What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “internship”? Coffee runs? Endless photocopying? Well, my internship at Karelia University of Applied Sciences, with the project called Talent Hub Eastern Finland has been nothing like that. Instead, it’s been a whirlwind of growth, discovery, and just enough chaos to keep things exciting!
As an Industrial Management student, I have taken on so many roles that I’m considering adding “Professional Hat-Wearer” to my CV. Each role stretched my limits, taught me something new, and occasionally reminded me that stepping out of my comfort zone is where the real magic happens (even if it’s a little scary at first).
Communication and Engagement: Building Bridges
A major highlight of my internship has been finding creative ways to connect with students and alumni. Let’s talk about Instagram. Before this internship, I thought running an account was as simple as snapping a selfie, slapping on a filter, and hitting “post.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Managing Karelia’s Instagram account for international students became a crash course in storytelling, creativity, and figuring out what makes people double-tap.
I designed surveys for alumni week, brainstormed content calendars, and learned to craft captions that made people smile (or at least stop scrolling). It wasn’t just about posting and arranging event—it was about creating a little community. And honestly, who doesn’t love seeing a heart emoji in the comments section?
Industry Outreach: Mixing Business with Adventure
One of the coolest parts of this internship was visiting local companies. Imagine this: walking into a factory, meeting inspiring professionals, and secretly wishing you could take one of their fancy machines home. (Just me?)
These visits weren’t just field trips; they were opportunities to see how education connects with the real world. Interviewing students, capturing videos, and sharing their success stories made me realize how small actions—like writing an article or sharing a post—can create a big impact.
Project Planning and Execution: Where Chaos Meets Creativity
Remember those “Little Christmas” parties where everything looks perfect? Now imagine the planning: gingerbread houses, decorations, logistics, and a to-do list that felt longer than a Finnish winter.
But here’s the thing: I loved every second of it. From brainstorming wild ideas to juggling ten things at once, I discovered that I might just have a knack for multitasking (and that coffee is truly a lifesaver). Sure, there were moments of chaos, but isn’t that what makes life exciting?
Building Connections: Expanding My Network
If I had to pick one thing that stood out, it would be the people. Chatting with alumni, exchanging ideas with company reps, and working alongside my talented colleagues made every day memorable. Every conversation taught me something new and left me with a growing sense of appreciation for collaboration.
It’s funny how a casual chat over coffee can spark ideas that lead to something amazing—or, at the very least, give you a good story to tell later.
Personal and Professional Growth: The Biggest Takeaway
Looking back, this internship has been like one of those Finnish saunas: intense, sometimes a little overwhelming, but always leaving you better than before.
I’ve learned to adapt to new challenges, think critically, and turn intimidating tasks into exciting opportunities. Whether it was writing Instagram captions or planning events, every project added a unique flavor to my journey. (And yes, some of those flavors were spicy, but that’s the fun part!)
As I move forward, I feel a mix of excitement and gratitude. Excitement for the road ahead, armed with the skills and confidence this experience has given me. And gratitude for the moments—big and small—that made this internship unforgettable.
This chapter has set the tone for the career adventure I’m ready to dive into next. If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s this: never underestimate the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the chaos, and finding joy in the process.
Author:
Foyjunnaher Akter, RDI-Trainee, Talent Hub Eastern Finland, Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Management, Karelia UAS
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Talent Hub Eastern Finland (2023-2027) is ESR+ funded joint project of six educational institutions across different levels of education in the North Karelia and North Savo regions. The project’s participants are the University of Eastern Finland, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, North Karelia Municipal Education and Training Consortium Riveria, Savo Vocational College and Ylä-Savo Vocational College. The project supports international students in finding employment and internships, to develop their entrepreneurship skills and to integrate and employers in finding, hiring and orientating a new worker to the workplace. RDI- Project Trainee positions aim to promote universities’ RDI work as one available career option for international students in Eastern Finland and at the same time support the growth of international staff in the local educational institutions.
More information: Karelia UAS website and Mia Sevonius-Male, Project Manager, [email protected], +358 50 477 7269