After having lived in Denmark for the last 6 years, I thought that it might be a good idea to go abroad for an internship. The idea of getting international experience, entirely new environment and meeting new interesting people excited me, so I decided to search for my future internship abroad, having post-graduate programmes in Denmark as a backup plan. So, first of all, I researched a variety of internet sources and consulted with professors and student colleagues with the aim of collecting useful information about internships abroad. Forgot to mention, that I have had AIESEC internship in Belgium as 3rd and 4th semester of my master studies. In short - it was an extremely positive experience. Apart from that, I spoke with my friend, who studied with me about his AIESEC internship, which he was taking during his bachelor studies. He found this internship via AIESEC database and it took place in Germany.
His feedback was also positive and he enjoyed every bit of it. I decided in that moment “Why not try it again?” and contacted the local AIESEC branch in Aalborg University to support me with this idea. Long story short, soon enough I got an offer from Stockholm, Sweden from Electrolux HQ, to work in a newly established Continuous Improvement department, as a Continuous Improvement Associate.
Relocating to Stockholm, Sweden
I had my first phone interview (out of 3) with HR representative from Electrolux in May (before I finished my studies) and the last phone interview with HR business partner in the end of May. After reaching an agreement about terms and expectations of this internship, company and I signed the internship contract. I must admit that I was surprised how much support I was provided by Aalborg University’s AIESEC branch and AIESEC Sweden branch. They helped me with signing, translating all the official papers, and furthermore AIESEC Sweden provided very valuable practical information for newcomers, which included accommodation info and its search websites, information concerning health insurance, residence card, transportation etc. This information is extremely important, and by having it, I saved a bunch of hours, which research and questioning local people would otherwise take.
Professional life
Electrolux AB is a publicly owned multinational company, with almost 100 years long history. My colleagues in the company all speak English, and many many other languages, since it is extremely multinational (more than 50 nationalities). Furthermore, they are all friendly and always willing to help. After I moved to Sweden, they helped with practical information such as the location of the shops and which ones to choose, where can I find dentist etc.Social life
Social life in Stockholm is Scandinavian specific I must admit. I would characterize Stockholm as a unique blend of historical beauty, especially represented by architecture and museums, and modern business city, with its pace, thousands of busy people who are constantly in a rush. This is the place where past meets the future. A large number of various events every week all over the city, numerous bars, clubs, pubs etc. Apart from that, the cultural element is also always present – theaters, concert halls, monuments etc. Furthermore, AIESEC Sweden constantly organized social events, where I could meet and get to know other interns in Sweden. That helped me to expand my professional network and exchange with internship experience. If I was asked to say, which day in Sweden was the most special for me, I would say the first thing, that pops in my mind is the “Stockholm Santa Run” day, which took place on in the end of 2016 before Christmas. It was a simple indescribable day – thousands of people on preparing for a charity run in Santa costumes! This was amazing, and most importantly, people who really needed the money and funding, got it (i.e. Red Cross, and the Children Cancer fond).
My emotions after internship in Electrolux
It’s hard to find the right words to fully express my satisfaction and gratitude to AIESEC. It has given me a lot and this experience definitely shaped my personality and improved me as a person. From my side, I hope I contributed to the improvement of the organization in terms of its reputation, network and helping other AIESEC’ers.Small sum-up
In the end of my short AIESEC story, I would like to sum up by providing key points, which will say how I changed as a person and what I learned by doing the internship with AIESEC:• Improved my leadership skills
• Made new friends and met many new people
• Gained valuable work experience
• Participated in variety of AIESEC events and meetings
• Discovered new opportunities and new strengths within myself
• Developed excellent presentation and communication skills
• Enhanced the ability to adapt to a new culture and new environment
Written by
Ernests Jablockins
Ernest was born and finished school in Latvia. He is 27, speaks fluently Latvian, Russian, English and Danish. After finishing high school in Latvia, the author moved to Denmark, a small town, not far from Aarhus, called Horsens. There he managed to find friends, a part time job, and finish two bachelor degrees in VIA University College (Global Business Engineering and Mechanical Engineering). Shortly after the summer holidays after finishing bachelor studies, he started his master studies in Aalborg University (Operations and Innovation management). Master studies taught Ernest a lot, and during the third semester of those, he took on a new challenge - the internship he found via AIESEC opportunity portal, which took place close to Brussels, Belgium. The position was called "Operations Management Trainee" and was in family-owned Belgian transport and logistics company. After successfully finishing master studies, and internship in Belgium, Ernest received an offer via AIESEC opportunity portal, to join Electrolux HQ, in Sweden. Currently lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Ernest's main hobbies are reading, language learning, self-development and, of course, sports. He works in Continuous Improvement department.