Dream job at the Shtokman project
Oxana Karcha (31) did what many other young people from the north do: she left Murmansk and moved to Moscow. There, she had a good job, but missed family and friends. When she got the chance to work in Shtokman Development AG in Murmansk, the choice was simple, though her employer in Moscow promised both a new apartment and a higher salary.
Awaiting an important decision
Oxana is proud to be part of a project that may have very positive effects on the region, as well as the country and even the world. – Shtokman Development is one of the most exciting places to work right now, says Oxana. – The project will bring great synergies, and provide an ambitious international work environment.
Like everyone else, Oxana is waiting for the final decision that will become a starting point for the development of the vast gas field in the Barents Sea. The decision must be made near the end of this year. – We just have to wait and see, and I’m an optimist. This decision is very important for the future of Murmansk. It will bring more jobs. Today, the Shtokman project has employees in several cities in Russia. In Murmansk employees work in rented premises in a modern office building, and there are also employees in the small town of Teriberka where the gas is planned to be brought ashore. There are 22 employees in Murmansk and in Teriberka in total. When the decision for further development comes, it will mean an increased number of employees in the north, and new offices.
Does not miss Moscow life
31-year-old Oxana is a trained teacher, but has afterwards studied law. She is employed as a legal adviser and is paid well; money which comes in handy. – I live with my mother and 2 younger sisters, and I have to look after them since my father passed. They are obviously very happy that I came back.
After a couple of years living the big city life in Moscow, Oxana laments about its pollution, big traffic jams and the time it takes to get to the office. She is not too fond of people in the south. – People in the north are warmer, as a compensation for the cold climate. I like people in the north much more. Murmansk is a city that has much to offer. Something is happening here all the time. It is positive to be a citizen of a border city. There is now an international film festival here, initiated by Norwegians. There are many cultural events taking place , and that is important for young people.
Oxana is fluent in English, and in the course of the interview we also discovered that she speaks some Norwegian, although she is very modest in this concern. – I have a sister who is married in Norway, she promises to practice a bit more Norwegian with me till we meet again next time.
1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words “High North”?
Specific northern nature (small trees, lakes, hills, the low sky, etc.), open and kind people, Murmansk, home
2. What must be done in order for more people to choose a life in the north?
I think it is important to organize a lot of interesting events, to create attractive job opportunities, to provide good living conditions (incl. apartments, shops, transport, etc.), to highlight positive aspects of living in the north (unique nature, fishing, hunting, etc. ) in mass media. In other words to make a life in the north interesting and comfortable.
3. What do you think will be the situation in your home town in 15 years?
I hope my home city Murmansk will be prosperous in 15 years. Execution of the Shtokman Project will bring a lot of advantages – interesting people will come to Murmansk, there will be very attractive job opportunities, Murmansk regional budget will get more funds.
