Finding My Place at CHARGE

31 Jan 2025

Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Ethan Cleary, a former intern who studied at BI Norwegian Business School and then immersed himself in our BSR Go Abroad project. Although Ethan has since returned to his home in California, he fondly recalls his time in Norway—and the skills he picked up here. Below, he shares his story in his own words.

My Background & Why I Chose Norway

Hello everyone, I’m Ethan from the Bay Area in California. I’ve always been fascinated by international cultures and wanted to experience life beyond the United States. That curiosity led me to BI Norwegian Business School, where I enrolled in the international program to study business and finance. Norway was a natural choice—I had visited briefly before and was eager to dive deeper into the culture, language, and lifestyle.

Finding My Place at CHARGE

Towards the end of my studies, I spotted a LinkedIn post about CHARGE and the BSR Go Abroad project. It aligned perfectly with my goal of gaining real-world experience in international business, so I submitted my application. Before I knew it, I was on a call with the team, discussing how I could contribute. CHARGE was particularly exciting to me because it wasn’t just about startups—it was about supporting immigrants and internationals in Norway, helping them find opportunities, sharpen their professional skills, and connect with the local business community.

My Role at BSR Go Abroad

I came on board as a Project Manager for the BSR Go Abroad program. A typical day involved:

• Coordinating Communication Plans: Writing articles, updating social media, and showcasing the international expansion efforts of Norwegian companies.

• Managing Web Content: I learned to use Squarespace to build and update a dedicated subpage—something I’d never done before.

• Collaboration: Working closely with the CHARGE team and partner organizations to ensure everyone stayed aligned on goals and deadlines.

At first, the learning curve was steep. However, the team’s support made all the difference. If I ever got stuck, Udara was just a message away, and both Susanna and Rita were always available to answer questions or provide guidance.

Skills & Lessons Learned

Looking back, I can confidently say this internship boosted my professional toolkit. Not only did I refine my organizational and project management skills, but I also realized how crucial active listening is. Whether it’s clarifying deadlines or understanding the bigger picture, being a good listener helped me avoid miscommunications and stay on track. These are skills I know I’ll carry with me—no matter where I end up.

Challenges & Wins

Norway can be a bit unpredictable with its weather—snow one day, rain the next—but the supportive community at CHARGE kept me grounded. Having friendly faces at the co-working space or at BI made the transitions easier. One of my proudest moments was seeing the BSR Go Abroad subpage go live. I still remember feeling that sense of accomplishment knowing I played a key role in bringing it all together.

Returning to California

After finishing my degree, I returned to the Bay Area to explore career options in banking, finance, and accounting. As I apply to jobs, I’m proud to include my CHARGE experience on my résumé. Employers here recognize that interning abroad shows adaptability, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work with diverse teams.

Advice for Fellow Internationals

• Network Broadly: Meet people beyond your immediate circles—attend events, join clubs, and talk to your classmates.

• Embrace the Unknown: Moving abroad is challenging, but each hurdle you overcome will make you more resilient.

• Find the Right Community: Seek out organizations like CHARGE that provide mentorship, resources, and a welcoming environment.

Edited by Camille Yambao