Discover more about my time as a German intern in Finland and how international experiences are taking my training and professional skills to the next level

As a German intern in Finland, I am gaining valuable international experience that enriches my training and further develops my professional skills. Before starting my internship, I had the opportunity to travel through Finland for two weeks. The banner image shows the picturesque red houses by the water in Porvoo, taken during this journey. My name is Joshua, I am 22 years old, and I come from Kassel, the vibrant heart of Germany. I am currently in the second year of my industrial clerk apprenticeship and am completing a four-week internship at Nova Talent in Finland.

The following statistics from Erasmus 2022 data show the countries where German VET (vocational education and training) students and trainees have gone for their internships. I created this analysis for Nova Talent to visualize Finland as one of the destination countries. I am proud that I have chosen Finland – a country that is often underestimated when it comes to international internships.

                                                                                                                 Erasmus+ data from 2022 – This statistic is based on selected criteria: Vocational education 
                                                                                                                          and training, participants aged 18+, and program durations of more than 28 days.   

In the first days of my internship at Nova Talent, I quickly noticed how different the Finnish vocational education system is compared to the German one In Germany, there is a balanced combination of practice and theory. By working directly in the company and attending theoretical classes at vocational school, you not only get a diverse range of tasks, but you can also apply what you have learned immediately in practice. This approach not only prepares trainees optimally for the working world but also allows them to gain valuable practical experience, ensuring a seamless transition into their professional careers. In Finland, however, vocational training focuses solely on theoretical instruction in vocational schools, with little to no practical experience in companies.

My training company, HÜBNER Kassel, is a globally leading company specializing in the production of joints and bellows for buses and trains. (Learn more about HÜBNER in this video)

During my training as an industrial clerk, I rotate through various departments, from purchasing to sales, as well as marketing and accounting. This rotation, which occurs in 3-month intervals, offers great benefits for both me and the company: I gain a broad knowledge base and become versatile, while the company benefits from my growing flexibility and comprehensive understanding of business processes.                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Hübner GmbH & Co. KG - Kassel

Finland offers a unique combination of an innovative work culture, stunning nature, and an open, collegial atmosphere. During my internship at Nova Talent, I gained valuable intercultural experience and significantly improved my language skills. As part of my work, I supported a Finnish company by designing a flyer for the German market and creating an Excel spreadsheet to optimize their marketing strategy. These tasks deepened my expertise. The entire experience in Finland, including my work and cultural exchange, has greatly boosted my confidence and self-assurance. Finland is an ideal destination for students and trainees who want to work in an international environment, enhance their language skills, and expand their intercultural competencies. The insights into the Finnish work environment have enriched me both personally and professionally.

I look forward to applying these experiences in the remainder of my training and future career and am excited to see what international opportunities lie ahead.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Written by Joshua Hänel