A Step Toward Expertise
I completed a six-month internship at Mellakka Helsinki as part of the Social Media and Communications teams. The internship was much more than just gaining work experience. It was a clear step toward developing my own expertise as a communications and social media professional.
I first heard about Mellakka in the fall of 2023 during a university visit. Sitting in the lecture hall as a student, something just clicked. As I listened to the presentation, I thought: “This feels like my kind of place.” I began following Mellakka actively and building my skills by gaining relevant work experience and exploring the industry in my free time.
A Warm and Welcoming Team
The exciting day finally came when I started my internship in September 2025. Walking through the office doors, I was greeted by a sunny and incredibly warm team. On my computer screen awaited a pink post-it note that read: “Welcome, Roosa! ❤️”. An immediate positive and welcoming feeling as a new team member.
Mellakka’s amazing work community has been one of the highlights of my internship. I’ve enjoyed every workday, surrounded by friendly and professionally inspiring colleagues with whom I’ve collaborated closely on a daily basis.
A Structured Internship with Real Responsibility
Beyond the welcoming environment, my internship was supported by a clear and systematically guided program that enabled purposeful and supported development. Each team assigned me a mentor, and we held start, mid-term, and end-of-internship discussions, as well as regular weekly check-ins. Support and guidance were always readily available.
The well-structured internship program provided the framework for responsible and genuinely value-adding tasks. From day one, I was actively involved in client projects and had the opportunity to work directly with clients. On the social media side, my responsibilities included content planning, developing creative concepts, coordinating advertising, participating in shoots, reporting, and presenting results. In communications, I handled press release distribution, media pitching, and contributed to situational analyses and communications planning.
The Key Takeaways from My Internship
This internship has been a significant step in my professional development. It strengthened my ability to take responsibility, work in client-facing roles, and trust my own skills more confidently.
After six months, I have not only gained valuable work experience but also certainty that I am on the right career path and a clear vision of where I want to go professionally. I’ve also mapped out the next steps I want to take to pursue my personal and professional aspirations.
Roosa Kalliovaara
Social Media & Communications Trainee
