My internship
I study Business and Law at Tampere University of Applied Sciences. During my internship, I work in the ambassador’s assistant team. My tasks include calendar management and helping with meeting, event and visitor arrangements. I have also contributed to arrangements during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week.
The internship gives me an opportunity to see the practical work behind diplomacy. Meetings and events require careful preparation, clear communication and cooperation. I can apply organisational skills from my previous work experience while developing my professional English. The experience also connects with my interest in international relations and foreign and security policy.
Life outside work
Outside work, I enjoy exploring New York and taking photographs. The tall buildings, yellow taxis and skyline offer a very different view from the streets of Rovaniemi. Seeing the city at sunset and after dark has given me some memorable photographs.
Sport is also an important part of my life. Combining exercise with my internship and studies helps me maintain familiar routines while living abroad. My stay is an opportunity to experience everyday life in New York, as well as its famous sights.
Comparing working life with Finland
My internship is at a Finnish diplomatic mission, so my workplace does not represent American working culture as a whole. However, working in New York brings me into a much more international setting, where people have different professional and cultural backgrounds.
Compared with my previous work in Finland, this experience makes me think more carefully about how I communicate. Using English and working with international contacts encourages me to pay attention to wording, politeness and clarity. I have also noticed that informal conversation and small talk can help people connect.
There are many similarities too. Reliability, attention to detail and teamwork matter here, just as they did in my previous jobs in Finland. The biggest difference for me is the setting: familiar administrative skills are now part of an international diplomatic environment.
New York is giving me a chance to develop professionally while discovering a different everyday life. I look forward to continuing to learn, both at the mission and around the city.
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