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As Milla and Oscar conclude their internships with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Washington, D.C., we would like to thank them for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to the Chamber over the past year.
As they prepare for the next chapter of their careers, we asked them to reflect on their experiences, the skills they developed, and the lessons they learned during their time with the Chamber.
First Impressions and the First Few Weeks:
Milla
My first few weeks at SACC-DC were both exciting and intimidating. One of the very first events I worked on was the annual Crayfish Party, which required extensive coordination with both the Board and the Volvo Cars team. It was a completely new experience for me, especially with Volvo Cars bringing a large group of employees to the event. While it was a lot of work, it was also incredibly rewarding and a great introduction to the organization.
The beginning of my internship was somewhat unusual because we were transitioning between Executive Directors. As a result, we had to be proactive and find our own way forward during the first few weeks, which taught me independence and adaptability from day one.
Oscar
My first impression was how exciting it was to be in Washington, D.C. The networking opportunities were incredible from the start. Events such as the Crayfish Party gave me the chance to meet executives and professionals from a wide range of industries while also learning how skilled Americans are at networking and relationship-building. I also enjoyed becoming part of the Young Professionals network in D.C. Meeting people from embassies, international organizations, and companies from around the world made the city feel incredibly diverse and multicultural.
Main Responsibilities During the Internship:
Milla
A large part of my role involved planning and executing events, ranging from flagship events such as the Crayfish Party and the Lucia Gala to smaller Young Professionals events and webinars. My responsibilities covered every stage of the process, including marketing, social media, event logistics, member communication, and on-site event coordination. I was also responsible for maintaining contact with members and Board members, as well as creating and distributing the monthly newsletter.
The most valuable aspect of the internship has been the network I have built. The Board members have been incredibly supportive throughout my experience, and I have also developed strong relationships with fellow interns across the SACC network.
Oscar
My primary responsibilities focused on accounting, budgeting, and financial administration. I worked on event budgets, prepared financial reports, and maintained the organization's financial records.I worked closely with our Treasurer, Marcus Larsson, who was an excellent mentor and source of support throughout my internship. I also assisted with administrative tasks, events and project management.
How Has This Experience Benefited Your Future Career?
Milla
This internship gave me exposure to the corporate and professional landscape in Washington, D.C., and introduced me to industries and career paths that I had never previously considered.
Most importantly, it connected me with my current employer and opened doors that would not have been possible otherwise. Looking back, the experience has been invaluable for both my professional and personal development.
Oscar
The internship provided me with valuable practical experience, particularly in finance and accounting. It also strengthened my networking and communication skills.
The financial responsibilities I managed at SACC will be highly relevant as I return to Sweden to begin my career in mergers and acquisitions at PwC.
What Was the Biggest Challenge?
Milla
One of the biggest challenges was becoming comfortable communicating with senior executives and industry leaders. As an intern with limited professional experience, it could sometimes feel intimidating to work alongside people with decades of experience.
However, I quickly learned that most people genuinely want to help you succeed and are willing to share their knowledge and advice.
Oscar
For me, the biggest challenge was learning QuickBooks and becoming familiar with preparing financial reports. There was certainly a learning curve, but it was a valuable opportunity to develop practical accounting skills.
What Advice Would You Give Future Interns?
Milla & Oscar
Don't be afraid to reach out to people within the SACC network. One of the most surprising aspects of our experience was how willing people were to help. Whether it was executives, Board members, alumni, or members of the broader SACC community, people were happy to take time out of their day to offer guidance, answer questions, and share their experiences. Take advantage of those opportunities.
How Is Living in Washington, D.C.?
Milla
Living in Washington, D.C. has been a very positive surprise. I initially moved here because of my interest in global politics, but the city offers so much more than that. It is a beautiful city with endless events, activities, and cultural experiences. There is always something happening, whether during the day or at night. Another major advantage is the proximity to a wide variety of destinations. During my time here, I had the opportunity to stay in cabins in West Virginia, attend a rodeo in Virginia, and spend a weekend at the beaches of the Outer Banks.
Oscar
Washington, D.C. offers the perfect balance between a vibrant city and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The city's walkability gives it a distinctly European feel, while still offering the scale and opportunities of a major American city. The museums, waterfront activities, restaurants, and cultural events make it an exciting place to live. Another major advantage of the East Coast is how accessible everything is. Cities and states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia are all within easy reach, making travel and exploration incredibly convenient.
We wish both Milla and Oscar the very best in their future endeavors and look forward to following their continued success!
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