1. Who are you?

I’m Kati Makkonen, a recent Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Master’s degree student of politics and communications at the University of Helsinki. My roots are in South Karelia, which is still visible in my dialect and easy-going nature.

2. What does your job involve?

My job description includes media and social media monitoring, drawing up social media publications and press releases, as well as photography. I also do secretarial tasks if necessary and take care of all kinds of routine tasks. As a trainee, I’ve been able to focus my tasks along my own competence and interests.

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

I have been interested in security since upper secondary school, and this interest was further deepened by my military service. In my studies I have focused on security themes, and especially the military aspect. I have previously completed both studies and a traineeship at the National Defence University. Given this past experience, the Ministry of Defence was a natural next step on this administrative branch.

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

At the Media and Communications Unit, I have come across a wide range of topics within the administrative branch. For example, I have familiarised myself with a variety of tasks from the Strategic Compass to procurement of materiel. A definite advantage of working at a small ministry is that the work tasks are very diverse and, as a trainee, I’ve been able to take on responsibilities. It has been great to see how a trainee’s views are heard and how my input is valued.

The current situation has further underlined the importance of the defence administration, and as unpleasant as the situation has been, I have been able to observe and take part in communication relating to the current security policy situation. I could not have imagined that this spring at the Ministry of Defence would be so busy.

5. Describe your work community in a few words

Although the work related topics are often serious, the work community is not. Everyone focuses on their tasks with due diligence, but without losing their good humour.

6. What are your plans after the traineeship?

Through the traineeship I have realised that I would like to continue working with defence and national security in the future, too. In fact, I have applied for jobs related to the field. Although I am feeling very enthusiastic about work, it is important to also focus on finishing my studies. Fortunately I don’t have too much left to go!