NGI’s trainee programme: A unique start to a career in geotechnical engineering
The programme gives newly graduated geotechnical engineers 18 months of professional development, varied projects, and rotations across different departments. There is also an opportunity for a three-month stay at one of NGI’s international offices.
Linn Iveland Jacobsen is a newly graduated geotechnical engineer and a trainee at NGI. Here she is wearing a blue lab coat during her first of three rotations. ( Krister Jung-Lian)
In addition, you are employed on a permanent contract from day one, with a competitive salary at the same level as other newly graduated geotechnical engineers.
One of this year’s trainees is Linn Iveland Jacobsen. She is currently in her second of three rotations and shares what it is really like to be a trainee, what she works on, and why the programme has been a valuable start to her career.
From master’s student to trainee: “It felt like an opportunity I couldn’t say no to”
When Linn started her final year of her master’s degree, she came across information about NGI’s trainee programme. She had already heard of NGI as a strong professional environment with a wide range of projects and high competence.
“I quickly understood that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To start your career with three different rotations, close professional follow-up, and the chance to gain international experience… it’s unique!”
For Linn, the combination of a secure permanent job and the opportunity to explore the breadth of geotechnical engineering was decisive.
“I didn’t have to choose one direction too early. Instead, I can develop broadly and see what geotechnical engineering is like in practice.”
Rotation 1: Laboratory work and learning geotechnics from the ground up
Linn started with the mandatory rotation in NGI’s geotechnical laboratory. Here, she got a practical introduction to ground conditions, material behaviour, and testing methods that form the basis for almost everything NGI does in the field and in projects.
“In the lab, I got to handle soil samples, work with index tests, triaxial tests, and learn more about material behaviour in practice. We receive samples from site investigations all over the world, and it’s very exciting to be part of large projects right from the start.”
For many, the lab is the perfect starting point: concrete, intensive, and down-to-earth.
Quite literally.
Three rotations, three new perspectives
As a trainee, you rotate through departments in three market divisions, which gives you insight into different parts of NGI’s work.
“You have to accept being new several times, but you also build a very unique professional and social network. You learn a lot in a short time and understand how broad geotechnical engineering really is.”
The trainees are also involved in shaping which projects and departments they want to work in after the programme. This means the direction is not decided for you – it is shaped together with you.
“You have real influence on your own career path. That is very motivating.”
Permanent employment, salary, and security from day one
The trainee programme at NGI is not a temporary trainee position – it is a full-time job.
“This means you get security, salary, and a clear career path, while still having the freedom to explore. I felt welcome and included from the first day.”
NGI is large enough to offer variety and international projects, but small enough that people know each other across departments.
“Even when you rotate, you often meet familiar people. You are invited to projects, lunches, events, and trips. It’s a very inclusive place to start your working life.”
Opportunity for an international stay: “I’m going to Perth!”
One of the highlights of the programme is the opportunity for a three-month stay abroad. For Linn, the choice was clear:
“I’m going to NGI’s office in Perth! It will be really exciting to see how geotechnical engineering is done in another part of the world and what kind of projects they work on there.”
It is both professionally and personally rewarding, and many highlight it as one of the most valuable parts of the programme.
Who is the trainee programme for?
The programme is especially suitable if you:
- are taking a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering or structural engineering with a geotechnical specialisation
- want a broad and practical start to your career
- enjoy variety and professional development
- are curious about projects both in Norway and internationally
- want the security of a permanent job while also having flexibility and influence
Maren Haugli Hystad
Advisor Recruitment and Employer branding Communication and recruitment maren.hystad@ngi.no+4795793379