Ms Lisa Mair, a criminology alumnus changing lives around the world, shares her achievements and experiences with Alumni e-news.
What years did you attend Griffith University and what campus?
2006-2010 at the Nathan campus
What are your current education qualifications?
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
M.Phil. Theory and practise of human rights (completed at the University of Oslo, Norway)
Where are you currently based in the world?
Bergen, Norway
Which industry do you currently work in?
Norwegian Police Force – Unit for Organised Crime / Human Trafficking
What is your job title?
Advisor / Criminal Analyst (Human Trafficking)
What is your current company?
Hordaland Police District
Please provide an overview of your current role, the steps you took to reach this point in your career and the successes / accolades you may have achieved along the way?
My current role involves the systematic analysis of trends in human trafficking. The unit I am working for is not only limited to case work, but also focuses on raising public awareness on the broader issues related to human trafficking.
Before starting my current role, I participated in the Griffith Exchange program in Bergen, Norway. During my exchange in Bergen I became interested in social justice and Norway’s view towards human trafficking and victim support.
After completing my bachelor degree at Griffith, I then applied for a master degree in Human Rights at the University of Oslo. During my time as a student in Oslo, I learnt Norwegian and Russian, two important languages for gaining employment here in Norway.
Shortly after completing my studies, I was offered a position working as a Project Leader within the Bergen City Council offering security assistance for victims of forced marriage. Whilst working in this role, I was contacted by the Hordaland Police in Bergen and offered a permanent job working as an advisor in the organised crime unit for human trafficking.
As an advisor in human trafficking, I have been fortunate enough to meet and collaborate with a number of expert groups specialising in transnational crime.
Through this role, I have had the opportunity to work with cases world-wide and have gained valuable knowledge which I will carry with me for a life time.
How have you been able to do more, by knowing more thanks to your Griffith education qualifications?
I credit the opportunities I have received to the valuable skills and education I gained from my studies at Griffith. I would not hesitate in recommending the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice to future students considering work in this field.
How would you like to (continue to) make a difference?
I would like to make a difference by raising awareness in the field of human trafficking. I have always had a keen interest in working in Norway, due to their policies relating to human trafficking and the action plan they have used to protect victims of such crimes. I am currently based in Norway, but would like to bring my skills and experience to Australia in the future.
What has your involvement been with Griffith Alumni and how has engaging with our worldwide Griffith community benefited you?
Despite being based internationally, Griffith Alumni keeps me updated with research and developments happening at the University on a regular basis so I still feel part of the Griffith Community. Griffith Alumni is a brilliant way to stay in touch.
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