When Hanne Caroline Rolstad joined Talentech in June 2023, she was preparing to begin her Master’s degree in Information Systems. She started as a Junior Revenue and AR Controller in the Norwegian finance team and quickly found herself exactly where she wanted to be.
“I didn’t have prior experience in the field, so landing this job was a big deal for me. But the onboarding was so strong, and I felt trusted early on. I could see right away that this was a place where I could grow,” she explains.
Fast-forward two years and Caroline has now stepped into a permanent full-time role, with additional responsibilities beyond finance. She’s the vise-chair person of Talentech Norway’s work environment committee and newly appointed as the Health and Safety Representative. Her journey shows what’s possible when students aren’t just given a seat at the table but encouraged to shape it.
Where did it all begin?
Caroline first found the position through LinkedIn, where it had been recommended to her by a colleague. After reading about the company, she was drawn to its culture, values and its innovative approach to shaping the future of HR tech. And after getting the job, this feeling persisted, especially what she saw reflected in the flat hierarchy.
“In the Norwegian office — and I think the others too — it’s so flat. You’ll sit at lunch with the CEO, country managers, teammates from different roles and it’s just normal. I had no prior office experience, so being able to talk to everyone regardless of their title or postion really stood out.”
From the beginning, she had a feeling that Talentech was the kind of place she’d want to grow in.
Balancing work and studies, finding purpose in both
Throughout her master’s, Caroline worked anywhere from two to five days a week, depending on her school schedule. The key to making that work? For Caroline, it clearly is flexibility and deep mutual trust.
“My manager knew I was committed. And she treated my education as an investment. I could plan my hours around school, and I always felt like part of the team. Never like I was missing out.”
What made it all click was how closely her work and studies aligned.
“A lot of my academic projects were actually inspired by Talentech,” she laughs. “I even interviewed colleagues for a case study, an exam project we had. And they were so helpful. It made both sides, work and school, feel more meaningful.”
Still, the balance wasn’t always easy.
“It’s definitely easier said than done. But I always felt supported. For instance, the day I handed in my thesis, I came back to balloons on my desk. It really meant a lot.”
Studying abroad in South Korea
In the third semester of her studies Caroline applied for an exchange program in South Korea. It was something she’d dreamed of during her bachelor’s but hadn’t been able to do due to COVID19. And now, she felt this point in time might be her last chance to do so.
Additionally, she knew it was very competitive, and she was nervous about how her workplace would respond if she was selected. She approached her manager with honesty, sharing her exact feelings about this opportunity, and was surprised by the response.
“She was proud of me. She saw it as an opportunity, not a problem. She even said it would be great international experience, which aligned with Talentech being an international company. I received a positive response not just from my manager, but from colleagues and leadership as well.”
Thanks to an unexpected alignment of timing, another student worker stepped in during her four-month absence. And when she returned? Everything was waiting for her.
Her time in South Korea even deepened her appreciation for Talentech’s culture.
“Work culture in Asia has its own strengths and traditions, and it was fascinating to experience that firsthand. At the same time, it made me reflect on what I value in the Nordic approach, the trust, the flexibility, and the flat structure. You don’t always notice those things until you see how differently it can be done elsewhere.”
Making the transition to full-time
After handing in her master’s thesis in June of this year, Caroline transitioned into her full-time role in July.
“I was excited to finally have more time, to take on more, be more hands-on, and go deeper into projects that I previously didn’t have time for.”
She’s now working on cross-functional initiatives, workplace safety, and supporting the finance team on process improvements. Just as importantly, she’s looking forward to giving back the kind of support she received.
“I’ve had such amazing colleagues and mentors here. Now, I want to be that person for others. Someone who encourages growth and helps make this a safe, motivating place to work.”
Advice to students entering the workforce
When asked what she’d tell other students trying to balance part-time work and studies, Caroline is quick to answer:
“Be structured and show your commitment. Have clear goals. But I would also say be open, talk to people in different roles, ask for advice, show that you want to contribute. Even small things can make a big impression. And most of all, look for a workplace where your growth is supported, one that does not see your studies as a limitation, but as an investment. "
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