Internship Insights: My Time at HAMK Career Services
In this article, Yovini Hetti Pathiranage shares her internship experience at HAMK Career Services, where she gained real-world skills in writing, marketing, and teamwork within a supportive, multicultural environment. The hybrid work model helped her balance studies and work, turning classroom knowledge into valuable professional growth for her future career in Finland.
Getting Started: A Smooth Onboarding
My internship as a Student Assistant at HAMK Career Services began with a well-organized onboarding process that helped me settle in quickly and confidently. I was introduced to tools, tasks, and team dynamics right from day one.
“From the very beginning, I felt warmly welcomed into the team.”
Short intro meetings with colleagues helped me understand the workflow and build connections that supported my day-to-day work.
Flexible Work, Real-World Exposure
One of the highlights of the internship was the hybrid working model, which allowed me to manage my time effectively between university studies and work responsibilities.
“The flexibility of remote work allowed me to balance my studies and work responsibilities effectively.”
I particularly valued the in-person days on HAMK’s Hämeenlinna campus, which offered authentic insight into Finnish workplace culture—an experience I see as vital for my future career in Finland.
Contributing Through Content and Collaboration
My main tasks involved writing articles on career development and student life, managing social media content, and hosting the Language Café at the Valkeakoski campus. I also worked on materials for the Friendship Program and helped plan future events.
“These experiences greatly enhanced my ability to collaborate and adapt within a dynamic team environment.”
Working across departments, including HAMKO and the Mobility Team, gave me a better understanding of multidisciplinary collaboration within HAMK.
Strengthening Communication and Teamwork
Collaborating with an international team significantly improved my interpersonal and communication skills, especially while working bilingually in Finnish and English.
“Through this cooperation, I was able to strengthen my Finnish language skills while supporting my colleague with English.”
The team’s low hierarchy and supportive culture created a space where I could grow and contribute confidently.
Tools and Skills That Made a Difference
I regularly used tools like MS Teams, Outlook, and particularly the MS Teams Planner, which helped me organize tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
“It quickly became a highly effective way to organize my tasks, manage deadlines, and track the progress of assigned work.”
I also applied academic knowledge from courses like Organizational Communication, Branding, and Digital Marketing, gaining hands-on experience that deepened my professional understanding.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Beyond technical skills, this internship helped me develop time management, project planning, and career-building insights, particularly valuable as an international student looking to grow professionally in Finland.
“This internship was an enriching and meaningful experience that I believe will positively impact my future career.”
One suggestion I would offer for future improvement is introducing monthly feedback sessions, a simple addition that could enhance learning and growth for future interns.
Conclusion
My time at HAMK Career Services helped me apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations while giving me the tools, confidence, and network to thrive in future academic and professional roles.
Interested in joining HAMK Career Services as a Student Assistant?
We’re currently looking for new students to join our team!