Career
Ólína has been an active scholar in social Sciences, a principal of the Junior College of Ísafjörður (Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði) 2001–2006. Lecturer at the University of Iceland (Folklore, Icelandic literature) 1992–2000. Before participating in politics Ólína worked as a journalist, reporter and television-anchor at the State Broadcasting Station (RÚV) 1987–1990.
Ólína has published several books and articles on political and social matters.
She is an active rescue team volunteer for Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg where she specializes in training and working with rescue dogs. Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Fisheries and Agriculture since 2009 (Vice-Chairman since 2009).
Chairman of the Icelandic delegation to the West Nordic Council since 2009
Chairman of The West Nordic Council since 2010). Earlier committees.