Featured stories about the career paths of our employees
- Our integrity and unity is what sets us apart from other workplaces. There is a deep sense of belonging among both those who work at sea and those who work on land, says Renate Hvidevoll Ek.
Along with our participation in Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) over the last 12 years, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and similar strong performance-driven frameworks have supported engagement with stakeholder groups and improved management and performance in areas of Planet, People, Prosperity, and Principles.
Ever since she was young, Renate has had a relationship with the sea. She grew up in an island community and spent a lot of time on board various boats with her grandfather.
She has worked in DOF for several decades and first had contact with the company at the age of 16, when she started working on a boat called Skandi Beta. After a period outside DOF, she returned in 2002 and has since worked both on board the ships and on land.
- Working in DOF provides good opportunities to explore different career directions. However, it requires courage to seize the opportunities when they present themselves, she says.
Renate herself has experienced being nervous about stepping into a new role. After working at sea for a few years, she got a position as crew chief.
It was an opportunity she was grateful for, but still thought it was scary. Now she was supposed to be the leader of the captains.
- I worried about whether I had put on shoes that were too big. Now I was to lead those who had led me all these years, says Renate.
But she found that the big transition went better than expected.
- Several of our captains have been incredible supporters and have given me valuable feedback.
Today, Renate works as Operations Manager.
- As Operations Manager, I, together with the rest of the team, get to influence the work we do for the customer and make important decisions.
Although DOF has its roots in Austevoll and has strong local roots, the company's influence and opportunities extend far beyond Norway's borders. As a global player, DOF allows employees from all corners of the world to apply and work for the company, regardless of their geographical origin.
- My career in DOF has been progressive. I started as an apprentice, completed my technical education and over time I climbed the ranks. In 2019, I switched to working on land, he says.
Almost 20 years later, he is still very satisfied with his choice. He sees DOF as a stable and supportive player in his career.
- DOF has always shown me trust and given me opportunities to advance in the company, from my time as an apprentice to the role of chief engineer. Now in the role of Vessel Superintendent on land, I focus more on administration, logistics and coordination, where I act as a link, unlike previously where I worked directly with machines on board the boats.
With a wide selection of vessels, DOF can offer international jobs and opportunities for a global career, as well as fantastic development programmes.
- I have traveled to visit our boats around the world, and that has given my work an extra dimension. Every day it's about facilitating people with different cultures to work together effectively, explains Renate.
Kristian, who has experience of sailing around the world with his job, agrees.
- DOF offers an incredible range of opportunities. You can always find your niche, whether it is locally in the North Sea or in more distant areas.
- DOF is a value-driven organization where we follow the principle of "what we do, is as important as the way in which we do it". The culture is shaped by clear values and principles that give direction in decisions and actions, says Træen.
They also create a sense of community and should contribute to everyone being able to identify with the same values.