A University Intern’s Experiences and Insights

I am Emma Karjalainen, and in this blog, I would like to share my experience as a university trainee in the CAP-SHARE project in which I worked for three months at the beginning of 2025. I study in the Master’s Degree Programme in Sustainability Education at the University of Lapland. The focus of my studies is on critical reflection on biodiversity loss and climate change, for example from the perspectives of systems and futures thinking. In addition, my studies address the significance of ethical means in the sustainability transition.

Photo: Emma Karjalainen

​My internship supervisors were professor Pigga Keskitalo and postdoctoral researcher Rauni Äärelä-Vihriälä. In addition, project expert Teppo Kuusela from the LUMA Centre Finland, and junior researcher Heikki Tiilikka work in the University of Lapland’s CAP-SHARE team. My internship provided me with the opportunity to familiarize myself with a range of diverse tasks, including assistant duties, communication, workshop design and documentation, and travel arrangements. I was also delighted about the opportunity to participate in the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, where I represented the CAP-SHARE project at a poster session.

Photos: Jessica Aquino

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The internship helped me to develop my ability to work independently, which required time management, organisation and planning skills in particular. Working in an international project team required good communication and cooperation skills both at remote and in-person meetings. Moreover, cultural sensitivity played a key role in the CAP-SHARE project. When designing workshops, I was able to utilize my understanding of learning processes, theories and models I have acquired during my studies in sustainability education. The background knowledge gained through my studies also supported me in planning and instructing workshops.

Photos: Emma Karjalainen & Heta Makkonen

Overall, my university internship in the CAP-SHARE project offered me the opportunity to gain diverse experience of working in an academic project in an international context. The internship enhanced my competence in sustainability education and strengthened my work-life skills in versatile ways. After completing my internship, I got the opportunity to work as professor Pigga Keskitalo’s research assistant for the rest of the spring, funded by compensation funding received by the Faculty of Education through Keskitalo’s membership in the Strategic Research Council (SRC). Towards the end of the summer, I will continue to work at the LUMA Centre of the University of Lapland, where I will take up the role of a coordinator. My internship in the CAP-SHARE project is an excellent example of developing and enhancing participation of young people and supporting them with their professional development and future careers.


Best regards,
Emma Karjalainen
[email protected]