Co-workers’ support and varied tasks were the highlights of Hanna’s internship

I attend the Master’s Programme in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability at the University of Helsinki. My studies focus on urban ecology and chemical pollution.

I am a university intern at the Environmental Protection Unit. 

My tasks are varied. I have taken part in environmental inspections together with inspectors. I have prepared inspection reports and taken care of tasks related to waste management and littering based on residents’ notifications. For example, if residents inform us of car tyres or paint cans in a ditch, we make sure that these problems are dealt with.

I have also taken part in a project that focuses on inspecting car repair shops. Our unit’s aim is to inspect 30 repair shops and give their staff advice on the Waste Act and the disposal of hazardous waste. I have also gained experience in communications and learned to use different communication tools. For example, I have published a page and a news article on car repair shops on the city website.

I have learned a lot about the practical application of legislation, particularly the Waste Act, and Espoo’s environmental protection regulations. My problem-solving skills have improved, and I have been given enough responsibilities and freedom. Through the car repair shop project, I have learned about project management and different applications, like the geographic information system Trimble Locus.

My minor subject, chemical pollution, has been very useful, as the advice given to staff at car repair shops is often related to the handling of waste oil and chemicals. I have been able to put my knowledge into practice and learn many things that I would not learn at university.

The best part is definitely the people. All my co-workers are great and always there to support and help me. We have many smart experts here to discuss things with, which has been very rewarding for me as an intern.

Inspection visits have been interesting. For example, I have visited horse stables where we check how manure is stored and how waste management is organised. I have had a chance to visit many types of places. And it is a nice bonus that I get to pat horses during a workday.

We visited Lintuvaara, where I spotted many unusual street names related to birds, like Siipi, Sulka and Tikankolo. In a nearby area, many streets have been named after mushrooms. I would also choose a name related to nature or animals, perhaps Telkänpönttö (Goldeneye Nest Box).