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 “Fun to feel like you're part of the solution.” 

Marita Sandvoll smiles. It is quiet in the normally busy offices of the international oil service giant BW Offshore, in Skøyen, Oslo. 
 
"I didn’t want to do a master’s just for the sake of it,” she says. 
 
After a decade with the same company, Sandvoll wanted more influence and a clearer voice. The decision she made opened several doors and prepared her for the leadership role she now holds. 
 
"Did you ever imagine working with floating production units in the North Sea and around the world when you were younger and studying for your bachelor’s in communication?” 
 
"Haha, no! But I did imagine working somewhere with a lot of responsibility. A workplace that challenges you and allows me to continually take on new tasks. I found that in BW Offshore. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been here for over ten years, she says.” 

Aiming high

Sandvoll has held several roles at BW Offshore since she started in 2014. Recently, she took over as head of the Sustainability and Communication department. 
 
This aligns perfectly with her level of ambition. Sandvoll has never hidden from her managers that she wants more responsibility. She’s been upfront about her desire to move up and progress. 
 
In 2021, she felt it was time for a bigger step. She wanted to be even closer to the company's strategy and direction. So, Sandvoll had a conversation with her boss and asked how she could continue to develop and prepare for greater challenges. 
 
“I wanted a role with real influence where I could contribute to change,” she explains.

Marita Sandvoll knew BW Offshore well, but not the energy industry as a whole, at least not on a global scale. Photo: Klaudia Lec

Tackling challenges outside her comfort zone 

There were two things that slowed Sandvoll's career: her lack of background in both finance and engineering. 

“I realised there were some gaps in discussions where I couldn’t contribute. I didn’t have enough understanding of the various elements. I’m good at communication and had a lot of experience and knowledge of the company, but more was needed.” 
 
In 2022, Sandvoll started an Executive Master of Management in Energy at BI ºÚÁÏרÇø Business School. The degree opened several doors and helped prepare her for the position and tasks she has today. 
 
Sandvoll combined her studies with a full-time job. Some subjects were outside her comfort zone, and it was demanding. She particularly feared the project finance modules. Numbers had never been her strong suit. 
 
“It was a bit scary. At the same time, it’s a degree for everyone. It’s broad, and I received great support from lecturers, fellow students, and colleagues at BW Offshore. I had countless office lunches with colleagues discussing what we were learning,” Sandvoll explains.

Marita Sandvoll says she stood out from many of her fellow students. Many came from heavy roles in finance or technical fields. She worked with sustainability and communication. She believes this was a significant advantage. – I could learn from the best, both lecturers and fellow students. Photo: Klaudia Lech

Being part of the solution 

As part of BW Group, BW Offshore traces its roots back to the shipping company Bergesen. Today, the group consists of several companies within shipping, oil and gas, and renewable energy. 
 
After completing the Executive Master in Energy at BI ºÚÁÏרÇø Business School, Sandvoll has had the opportunity to work more closely with the company’s strategy. 
 
Sandvoll explains that sustainability must go hand in hand with the company’s overall strategy. She plays a key role in linking these two areas within BW Offshore and helps to find ways for the company to transfer its expertise and experience from oil and gas to renewable concepts. 
 
“It’s fun to feel like you’re part of the solution. I’m part of the team, working with the rest of the company to figure out how we can integrate sustainability even more closely with the company’s strategy.” 
 
”They must go hand in hand to ensure we’re a future-oriented company, ready to contribute to the green transition. It’s super exciting,” says Sandvoll.