Internships close to home: Tampere University employs dozens of interns each year
For many students, completing an internship is a key stage of their studies. It enables students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice while developing their professional identity and gaining valuable first-hand experience of the world of work.
Some students find internship opportunities close to home, as the faculties and units at Tampere University employ dozens of interns each year.
A dream internship
Sociology student Riitu Nippala had long hoped to land an internship at Tampere University. After applying three times, she was offered an internship with the Services for International Education and Integration team in the Education and Learning unit.
After learning about the internship opportunity in the field of internationalisation, Nippala knew it was exactly what she was looking for. She has a strong interest in internationalisation and has completed two periods of student exchange, one during upper secondary school and the other while at university.
“The position matched my previous work experience and career aspirations. I am interested in international services and had relevant experience for the role. I found it meaningful to support students who dream of going on exchange or are unsure whether they have the confidence to take that step,” says Nippala.
During her internship, Nippala worked in customer service, event planning and administrative support. The role involved extensive use of English, and Nippala feels that the experience further strengthened her language skills.
Gaining an in-depth understanding of Tampere University as an organisation
Mikko Oosi had also set his sights on completing an internship at Tampere University. A history student, Oosi secured an internship in the History, Philosophy and Literary Studies Unit (HiFi) within the Faculty of Social Sciences (SOC).
His role involved supporting research activities, helping to organise events and carrying out administrative tasks.
What especially appealed to Oosi about the internship was the opportunity to step beyond the role of a student and gain insight into Tampere University from a new perspective. As he is considering further academic study, an internship at the University seemed like an excellent opportunity.
“I have gained a broad understanding of student associations, faculty associations, steering groups and faculty councils. I was keen to see how degree programmes are managed in practice and how the whole system works,” says Oosi.
According to Oosi, the internship gave him a clearer understanding of the roles of Tampere University’s faculties, units and degree programmes as well as the relationships between them.
Internships support academic progress and career planning
All the degree programmes at Tampere University offer students the option to undertake an internship or other form of work placement as part of their degree. Internships support learning and enable students to strengthen the competencies acquired through their studies.
Both Nippala and Oosi find that their internships allowed them to put their skills to the test and gain a better understanding of their abilities.
“My internship boosted my confidence in my ability to perform this type of work. Every workplace has its own practices and requires transferable skills that cannot be developed through theoretical learning alone,” says Nippala.
The experience also helped both students reflect on their future career options.
“The internship was my first job in my field, and it provided an interesting glimpse into the world of academic research. It has helped me assess different career options and consider whether a career in research might be right for me,” says Oosi.
Nippala shares the same view. “The internship helped me gain a clearer sense of what I am looking for in a future career, which can be difficult to work out without practical experience.”
Internships benefit both students and the University
According to Eriikka Oinonen, Head of the Unit of Social Research at SOC, and Leena Wilkman, Head of the Education and Learning unit, internships offer benefits to both students and the University.
They emphasise that interns bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and valuable insights shaped by their experiences as students. For the units at Tampere University, interns serve as an important link to the student community.
“Interns not only contribute to the work of our units but also help us better understand the everyday realities of student life. Their input is invaluable, as supporting students throughout their studies is one of our key responsibilities,” notes Wilkman.
At the same time, internships offer students an opportunity to explore academia as a working environment and gain a broader understanding of the University as a workplace, organisation and institution. The contacts students make during an internship can also be an important first step in building their professional networks.
“An internship inspires some students to pursue further studies and ultimately an academic career, while others discover interesting professional opportunities beyond teaching and research. The experience can also help students realise that they would prefer a career outside academia. That, too, is a valuable takeaway,” says Oinonen.
Oinonen and Wilkman encourage students to consider completing an internship at Tampere University. Interns are welcomed as full members of their teams from the outset, and support is readily available.
“Interns are treated as valued colleagues at the University. Being recognised as an important member of the team is an experience that can have lasting benefits well into the future, says Oinonen.
Explore the open positions available at Tampere University: Open positions - tuni.rekrytointi.com
