The High-Stakes World of International Organizations: Simon Solberg-Arntsen

Internships are learning experiences. In their internships, AUP students apply the knowledge they’ve acquired in the classroom and hone skills that will help them succeed in their future careers. Sometimes students learn more about themselves than they expect. Internships allow them to test-drive possible careers while the stakes are still relatively low. In this AUP intern profile, Simon Solberg-Arntsen reflects on an intense internship experience at the OECD.

Simon Solberg-Arntsen

Simon Solberg-Arntsen's educational journey reflects a true dedication to the humanitarian sector and the values embodied by institutions in that field. After an initial degree in development studies at the University of Oslo and fulfilling his year of compulsory military service, Simon discovered AUP during a study exchange program. “I like the teaching method at AUP. It was quite different from what I'm used to in Norway. A lot more hands-on, with diverse assignments, presentations, reports, as well as the practicums,” he shares.

Raising funds for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and later interning with Lifeline Energy in Africa, he has consistently shown he wants to make a difference in the parts of the world where it can have the most impact. After a stint freelancing in video editing for the United Nations Human Rights Council as part of  their fact-finding mission to Iran, Simon is now starting a new position at the Norwegian office of MSF.
 

MA in International Affairs

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It was fun to be part of something big, with dignitaries from across the OECD and interesting keynote speakers.

– Simon Solberg-Arntsen

Simon’s experience with AUP’s unique teaching methodology helped him develop critical tools that he has since applied during internships. “I did the École de Guerre and the Hague Practicum, and both were super insightful, teaching me a lot about how to apply humanitarian law in conflict situations,” he explains. This hands-on learning experience gave him a solid understanding of the oversight function of institutions like the ICC and ICJ in international law, for example.

Reflecting on his intense internship experience at the OECD, particularly during the launch of the PISA report, Simon acknowledges the competitive nature of working in such organizations but remains motivated by the impact he can make. “It was fun to be part of something big, with dignitaries from across the OECD and interesting keynote speakers,” he recalls fondly. Looking ahead, Simon plans to continue his career in an international setting, ideally based in Paris. While the MSF position in Oslo represents a promising launch pad, his long-term goal is to return to the City of Light. “The dream would be to land a position at another directorate at OECD or with UNESCO,” he says, “or EU organizations like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).”