28/08/2026
Alumni Spotlight:
We had the pleasure of talking to former Skagerak student Kine Kjaernet and asked her to tell us about her time at Skagerak and what she is doing now!
Contact Yvonne Folan if you want to be featured.
Where are you currently located, and what is your profession?
I’m currently based in Oslo, where I work as a Partner in KPMG. I lead work within governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), helping companies navigate strategy, sustainability, leadership, and regulatory change. A large part of my work is advising executive management teams and boards. Internally, I have also led the firm’s people and diversity & inclusion efforts, focusing on building a culture where people feel seen, supported, and given equal opportunities to succeed.
What did you do right after graduation?
Right after graduation, I took a gap year and backpacked around the world, which was an amazing experience. After that, I moved to Edinburgh to study Economics and International Business at the University of Edinburgh. I also spent a year at Copenhagen Business School as part of a secondment study program.
After graduating, I started my career in audit at Deloitte. It was a great place to begin my career because there were lots of fellow new graduates starting at the same time, a steep learning curve, and a quick real insight into how companies actually work in practice.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of having built a career that combines professional ambition with people and purpose. Reaching a leadership position in consulting and being trusted to advise executives and boards has been very rewarding, but what matters most to me is the impact I’ve been able to have on people around me, whether through mentoring, building inclusive teams, or helping others grow in their careers.
I’m also proud that I’ve stayed open to opportunities and challenges along the way. Many of the experiences that shaped my journey came from saying yes before feeling completely ready, and that mindset has opened doors both professionally and personally.
How did the IB program influence your journey?
The IB program had a big influence on my journey, especially in making me confident enough to study abroad and in English. Being part of an international environment made me curious about experiencing different cultures and meeting people from all over the world, which is a big part of why I chose to study in Edinburgh. I also think the IB program prepared me well for university by teaching me how to work independently, think critically, and adapt quickly to new environments.
Who was the teacher who made the most impact on you, and why?
It’s difficult to choose just one teacher, because they were all very special and unique in their own ways and had different impacts on me throughout the years. But one teacher I especially remember is Mr. Cunningham from Economics. I enjoyed his classes, not only because of the subject itself, but also because of his English humour and jokes, which made the lessons fun and memorable.
What memory still makes you smile?
The memories that still make me smile the most are the friendships and all the fun moments we shared throughout the IB years. We spent so much time together, studying, stressing, partying and travelling, and many of those friendships are still close today, which I’m grateful for.
Some experiences that stand out are taking part in the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., as well as the Model United Nations trips to The Hague. Those experiences broadened my perspective and challenged me in new ways. I also still smile when I think about the trip to Berlin with Ms. Enger and the German class.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self: just do it, and say yes more often. Say yes to opportunities, challenges, travel, leadership roles, and experiences that feel a little uncomfortable. You rarely feel fully ready, but some of the best opportunities and in life come from taking chances before you have everything figured out.
What obstacles have you faced?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced has been learning to navigate leadership and responsibility at a relatively young age while balancing high expectations, both from myself and others. In consulting, the pace is fast, the standards are high, and you are constantly pushed outside your comfort zone. I’ve also learned that building trust, leading people, and creating inclusive environments requires resilience and continuous self-development. At times, it has meant overcoming self-doubt and learning that you do not need to have all the answers immediately, you just need to be willing to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself continuing to work with strategy, leadership, and governance, either in a senior industry role or still advising organizations as a trusted partner. At the same time, a dream I have is to eventually build something of my own, focused on strategy, leadership development, board work, and mentoring younger talents. I’ve always enjoyed connecting people, developing talent, and supporting leaders, so I would like my future to combine business impact with helping others grow. While I know there is still a lot to learn, I hope to continue building on the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that have shaped my journey so far. Starting something of my own is also a little scary, but I hope to overcome that fear and take the chance when the right opportunity comes.
Any final reflections on your school years?
Looking back, I think the biggest value of my school years was not only the academic foundation, but the mindset they helped create. The IB environment encouraged curiosity, independence, and the ability to see different perspectives. At the time, it often felt like we were trying to keep up with deadlines, exams, and everything happening around us, but in hindsight those years taught us independence, adaptability, and how to collaborate with different people. Most importantly, they created friendships, experiences, and memories that have lasted far beyond the classroom.
