Svein Terje is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security: - I find it motivating to see that there is a link between what I work with and what I learn on the study programme.
Svein Terje Kleppe (29) has worked in the Norwegian Armed Forces since he was 18 years old and has been employed in several departments around Norway. He has previously worked with infantry and Mechanical infantry, but was forced to look for other opportunities due to a back injury.
– Since I find motivation in being of benefit to society, it became obvious early on that I wanted to dive into the cyber domain. I then started the process of getting a job in The Cyber Defence and managed to get an agreement where I could work part-time, while still doing my bachelor's degree full-time, he says.
The Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Defence runs, secures and protects the Armed Forces' communication systems and digital infrastructure.
Online PLUS Oslo
Online PLUS allows me to take advantage of the opportunities offered by both campus and online studies. Svein Terje Kleppe
Svein Terje is taking the bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security through the Online PLUS Oslo study model. The offer is new this fall and makes it possible for online students at Noroff University College to take part in the physical learning environment at Campus Oslo .
- Online PLUS allows me to take advantage of the opportunities offered by both campus and online studies. I am physically present on campus to have access to equipment such as group rooms, computers, and screens, but all lectures take place online. The lessons are recorded, and I can watch them several times.
- This works great for me, as I like the structure the campus gives me and the fact that I have a «workplace» I go to, he continues.
Read more about Online PLUS Oslo.
Working in The Cyber Defence
The 29-year-old currently works as a Staff Officer Operations in the staff of the Cyber Defence ICT Services (CIKT). His job is to support the planning of exercises and operations in the department, including carrying out planning and decision-making processes and contingency planning.
- This is a very rewarding job, as I benefit from the military experience I already have, while building knowledge of the cyber domain. I find it motivating to see that there is a link between what I work with and what I learn on the programme.
- The Cyber Defence needs skilled people, so I really recommend people to apply for a job there, he adds.
The Noroff student finds that combining studies and work has gone very well and praises his employer for making this possible.
- I expected it to be hectic to balance a 50% job with 100% studies, but so far it has been excellent. I can thank my employer for this, who has been flexible in terms of working hours, as long as I deliver. It's also about structuring your time, and here I treat school as a working day where it's just as important to deliver as at work, he says.
Link between the study programme and the industry
Svein Terje says that the programme has so far met his expectations, as it has been educational and given him new insight into Cyber Security. He also feels that there is a good link between the programme and the industry.
The subjects we have give us expertise in the same areas that are used in the industry. Svein Terje Kleppe
- I see a connection between what we learn and the industry, especially in programming. The subjects we have give us expertise in the same areas that are used in the industry, and they also give us opportunities to take certifications that future employers want.
When he finishes his bachelor's degree at Noroff, he would like to continue working in The Cyber Defence.
- It may then be relevant to change positions where I can benefit even more from the expertise I have gained through my studies. I'm also open to trying positions outside The Norwegian Armed Forces, he concludes.
The Bachelor's degree in Cyber Security is available in Kristiansand, via Online Studies and Online PLUS Oslo. The next start date is 12 August 2024.
