Who are you and what do you do at SEK?
Nanako: I’m Nanako Ueda and I’m the Graphic Design Trainee in the team of Erkelenz.
Ivana: I’m Ivana Bratovanova and I’m the Copywriter Trainee in the Knuus department.
Camila: I’m Camila Ardila and I’m the Motion Graphic Design Trainee.
Apeksha: I’m Apeksha Ravi Kumar and I’m the Project Manager Trainee.
Sigfrida: I’m Sigfrida Moilanen and I’m the Content Creator Trainee.
What has been your first impression of SEK?
Nanako: The people here were very energetic and creative. I feel like people also trust each other and even though I’m still a trainee they give me responsibility.
Ivana: Everyone was very welcoming, and they were interested in us. I think that reciprocated in us being very interested in SEK and wanting to learn.
Camila: I was impressed about the collaborative nature, not only between trainee-mentor, but also within the teams. We have frequent meetings where we share what we are doing, and if there is something we need help with. I’m very happy that it has been so hands-on since the beginning.
Apeksha: The kick-off on the very first day was quite overwhelming but in the best way possible. Everything talked about was so cool, and I felt very excited to be here. Everybody around genuinely wants you to learn and succeed, and that is really nice.
Sigfrida: The first impression was surreal. I was inspired by all the work they presented and the iconic brands they were working with. It was also a positive surprise how detailed and structured the trainee program was built.
What do you hope to learn during the trainee program?
Ivana: I hope to feel like I am part of the industry and part of SEK. That includes also being able to understand the language of the industry. I want to be a valuable person to SEK with a unique selling point. In general, I hope that I can absorb everything they teach us here.
Camila: I want to learn as much as possible, not only about those things related to my role, but also about others. I want to learn by doing and hope to gain hands-on practice across different projects.
Nanako: I want to be ready to start my career in the Finnish creative industry.
Apeksha: I don’t come from a creative background at all, so this is all new. It would be nice to successfully learn the skills for project management in this industry. This way I get to pursue a career in something I want to do.
Sigfrida: As the other trainees said, I hope to learn as much as I can. In my role I hope to learn about building social media strategies, influencer marketing, analytics tools etc. Overall, I want to understand the different roles here at SEK better and find out my strengths in the industry.
What inspires you and what do you like to do on your free time?
Ivana: I feel like I like to do many things. What I find very inspiring is people overall. Any social activity and conversation can spark that inspiration and help you with something you are working on. Nature is also something that connects you to the essence of everything and helps you concentrate.
Nanako: I am a full-time mother working and studying, so I don’t have much free time. One hobby that I do have is an Instagram page called “Ramen poliisi” where I find good ramen places. Daily life and being a mother is something that inspires me. After giving birth my mind really changed, and I started to see the world differently. It made me think on how I can contribute to this world to make it a better place for the next generation.
Camila: I agree with Ivana, being around so many talented people is inspiring. Also going outside of your own bubble and touching other areas that are unknown to you is eye opening. I like being active. In my free time I ride my bike, exercise and dance salsa as part of Aalto Salsa Society. It makes me feel like I’ve found a bit of Colombia here in Finland.
Apeksha: Cooking really calms me and that is something I like to do on my free time. It’s either cooking or baking something new. I don’t like following recipes that much, instead I go with my instinct, and it usually turns out good. When it comes to what inspires me, I feel that I don’t have one answer. It’s different people, different moments and different places. So, for me it’s more situational and it depends on the day.
Sigfrida: For me, a big inspiration is pop culture. Music videos, series, movies, books or social media phenomena – all of these usually spark an emotion or give me something to think about. In my free time I love dancing, seeing my friends and painting.