We often get questions about internships and how to find them, so I’m here to provide my best tips on how to leverage what’s available at KTH to get your dream internship. Since arriving in Sweden, I have been fortunate to secure three internships in my first year, all related to my field of study, spanning both industrial and service companies. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and the success factors that have contributed to my internship journey.
Networking: The Key to Unlocking Opportunities
One of the most crucial factors in securing internships is networking. KTH provides numerous opportunities to connect with recruiters and professionals in your desired industry. From student associations to career fairs that seem to have events nearly every week, you can gain valuable insights into company culture and what they look for in prospective candidates. Did you know that KTH is home to Armada, the largest career fair in Scandinavia? The career fair spans 2 days with over 100 companies and nearly 12,000 visitors each year.
In my own journey, networking played a pivotal role, and Armada and other career fairs at KTH were absolutely essential pieces in the puzzle. It was through these connections that I learned about internship openings, received guidance on the application process, and even got tips on how to tailor my resume and cover letter to stand out to Swedish employers. Don’t underestimate the power of personal connections in the job market, especially in Sweden.
Skill Building Sessions: Polishing Your Toolkit
KTH offers skill-building sessions that pop up several times a year, providing invaluable knowledge and insights. I attended LinkedIn and CV building sessions at KTH , which proved to be instrumental in understanding what employers expect from job applicants in the Swedish job market. These sessions helped me craft a compelling resume and LinkedIn profile that caught the attention of recruiters. I found most of these events from checking the KTH student calendar.
These workshops are designed to equip you with the skills and tools you need to present yourself effectively to potential employers. They cover everything from interview techniques to creating a strong online presence. Take advantage of these resources to sharpen your competitive edge.
Seeking Support: A Pathway to Success
An abundance of help sessions are available to assist you in presenting yourself in the best way to the Swedish job market. Throughout my journey, I found the support from not only KTH to be incredible, but also from the companies I was applying to and various student associations at KTH. These experiences came in the form of mock interviews with companies which were organized by KTH student associations and partnered events with student associations that had case cracking sessions at the companies themselves. The associations that I keep up to date with for these types of events are Bright, KTH Finance Society, and Malvina, but of course, this is not an exhaustive list.
Wrapping Up a Fulfilling Internship Journey
As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. Recently, I completed a 10-week internship in the sustainable banking department of a Swedish Bank, a significant milestone in my career. This experience has been nothing short of transformative, allowing me to engage in challenging and exhilarating tasks and gain insights beyond my wildest expectations.
I had the privilege of working with exceptional teams, where mentorship and support were constant. I had mentors that played a pivotal role in shaping my growth during this summer through their dedication to fostering a learning-rich environment.
Most importantly, this experience allowed me to form life long friendships with the other interns who I worked with in my department, two of which were also KTH students! While work was of course the number one priority, we were always told to not forget about having fun, which was such a refreshing mindset to hear from my superiors.
In Conclusion
Finding internships in Sweden can be a long, but rewarding experience when you leverage the resources and support available at KTH. Networking, attending skill-building sessions, and seeking support are the success factors that have propelled my internship journey. As you embark on your own internship quest, remember that every step you take is a valuable learning opportunity, bringing you closer to your career goals. Here’s to your future success and the exciting adventures that lie ahead! 🌟🌏
In the mean time, it was a really special weekend here in Sweden where we celebrated the king’s 50th jubilee! Check out Lorenzo’s blog post on the festivities that occurred in Stockholm during the weekend!