of background and experience are you looking for? 
We are looking for third and fourth-year students within chemistry or biotechnology with chemistry courses and experience from the lab. Apart from studies, we also look at experience from summer or part-time jobs, positions of responsibility, exchange programmes, and so on.

What do you look for in a job interview? 
During a relatively short interview, we want to get to know the candidate as well as possible. We partly know the academic background from their application and CV, so most of the time, we focus on getting to know the candidate as a person. 

Can you tell us about the tasks the summer interns get?
As a summer intern, you will be assigned a dedicated project to work on throughout the eight-week period you are with us. This project will be a part of one of our larger projects and will provide you with an introduction to exploratory research and lab tasks. This experience is valuable and highly beneficial to bring into a master's project. Most of the of the work takes place in the lab, and the work is summarised in a research report and presentation for the department in the final week. An example of a task could be the development of a new process step or testing various product variants for new applications. 

Do interns get training and their own supervisor?
As a summer intern, you will have a supervisor who is responsible for training you and supervising your work throughout the summer. In addition, you will have many  colleagues around you. In the first few weeks, we arrange an introduction programme so that you become familiar with the research department, Borregaard as a company, work tools, and of course the relevant academic aspects for your project.

Do you receive a reference after the period as a summer intern?
All summer interns receive a certificate at the end of their period, and the supervisor can be used as a reference in future job applications.

Could it lead to a permanent position?
Several of our former summer interns have applied for vacant positions at Borregaard after completing their studies and have been hired, either as researchers or trainees. We get to know the students well, and the students get to know us well, which makes it easier for both parties to determine if it is a good match.

Are others working there during the summer?
Many people take vacations during the summer, but there will be several colleagues present in the department at all times. As a summer intern, you will have a supervisor with you at all times, and you will always have someone to ask for help.

Are there multiple summer interns?
In the research department, we hire four summer interns. The students work on different projects but will share an office, receive common training, and have the opportunity to get to know each other well during the summer. In addition, there will be various activities with summer interns from other departments at Borregaard.

Do you provide accommodation if I have to relocate?
We have a guesthouse located nearby Borregaard, where you can rent a room over the summer.

What can I do in my spare time?
With easy access to both nature and sea, Sarpsborg has a lot to offer. Both Sarpsborg and the neighbouring city Fredrikstad host several cultural events throughout the summer that are worth experiencing. If you want to relax, swim, and enjoy yourself, we recommend a trip to the beautiful rocky outcrops along the coast. If you want to go to Oslo, it's only an hour's journey by train or car.