Kim about her internship at Humlab

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

"Yes, sure! My name is Kim, I am 25 years old and study at the University of Tübingen in Germany. My major is Media Studies, with General Rhetoric as a minor. I am currently in my sixth semester, which includes a mandatory internship in the field of media. My previous experience includes working on student film sets as well as at a theatre as an assistant director. I developed an early interest in media, which ultimately led me to pursue my current studies."

What made you apply for an internship at Humlab?

"It was a combination of several factors. I really wanted to do an internship abroad, and since my boyfriend lives in Umeå, it felt natural to look for opportunities there. While researching what I could do, I came across Humlab, which appealed to me because of my interest in both media production and research. I am not yet sure whether I want to continue studying or enter the job market after graduation, and an internship that combines practical work with research-oriented tasks felt like a good way to bring these interests together. I hoped the experience could help guide my future choices."

What expectations did you have before starting the internship?

"To be completely honest, I had none. I did not really know what communications as a profession or research actually involved, and I expected it to be much more rigid than it turned out to be at Humlab. When I was accepted for the internship, I initially experienced a sense of impostor syndrome. However, thanks to the guidance I received and the welcoming work environment, those feelings faded quite early on."

What kind of work have you been involved in during your internship?

"I have observed a wide range of tasks that a communications officer works with. I have built a website using WordPress for ArchLab and learned how to work with several Adobe programs. I have taken photographs and co‑written social media posts following presentations, and I have also participated in interviews, which was very exciting. In addition, I have gained insight into research infrastructures and what everyday office work actually involves."

"While I feel that I still lack much of the knowledge required to fully perform the role, I can see areas where I could continue to develop my skills. I can imagine myself working in a field related to communications in the future."

Has anything surprised you during your internship?

"What has surprised me most is how many different skills are required to work in communications, and how challenging it can be to keep track of everything that needs to be done. I was also pleasantly surprised by how warm and familiar the team structure was. I felt very well taken care of by both my supervisor and the management, who regularly checked in on me and encouraged me. It was also new to me how much of the working day is spent in meetings, and how, here in Sweden, there is always fika — which I certainly did not mind!"

What do you take away most from the internship?

"I take away new skills in WordPress and the Adobe programs, as well as a newfound interest in IT and in how websites work and can be built. I have also developed a renewed interest in research: how it is conducted, what others have done, and what I myself could contribute in the future. I will most definitely remember the Humlab Talks, as well as the pain of learning how to use WordPress."

What would you say to someone who is considering applying for an internship at Humlab?

"Do it. But maybe wait until spring has arrived, because the sun makes a difference. Also, never skip fika, that’s where the best project ideas are born. And be prepared to puzzle a lot."