“You rarely get such a close view of how decisions are communicated”

 

Neea Hassinen worked as a communications intern at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, where she developed online communications and contributed to current affairs communications. Her work placement offered responsibility, learning and a concrete view of how decision-making is communicated openly and clearly.

I worked as an intern in the Communications Unit, where my tasks mainly focused on developing the ministry’s website and improving accessibility. I was also closely involved in planning and producing online communications.

My day‑to‑day work included media and social media monitoring, current affairs communications, measuring communications outcomes and planning social media content. I also took part in team meetings and attended several inspiring events, such as the ValtioExpo central government trade fair, a visit to the communications unit at Kela, the Social Insurance Institution, and the Social Security Dialogues seminar at Parliament’s Pikkuparlamentti building.

I am studying in the Master’s Programme in Politics and Communication at the University of Helsinki, majoring in political and organisational research. I completed my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Jyväskylä, with Political Science as my major.

My background is in customer service and teaching, and I played football for several years in the top women’s league. This mix of work experience and sport has shaped my ability to perform under pressure and work as part of a team. These skills have been hugely valuable in government communications as well.

I applied to the ministry because I wanted to understand how policy and decisions are made, and how they are communicated openly and clearly. My interest in communications in an influential setting, the opportunity to work with the media and political leadership, and a positive recruitment experience ultimately made the choice easy.

The best thing about the internship has been the open and supportive atmosphere. I felt part of the team from day one and was given real responsibility, which strengthened both my confidence and my professional skills.

An unforgettable moment? Following a press briefing at the Government Palace. You rarely get such a close view of how major decisions are communicated.

If you are considering an internship at the ministry, I can warmly recommend it. You get to do real work as part of a skilled and welcoming team.

Neea Hassinen
Communications intern