From Sri Lanka to Norway: My Journey with CHARGE

22 March 2025

Meet Udara Ranasinghe, a former Project Coordinator at CHARGE, whose journey brought her from Sri Lanka to Norway. Now working at a Norwegian company, Udara reflects on her experience at CHARGE, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons she carries forward.

My Background & Why I Moved to Norway

Hello everyone, I’m Udara from Sri Lanka. I moved to Norway about two and a half years ago when my husband secured a job here. It was a big move—leaving behind my familiar surroundings to follow love and embark on a new chapter in a country I had never lived in before.

My academic background is in computer science, and I pursued a Master’s degree in ICT and Business, with a focus on bridging the gap between technology and business strategy. When I arrived in Norway, I began searching for opportunities to gain work experience and integrate into the professional landscape.

Discovering CHARGE

I came across a job posting for a Project Coordinator position at CHARGE on LinkedIn. The role description resonated with me immediately—it felt like the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience in project coordination while also supporting a mission I truly believed in. So, I applied, and soon enough, I was part of the team.

CHARGE stood out to me because of its commitment to helping international talents find opportunities, build networks, and gain valuable experience. As an immigrant, I knew firsthand how difficult it could be to establish yourself in a new country. CHARGE’s work felt personal, and I wanted to be part of it.

My Role at CHARGE

I initially started working on another program before transitioning into the Changemaker program. My responsibilities included managing resources, coordinating participants, promoting the program, and helping entrepreneurs access key resources.

At first, I found stepping into the role quite daunting, especially since I’m naturally a shy person. However, working as a program coordinator pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to communicate with participants, network, and sometimes even make phone calls—something that used to give me a lot of anxiety. Over time, I became more confident, and now I can proudly say that I’ve improved my communication skills tremendously.

Skills & Lessons Learned

One of the biggest takeaways from my time at CHARGE was the importance of adaptability and resilience. Whether it was learning how to work in a highly dynamic, multicultural environment or navigating new project management tools, every experience contributed to my growth.

Beyond technical skills, CHARGE also taught me the value of networking. Susana, the CEO, played a crucial role in guiding me on how to connect with people effectively. She introduced me to different professionals and gave me insightful tips on building relationships in a new professional environment. Thanks to CHARGE, I now feel much more comfortable engaging with diverse teams and navigating professional settings.

Challenges & Wins

Adjusting to Norway’s professional culture was a journey in itself. CHARGE’s international environment made it easier, as I worked with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. However, transitioning to a Norwegian workplace came with its own set of challenges. Patience, persistence, and the willingness to step out of my comfort zone were key to adapting.

One of my proudest achievements was the sense of community I built during my time at CHARGE. Making friends in a new country can be challenging, but CHARGE provided a space where I felt supported both professionally and personally. I also felt incredibly proud when I saw the impact of our programs on participants—knowing that our work was helping others made it all the more rewarding.

Where I Am Now

After gaining experience at CHARGE, I moved on to a new position at a Norwegian company, thanks to an opportunity facilitated by the CHARGE team. This new role has given me deeper insight into Norway’s corporate environment, which differs significantly from the international culture at CHARGE. While CHARGE was vibrant, diverse, and dynamic, my current workplace is much more structured and Norwegian in its approach. Adapting to these cultural differences has been a learning experience, but one that has broadened my perspective.

Advice for Other Immigrants in Norway

• Step out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you take risks and challenge yourself.

• Network proactively. Attend events, engage with people, and seek out communities that support immigrants in professional development.

• Be patient and persistent. Navigating a new job market takes time, but every small step contributes to long-term success.

• Embrace the learning curve. Whether it’s improving your Norwegian skills or understanding local work culture, be open to continuous learning.

Reflections & Hopes for CHARGE

Looking back, my time at CHARGE shaped my career in ways I didn’t anticipate. It gave me a platform to grow, build confidence, and gain valuable skills. I truly hope CHARGE continues to expand, take on more projects, and support even more international talents in Norway. It is a unique organization that provides invaluable opportunities to those who need them most.

To anyone considering interning at CHARGE—just go for it! It’s an experience worth having, and you never know where it might lead you.

Looking to take your business beyond borders?

BSR-GO Abroad is one of the key programs at CHARGE, designed to help micro-SMEs expand their offerings and enter new markets across the Baltic Sea region. If you're looking for the right support to grow internationally, this program is for you!

Ready to scale? Apply now and be part of BSR-GO Abroad!

charge.no/bsr-goabroad 

Edited by Camille Yambao