Interviews with our Trainees
Edith Lindstedt
Edith was a remote intern supporting us between the period of August 2023 to February 2024.
23 years old from Stockholm. Recent graduate from Lund University, with a B.A. in Digital Cultures. Main interests are: Art, photography and cooking/baking!
Want to know more about Edith? Connect on LinkedIn!
Why did you apply for this internship, and what were your first impressions of our chamber?
Besides my big interest in digitalization, I have always been a big explorer of the world - with an interest of global business and different cultures. This interest increased after my exchange semester in the Netherlands, where I studied elective courses such as International Relations and Communicating Across Cultures. After earning my Bachelor's Degree this summer, I decided that I wanted to gain more international experience I had some contacts who had worked within SACC-USA and only heard great things. So when I saw an opening position in the area within my field of study, I did not hesitate to apply.
When landing the position, I received a genuine welcome and during my first meeting I already felt very appreciated. Also, the network of SACC in general, are all as welcoming and you will get a great impression of that you are really part of a driven team.
Do you have any advice you would give to future interns?
Don't be afraid to share new ideas and projects, the chamber is very open and encouraging for development. To do an internship at SACC-CO gives you a great freedom to explore and grow!
What does a typical day look like for you?
As a remote intern, the work hours are very flexible and you will be in need of discipline to structure and plan your work day. We have one or two digital meetings during the week, where we together plan and coordinate upcoming projects or events. Though we don't meet everyday, the chamber is always a call/mail away if needed to discuss anything.
Kristina Westin
Kristina did a remote internship with us between the period of September 2022 to March 2023.
22-year old from Stockholm. Studying at Lund University, where she is aiming for a double degree in Political Science and Economics. During her free time, she likes to spend time with friends and go for a fika!
Want to know more about Kristina? Connect on LinkedIn!
Why did you apply for this internship, and what were your first impressions of our chamber?
Coming from a multicultural background, I have always been fascinated by the benefits of globalization, especially trade relationships between countries. After my fourth semester in Lund, I decided that I wanted to gain some working experience alongside my studies.. So when I came across this open position, I thought it was the perfect fit! My first impressions of SACC-CO were very positive and I was given a warm welcome by the team. The organization has a very friendly and hearty atmosphere, encouraging curiosity and allowing you to find your niche.
Do you have any advice you would give to future interns?
My advice for future interns is to be an initiative-taker, eager learner and to use this opportunity to find your niche! Working as an intern gave me the freedom to explore more about myself and what my strengths and weaknesses are. It is all about what you want to get out of the internship!
What does a typical day look like for a trainee?
As a remote trainee, the work hours are very flexible and you have the freedom to structure your tasks so that it suits your weekly schedule. The position as a trainee allows you to practice being independent and responsible for your work. However, we usually have two meetings during the week where you do follow-ups, go over upcoming events, and set up new goals.
Mohammad Mahmoudi
Mohammad did an internship with us between the period of June 2021 to December 2021.
23-year old student from Stockholm. This year, he will complete his master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management as a fifth year student at KTH The Royal Institute of Technology. Mohammad has combined his engineering education with studies in philosophy and extracurricular activities, such as participating in the student union for entrepreneurship at his university.
Want to know more about Mohammad? Connect on LinkedIn!
Why did you apply for this internship, and what were your first impressions of our chamber?
I have always valued learning about and experiencing new cultures and societies. I firmly believe that the promotion of cross-cultural exchange is of key importance for creating a better, more open world. As such, I welcomed the opportunity to join SACC-CO in their efforts to foster Swedish-American ties in business. My first impressions were exceedingly positive. I was given a warm welcome and all the assistance I needed to learn about the chamber and the specific demands of the trainee position.
Do you have any advice you would give to future interns?
I would tell future interns to view this internship as a great opportunity to learn important skills and to put the theoretical knowledge from their education into practice.
What does a typical day look like for a trainee?
On a typical day, your tasks as a trainee range from assisting with different marketing schemes and managing the social media channels of the organization to participating in committee meetings and handling the communication with key business partners.
Ajdin Pašić
Ajdin was a trainee at our chamber between the period of April to October 2021.
24-year old from Stockholm. Currently living in Stockholm, completing his last year of his bachelor degree within Real Estate and Finance at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). Except for Ajdin's intense passion for hockey, his interests also include travelling, cooking and meeting new people.
Want to know more about Ajdin? Connect on LinkedIn!
Why did you apply for this internship, and what were your first impressions of our chamber?
Due to my personal interests of economics, business management and a fascination for the diversity of the world as well as international cooperations, especially regarding the relation between Sweden and America, it has therefore felt self-evident for me to apply for this trainee program. My first impressions were of the impressive close relationship between all SACC-CO organizations and all of the states within the US. The cooperation and interaction has definitely created a strong community impression.
Do you have any advice you would give to future interns?
My advice would be to take full advantage of the opportunities presenting themselves, and view the internship as a great time for personal development. Do not let fear hinder you, dare to take responsibility and be involved.
What does a typical day look like for a trainee?
As a trainee, on a typical day you will manage the social media channels of Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as communicating with the various committees in the organization to help out with different projects.
Ludvig Engström
Ludvig did a remote internship with us between the period of January 2021 to July 2021.
Coming from a small town, Ludvig's interest sparked to seek out the world at large. He is currently residing in the States, and along with his internship he is also learning German. Ludvig's primary interests include: music, languages and nature!
Want to know more about Ludvig? Connect on LinkedIn!
Why did you apply for this internship, and what were your first impressions of our chamber?
My deep-rooted interest in the U.S. has influenced me to want to go there since I was young. This fact coupled with my previous experience in events, communication and marketing meant that there was just no way that I could pass up an opportunity as great as this one. Not only did it feel like a stepping stone into the world of Swedish-American business, but to act as a catalyst for trade between my two favorite countries seemed nothing short of amazing. My first impressions consisted of a warm welcome into a hospitable and friendly environment, where I have the opportunity to take on the type of tasks that interest me the most. The help and guidance I have so far received have also had a great impact on my experience.
What does a typical day look like for a trainee?
Except for the two weekly meetings with my supervisor and the other trainee, the days vary drastically in terms of workload and tasks. Communication within the organization, social media management and administrative duties are just some of the things that I can come to think of from the top of my head, but I am also currently working on revamping the website!
Do you have any advice you would give to future interns?
I would say that bringing ambition to the table is one of the best things you can do. Other than that, listening and asking questions is always the best way to go.
Isabelle Erlandsson
Isabelle was the first trainee to do her internship remotely, between the period of October 2020 to April 2021.
Want to know more about Isabelle? Connect on LinkedIn!
Why did you apply for this internship, and what were your first impressions of our chamber?
It was actually a pure coincidence that I applied, I saw the ad for the trainee position and my interest piqued right away. I wanted to do something alongside my studies to help enrich my life and to broaden my experience, and this trainee position seemed like the perfect fit. As soon as I started, I got a very warm welcome from my supervisor and the whole board which definitely helped settling in. I am not going to lie, it has been challenging at times since I am doing this internship remotely and since I am the first one to do so, but as challenging as it has been it has been twice as rewarding as well! It is a great way to actually practice what I have studied in real life with everything from English, marketing, business and organizational areas.
What does a typical day as a trainee look like?
Well, having done this internship remotely, I would say that my days look pretty much the same as they do when I am “just” studying. I have two meetings per week with my supervisor and between these meetings I work with whatever tasks there are to do. I have some tasks that run for a longer period of time and some tasks that are more ad-hoc. Some days I work with more permanent tasks such as the website or our regulatory documents, and other days I work with an upcoming event or coordinating our social media accounts.
What advice would you give to future interns?
Always ask questions and always dare to think outside the box! I have found that my ideas have been valued which has made me more confident along the way. I find that there is a great freedom within every task as we, as interns, are handed a lot of responsibility. It might seem scary for some, but I believe that it is what makes us grow.
Thank you for your time, Isabelle. Anything you would like to add?
If you’re thinking about applying for this internship – do it! It is a great way to learn more about international organizations, marketing and day-to-day business. It is also a great way to challenge yourself and a great chance to use your theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.
Tobias Hermansson
Tobias was SACC-CO’s first trainee back in August 2016 to January 2017. He later became a Member of the Board of Directors, between the period of February 2018 to November 2020.
Want to know more about Tobias? Connect on LinkedIn!
Why did you apply for this internship, and what were your first impressions about our chamber?
I applied for the internship at SACC-Colorado because I thought the tasks sounded varying and because I wanted to learn more about trade and commerce. I also saw it as a great experience to be able to live in the U.S. and to learn more about the culture. My first impressions were really good. I quickly got to learn how to work with different programs and tools, which has really broaden my knowledge. I would also like to say that the reception and support I received from my supervisor and the rest of the board when I got here was very good. It really helped me settle in.
Can you describe what a normal day looks like at the chamber?
I wouldn’t say that any day is “normal”, which is something I really enjoy because it means I get to work with a lot of different areas of the organization. One day I might work with ideas for the website, and the next day I can be coordinating an event. This is something I would really like to emphasize to future interns, because it gives you experiences in different fields and helps you understand how they interact with each other.
What advice would you give to future interns?
I would definitely advise them to be prepared to work a lot on their own. Being a non-profit organization means that everyone involved works as volunteers, while having regular jobs. This means that you, as an intern, can’t expect your supervisors to be on call 24 hours a day. I truly see this as a positive though, because in my case it has helped me become more independent.
Thank you for your time, Tobias. Any final words?
I would only like to say that if you get the opportunity to work here as an intern, you should definitely take it! I have learned a lot on a practical level, which is great because that was one of my main reasons for doing an internship. I’ve also loved living in Denver. The people here are very friendly, and the city itself is booming right know, with exciting things happening left, right and center. It has been a great experience and I return to Sweden wanting to come back one day.
Do you want to become our new intern or trainee? See available positions here!