Written by Nana
30 May 2024
Curious about how remote internships work in Sweden? How do students balance their studies with an internship from home? Well, you’re in luck! I had a chat with Chris, a fellow digital ambassador for Study in Sweden, who’s doing just that. Here’s the inside scoop on his experience.
👋 Hi, Chris! What are you studying in Sweden? And please tell us about your remote internship!
Hi Nana! I’m studying a Bachelor’s in Marketing Management and I’m now entering my second year. Apart from university, I’m currently doing a digital marketing internship at a multinational higher education marketing agency.
💻 How’s the scope of work and how many hours? Is it hard to juggle it with your studies?
The workload fluctuates. Sometimes we have busy periods with event promotions, but other weeks are more relaxed with tasks like preparing materials or administrative work. My part-time contract is for 20 hours per week, and I can set my own hours. However, sticking to my set hours is tricky because most meetings are in the morning when I might have class. But overall, it’s manageable. My manager and coworkers are respectful of my university commitments.
🗂️ Why did you want to do an internship? Is it mandatory for your program?
My (uni) program offers an optional internship term in the 3rd year, where I can study abroad, do an internship plus elective courses, or just take electives. I chose to start earlier because I wanted to use my free time productively – to learn new skills, prepare for the Swedish job market, and network. Finding a part-time, remote job was tough, but when I found this internship opportunity, I immediately jumped at it!
👨💻 Why did you choose a remote internship?
I applied for both in-person and remote internships, but remote was the best choice for me. I can work from campus, home, or even the company’s offices in Stockholm if I’m there! This means that I don’t have to stress about my schedule or commutes – I just open my laptop and start working. Of course, in-person is great if you don’t have any other responsibilities since you can connect more with your colleagues, but remote work fits my schedule perfectly.
🎢 What do you like and dislike about your remote internship?
I love the flexibility, but also the fact that I always feel like a part of the team, even if I’m not physically there! I was shocked to find out that many of my Stockholm-based colleagues rarely go to the office since the company has a flexible working model. What’s potentially not so good is that I don’t talk with them as much since we don’t see each other in the office. I’d love to connect with them more!
👯 Is it common in Sweden to have a remote internship? Do your friends also do it?
Yes, it’s quite common! Some of my friends in their final year and even peers in my semester have started remote internships. It’s a great way to explore opportunities, especially if you don’t live in a big city like Stockholm.
🏆 Do you recommend a remote internship? Any tips for those seeking one?
Absolutely! It’s an amazing learning experience, even though it might take a moment to get used to all the different software you might need. For those looking, check out LinkedIn (set your location to Sweden), Google, and your university’s job board. Sweden is slowly but surely understanding the importance of internships and there are many opportunities available in all types of industries.
Wrapping up my chat with Chris, one thing’s clear: remote internships are a win-win for students in terms of working experience and flexibility. Here, Chris’ story shows that with a bit of curiosity and determination, your study experience can become an exciting adventure. So, if you’re thinking about a remote internship, just dive in, explore, and see where it takes you. Who knows? Your remote internship might be just around the corner! 💫
