Marcela Díaz: What my internship at Sivista taught me about communication and growth

When I joined Finnish Education Employers (Sivista) back in September of 2025, my goal was clear: to learn more about the Finnish education system and gain experience in implementing communication strategies in English. However, this internship exceeded my expectations. I not only got technical knowledge but also discovered the value of collaboration and creativity within the Finnish working environment. 

During my internship I participated in various activities that supported my learning in multiple areas. I learned about creating video content for social media and wrote articles in English based on interviews and member visits. These tasks helped me refine my language skills and adapt messages for different audiences to promote the internationalisation of Finnish education. This gave me a broader perspective on how communication can connect cultures and open opportunities. 

One of my greatest lessons was understanding the importance of clarity and empathy in every message in the interviews I conducted and filmed. Working on this project with international staff and students taught me that communication is not just about informing, it’s about inspiring and building trust. Overcoming the challenge of creating engaging content in a language that is not my own was an enriching experience that strengthened my professional confidence. 

Wrapping it up 

I can say with certainty that fear is something we create; real growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone. Yet, there is comfort in knowing you are building your path in a country where you don’t speak the language and where no one knows you. 

This internship showed me that communication is a powerful tool for building bridges between people and institutions. I deeply thank Sivista, its team, and everyone I met through its platform. I now feel more prepared to face new challenges and continue growing in the field of international communications.