1. Who are you?

My name is Erika Kangas. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences last spring, and I am currently a Master’s degree student at the University of Lapland. I am originally from Vaasa, but I have lived north of Oulu for about six years now. The years I have spent near the Arctic Circle have given me a calm and positive attitude to life.

2. What does your job involve?

My job has included a wide variety of tasks. No two work days at the Secretariat really are the same, which brings nice variety to every day. My basic work tasks include secretarial work at certain unit meetings and, to a lesser degree, producing content for the Secretariat’s social media channels. All kinds of support related tasks often find their way onto my desk, too. For example, information collection tasks concerning a wide variety of topics may come up, as well as preparatory work for different workshops.

3. How did you come to work as a trainee at the Ministry of Defence?

I have long been interested in Finland’s security and how it is promoted. I completed military service right after graduating from upper secondary school, and during my later studies I have become more and more familiar with how Finland’s security is implemented, especially from the perspective of national security. Because of this, the Security Committee as a permanent cooperation body for comprehensive security, and the Security Strategy for Society attracted my interest in this traineeship.

4. What has been the best thing about your traineeship? 

During my time as a trainee, I have had the opportunity to have discussions with top experts about a wide range of topics that interest me most. In a small ministry, interaction and cooperation between units functions smoothly, and I have been able to experience it first-hand. Through my own work tasks, I have learned a lot about, for example, themes relating to preparedness at the regional and local level. With its broad field of responsibilities, the Security Committee is able to offer a fantastic vantage point to the trainee.

The current situation has naturally influenced my traineeship in many ways. The change in our security environment has been significant and has brought totally new perspectives to my traineeship experience, too. In many ways, my traineeship this spring at the Secretariat of the Security Committee has been memorable, even though at times there have been some quite bleak news and changes.

5. Describe your work community in a few words

The Secretariat has been a very welcoming work community right from the start. As a trainee, I really feel like a part of the team here!

6. What are your plans after the traineeship?

This traineeship has opened my eyes to the extent in which it is possible to work in the field of security, and for example, within the framework of comprehensive security. I feel that this new awareness has opened up new directions and prospects for me. What is certain is that I hope to continue working with security related topics also in the future. But first I need to finish my master’s thesis!