Tangen’s Career Advice: AI, Living Life, and ‘Pathetic Golfing'
Mastering AI is essential, Nicolai Tangen and fellow business leaders told NHH students. But when employers sift through applications, personality and genuine interests often matter more than polished perfection.
A locomotive-long queue snakes through the corridor and up the stairs. Many have shed their jackets, while others improvise hand fans from sheets of paper and cardboard. It is the hottest day of the year, but for NHH students, the highlight of the day is happening indoors.
Then, suddenly, he appears from the side, wearing a checked blazer and a backpack. Nicolai Tangen, CEO of the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, shakes hands with students in line as what can only be described as a selfie marathon unfolds around him. He disappears inside, only to reappear moments later seated on a bar stool.
A few students break into a jog as the doors open. The rows of seats in the auditorium fill quickly. On stage: Tangen and three other prominent business leaders. On the poster: “What are employers REALLY looking for when they recruit new graduates?”
For master's student Julia Opstvedt Nordli, a panel discussion has rarely felt more relevant. She is writing her master's thesis on how generative AI is changing future skills requirements in the labour market.
'And here are the experts in the field. This is a unique opportunity,' says Opstvedt Nordli.
Alongside Tangen, the panel featured KPMG Norway CEO Rune Skjelvan, Grete Rød of Bain & Company, and Bjørn Blindheim, head of the Aker Scholarship Foundation.
'I'm also applying for jobs myself these days. So I'm hoping to pick up some new insights and advice,' says Opstvedt Nordli.
Several of the recommendations turned out to be less obvious than expected.
Cookie cutters
In recent months, there have been numerous reports about a tougher job market for business graduates. Yet KPMG is among the consulting giants recruiting at roughly the same pace as before. Even so, Skjelvan confirmed that competition is fierce.
'In our most recent recruitment round, we received 2,500 applications. Around 650 of them came from NHH,' said Skjelvan.
It is the question every student in the job race wrestles with: How do you stand out?
The panel warned against becoming “cookie cutters” by speaking, thinking, acting and presenting yourself like everyone else. Too many students make the same choices, they argued: selecting the same courses, studying abroad in the same places and describing themselves using the same AI-polished phrases. The result is that applications and CVs often look almost identical.
'I'm looking for personality and passion,' said Skjelvan. If your blood starts pumping when you watch football at the pub, don't be embarrassed to say so.
Looking for Interesting People
Nicolai Tangen said he appreciates the quirky and self-deprecating. Humour and unusual hobbies can often outshine conventional achievements in an application pile.
In one application, a candidate mentioned that he practised wood carving. The sovereign wealth fund chief's curiosity was immediately piqued. Tangen himself revealed that he is a 'passionate mushroom hunter.'
'One of my favourite CVs ended with "pathetic golfer". My reaction was basically: "Wow, I like that guy",' said Tangen, scanning the audience.
'You are all extremely qualified. You study at NHH, you're talented people with strong academic records. So you really shouldn't be worried ...'
But in his very next sentence, he made a plea:
'Please show that you have a sense of humour. Nobody wants to work with boring people!'
Machines Versus Humanity
So where did artificial intelligence fit into all of this?
It was NHH Rector and moderator Helge Thorbjørnsen who brought the topic into the discussion midway through the event.
Grete Rød of Bain said they expect candidates to possess up-to-date AI skills and be comfortable using a broad range of tools.
Tangen, who had delivered a dedicated AI lecture for BEDS students earlier that day, is well known as a strong advocate for artificial intelligence. The sovereign wealth fund is becoming increasingly technology-driven, he said.
'In the old days, young employees had to work with us for three years before making a meaningful contribution. Now they contribute important things after just 35 minutes.'
What businesses are looking for, Tangen said, are 'high-agency people.'
'High agency means getting things done. To do that, you need to master AI tools and know how to use them to their full potential.'
Yet one message resurfaced throughout the day.
More machines require more humanity.
Notice your fellow students. Call a friend who is struggling. Show up when you make plans. Say thank you.
'Good leadership must be built on empathy and caring about the people around you.'
CV to be changed?
Julia Opstvedt Nordli entered the auditorium with high expectations and left with mixed feelings. After the event, she stayed behind for a brief debrief with fellow students nearby.
What exactly were they supposed to take away from the discussion? Several had already experienced rejection after rejection in their job search. Should they rethink how they present themselves? And how closely do the panel's recommendations reflect the way recruiters actually screen candidates?
'It was encouraging to hear that we should spend time on our hobbies and passions,' says Opstvedt Nordli, who plays in the Big Business Band, draws, paints, reads books and works with ceramics.
'I often wonder whether I should be spending my free time reading about the stock market instead.'
Apparently, she can continue cultivating those interests with a clear conscience.
The event inspired her to make her CV a little bolder.
'I'm going to try adding a small section for leisure interests as well. To show more breadth. More personality.'