Internship Insights: Growing, Learning and Creating Impact at the Finnish Spanish Chamber of Commerce
As our internship at the Finnish-Spanish Chamber of Commerce comes to an end, we can wholeheartedly say that we had no way to anticipate how profoundly this internship would shape our professional identities, expand our understanding of cross‑border collaboration, and deepen our appreciation for the role a business community can play in connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
From day one, we were welcomed as active members of a community that values initiative, curiosity, and meaningful contribution. Working at the Chamber offered us a front‑row seat to the Finnish‑Spanish business relations, and gave us the chance to participate in building the bridges that support them.
Inside Our Internship Experience
Our internship was anything but passive. From the very beginning, we were trusted with responsibilities that allowed us to grow quickly in our roles. No two days looked the same, but in essence, our work revolved around designing, preparing and executing events for the chamber’s community.
Stakeholder Collaboration at the Spanish-Finnish Chamber of Commerce
Our daily work focused on coordinating with key stakeholders like the Embassy and the Cultural Institute of Finland. In addition, we worked closely with the member companies of the chamber and were in charge of all the practical things when it comes to maintaining relationships, organizing activities, and supporting the chamber’s daily operations.
Board and Internal Leadership
We worked with the president of the board Eero Korhonen and a few other members of the board, to ensure the execution of daily operations and strategic implementation. In practice, our collaboration with the board included preparing and designing events, coordinating meetings, and updating the progress of the upcoming events. We ensured that ongoing projects, events, and member communication aligned with the chamber’s priorities and kept leadership updated about the progress.
Member Companies
We maintained regular contact with not only the member companies but also potential new members. This included responding to emails, onboarding coordination, updating databases, like the pipeline, and identifying opportunities to connect members with events or potential partners. We made several follow-ups after events and maintained regular communication to help maintain engagement and satisfaction among members.
Strategic and Academic Partners
One of our bigger achievements in our time at the chamber was a new collaboration with the university TeamLabs, where we worked most of the time during our internship. From the very beginning of our internship, our tasks included researching new partners, initiating contacts, coordinating meetings, and being the driver in joint initiatives such as events or projects. Maintaining communication and documenting collaboration outcomes ensures continuity in partnerships, which has been vital as the collaboration mentioned, serves as the working place for the future interns as well.
Event Stakeholders
A large part of the internship involves coordinating events. We are responsible for all of the coordination and communications with speakers, venues, and service providers. In addition, we managed all invitations and participant lists, and the marketing for each event. On event days, we ensured smooth execution during the entire event and followed up with all participants afterward to maintain relationships and gather feedback.
External Business Network
We also represented the chamber within the wider Finnish–Spanish business community. We attended networking events, built professional connections, and identified potential new members or collaborators. We supported outreach to other cities by helping establish new contacts and opportunities for future activities, one of which was the new strategic collaboration with TeamLabs since they have campuses also in Malaga and Barcelona, the places in Spain with the most opportunity for chamber’s activities as well.
Picture from our Cybersecurity event, which we hosted at the TeamLabs Madrid campus. In the photo with Jasmin and Maria are two TeamLabs students who attended the informational event, as well as Eero Korhonen, the Chairman of the Chamber.
Picture from our Kick-Off event, which we hosted at the Finnish Cultural Institute. In the photo with Maria and Jasmin are the Ambassador of Finland to Spain, Jari Luoto (on the left), and Eero Korhonen, the Chairman of the Chamber (on the right).
The Chamber as a Workplace and What We Learned
One of the most defining aspects of our internship was the environment itself. The Chamber is a place where interns are trusted, supported, and encouraged to grow. We received guidance from the board, learned from members and partners, and worked side‑by‑side as colleagues supporting each other and shaping our experience together.
The Chamber’s culture is:
International: A blend of Finnish and Spanish perspectives, values, and working styles.
Collaborative: Everyone contributes, and everyone’s input matters.
Growth‑oriented: Interns are given space to take initiative and develop professionally.
Community‑driven: Relationships and trust are at the heart of everything.
Throughout our internship, we developed practical skills that will stay with us far beyond this experience:
Communication and stakeholder engagement
Project and event management
Strategic thinking and operational planning
Cross‑cultural collaboration
Professional confidence and adaptability
Most importantly, we gained a deeper understanding of how meaningful collaboration drives real impact. Whether through connecting companies, supporting members, or facilitating dialogue between Finland and Spain, we saw firsthand how the Chamber creates value that extends far beyond individual events or initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Our time at the Chamber has shaped our professional direction and strengthened our belief in the importance of international cooperation. The skills, insights, and connections we gained will continue to guide us as we move forward.
We leave with gratitude, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the impact that a supportive, globally minded community can have on young professionals.
And above all, we leave knowing that this is not an ending, but a beginning.
For any questions, feel free to contact us:
Jasmin Eväkoski
+358449870852
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmin-eväkoski/
Maria Kokkonen
+358442220495
maria.katariina.kokkonen@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-kokkonen-5511ab2ab