Born in Boston to a Canadian mother and Norwegian father, paralegal Erik Ramberg grew up in Vancouver and Oslo. His parents met in Kingston, Ontario at university, and as a child he learned to navigate the two cultures. “As a young kid moving back and forth it was hard to adjust to each, but looking back at it now I’m definitely grateful for that experience.” Both Canadians and Norwegians have the reputation for being polite and diplomatic folks, and Erik fits that mold. His cool but friendly demeanor and calmness under pressure is legendary. Seriously, people will be talking about if for years to come.
Erik hard at work. He doesn't let up.
After visiting New York City in high school with a friend, he decided to apply to Columbia University, which he attended after a gap year in Argentina. He’s enjoyed his time here in New York City but is ready to move on, and plans eventually to go back to Norway. “After living in New York now for a while, I’ve learned to appreciate more what Norway has to offer,” he says. “In a lot of ways New York has so much more to offer in terms of what’s going on in the city and the vibrancy, but in terms of certain Norwegian values, it’s more appealing to me. They try to make it as easy as possible to strike a work-life balance, for example. The government guarantees paid vacation time and maternity and paternity leave. There’s a culture more geared to enjoying life.”
His job as a paralegal with DLG is his first fulltime job. “I’ve definitely learned a lot about work in general and myself, and specifically immigration law,” he says. “It’s been a very interesting year.” As for future plans, he’s been accepted into the London School of Economics and University of Cambridge to study international relations, and has yet to decide which he’ll attend. Afterwards he hopes to join Norway’s foreign service or work for an international aid organization. Or, he says: “Maybe I’ll just write a best-selling novel and chill in Brooklyn.” Yes, Erik, that wouldn’t be bad at all.
Questions taken from and/or inspired by the Proust/Inside the Actors Studio/Bernard Pivot/AnOther Magazine questionnaires.
What is your favorite word?
“Poppycock.”
What is your least favorite word?
“Deadline.”
What sound or noise do you love?
Water breaking against the shore.
What sound or noise do you hate?
My alarm.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Travel writer.
What is your idea of happiness?
Realizing one’s potential.
If not yourself, who would you be?
Ernest Hemingway, sans the injuries and suicide.
Where would you like to live?
A small Mediterranean village.
Who are your favorite prose authors?
Roberto Bolaño, Don DeLillo, Raymond Carver.
What is your favorite film?
Too many to count. Recently: Birdman, Whiplash, Macbeth.
What would your last meal be?
Burger and a beer.
What natural talent would you like to be gifted with?
A musical ear.
For what fault have you most toleration?
Impatience.
What do you most like about the age we live in?
Seamless.
What is the biggest risk youʼve ever taken?
Going to college in the US.