Author: Helmi Lilleberg

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Internship at Global Campus team

At the end of the year 2023 Global Campus team was looking for an intern to work with Serendip – I took my chance and applied. I started at the end of January and now my internship is coming to an end.

I am currently studying in the Forest Science Masters programme at the University of Helsinki and I have done my master’s courses at the same time with this part-time internship. I have a bachelor’s degree in Forest Sciences (forest ecology and management), which has given me a solid background to work with the first episode of Serendip which is Boreal Forest.

My four-month internship has been interesting and educational. For me this was the first time to work as a forest expert in so-called knowledge work and to work in an international team, using English as working language. My colleagues have been supportive all the way and it has been fun to work together.

This internship has well supported my development as a future forest expert as I have been able to do different types of tasks from participating in meetings with other experts and working as part of the team as well as working independently with the scientific content of the Boreal Forest episode. I also got to establish a new work contact and collaboration.

One of my favorite things during my internship was our team trip to Hyytiälä Forest Station. I got to be part of the planning of this trip and I led an introductory tour in the forest, presenting some of the research done at the station. During this outdoor activity, I also got to teach GC team members how to use relascope for measuring, which has now been photographed by our team leader Ulla.

It feels good that through Serendip, not only our team members but other people from different fields will get the chance to learn more about boreal forests and sustainability. I am thankful for this opportunity to do an internship in this multicultural team.

Best, Helmi Lilleberg

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GLOBAL CAMPUS GOES TO FUTURE CAMP! 

A Future camp was arranged at Hyytiälä Forest Station at the end of April as part of PUUSTAUS project, which brings together key stakeholders in the forestry sector and education network. Building a sustainable future, particularly in forestry field, requires open minded innovative thinking. Therefore, the aim of the camp was to strengthen students’ futures thinking skills and to provide a platform for networking. Themes such as foresight in the forest sector, future studies and the factors of change were discussed. Additionally, activities to foster interpersonal communication and entrepreneurial skills were implemented.  

The camp was a perfect occasion to test the latest version of the Boreal Forest episode of Serendip. The participants, all of whom had expertise in the forestry field, were able to explore the Serendip environment in a dedicated testing session during the first day of the camp. Useful feedback and fruitful ideas were collected, and interesting conversations and interactions continued throughout the camp.  

Overall, the camp was a great opportunity to receive external feedback, while also reflecting on the future of the boreal forest and its implications for society and the economy at large. It also provided a space to reflect on forestry education and on how it can be reimagined and innovated, all while being immersed in the ideal setting: the Finnish boreal forest. This included engaging in traditional Finnish activities, such as staying at the kota and having a relaxing sauna.  

Helmi and Letizia