24th of August at 8am I stepped into the reception of a spacious steel and glass building. To my right was a service counter where a woman in a neat, ironed dress with casual sneakers was conversing with a security guard. Upon spotting me she came over and asked if I was the new intern from the University of Amsterdam. I answered yes, this prompted her to smile and introduce herself as my host supervisor for the coming four months at Telia Company, Stockholm.
I had chosen this internship quite haphazardly. It was a family friend who recommended both the company to me, and me to the company. I had heard about Telia before, anyone who’s lived in Sweden for more than a year probably has, and was therefor aware of the fact that an internship there would not only look commendable on a CV but also probably allow me some interesting work experience and tie in well with some of the Corp Com. I had studied the year before at UvA. After an online interview I was accepted at Telia Sweden’s Communication Department as an intern and would be working on Telia’s autumn brand positioning campaign.
Now my host led me to the counter where she had been talking to the security guard. I was given a company access pass with my name and a picture of my face on it and was then led into a large glass elevator which took me up to the 7th floor of the office. From the floor to the roof it must have been at least 20 meters, with vines, a waterfall and cozy spaces and canteens around me. I was led to the IT department where I was introduced to the staff who handed me a company mobile phone and laptop. After logging in on my new devices, messages began popping in. “Research brief with him and her,” “Introduction meeting with her” etc.
My supervisor told me not to worry too much about the meetings and tasks on my first week, and to instead focus on getting acquainted with the office and Telia’s image and culture. So I guess that’s what I’ll be doing. For now.
Update: Mid Internship
I have had now done some concrete interning.
Covid-19 has led to this internship being tougher than I had imagined. There is barely any social interaction, its business only when I interact with my supervisor or co-workers.
I hope future students do not have to do an internship during a pandemic.