Hi! I’m Elias Paikkari, the new intern for the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce. I will be working here for six months, from March to September.
I’m a third year BBA student in Turku University of Applied Sciences, majoring in entrepreneurship and minoring in jurisprudence. Before I came here, I spent the last autumn semester as an exchange student in China. It was a great experience to live in a completely different country and culture for four and a half months, and I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to continue my exploration of the world here in the United States. I’m looking forward to learn a lot of new things at work, get to know the American culture and meet many new people from various backgrounds.
In FACC, my work tasks will be marketing and communications related. I will be in charge of writing and editing our monthly newsletter, updating and developing FACC’s social media channels, taking care of membership issues, organizing events and participating in the board meetings.
My internship is shared between the FACC and the Honorary Consulate of Finland. Both of them have an important role as a link between Finland and the United States. Especially in the Honorary Consulate side, I’ve already seen that there is something new and different happening every day. I am assisting Honorary Consul Mr. Peter Makila at his work. The duties include advising and giving help to Finnish citizens in various matters face-to-face, on the phone and via email. For example, the Consulate answers to many kind of questions and inquiries, issues emergency passports and offers notary services.
Businesswise summer is quieter than winter, because many firms and Finns are on a holiday. Anyway, I’m sure that I will get a lot of valuable experience from my time here.
Six months in Florida – I’m ready to have a good time!
If you have any questions concerning the internship in the FACC and the Honorary Consulate, feel free to contact me via email.
