Are you our new Management Associate in Business Development and Marketing?
An internship with FACC San Diego represents an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge about international business while expanding one’s personal network. At FACC San Diego the interns cooperate closely with the Board of Directors and at the same time they are the executors of the Chamber’s initiatives, projects, events and most operational activities, as well as contributing to the overall success and effectiveness of FACC. The interns truly have an important role as the voice and face of FACC San Diego.
What we offer:
Your main tasks:
What we hope from you:
Compensation:
We have a special internship program through FinnCham, where students from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences may be eligible for a student grant worth of 1.500 euros per month for the duration of the internship. The grant is paid by the University from the Helsinki Regional Chamber of Commerce's trust. You must pay your own J-1 visa. Additionally, FACC SD will reimburse all the local business related costs.
FACC is a non-profit organization with all volunteer staff, the position is an unpaid internship with the purpose of international experience, learning opportunities, and professional real world education. If you are enrolled in a Finnish university, you are eligible to apply for student support and loan from the Finnish government, if you include the internship in your studies.
- Excellent learning opportunities in international business.
- Personal and corporate networking opportunities.
- Economic and trade experience in the technology, life science and cleantech rich areas of Southern California (and Scandinavia).
- Possibility to choose a part of your tasks according to your own interests.
- Flexible hours.
- Support and mentoring from experienced international business and marketing professionals.
Your main tasks:
- Promotion, organization, and development of FACC’s major projects, such as the Green technology event.
- Managing FACC’s social media, website, newsletters, events, and other marketing and communications efforts.
What we hope from you:
- Education in Business Administration, Marketing or Media and Communication.
- Business mindedness, solution orientation, and eagerness to learn.
- Outgoing personality and strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
- Fluency in both oral and written English (Finnish is a plus).
- Current enrollment or recent graduation from a university program.
- Must apply for a J-1 Visa, or must live in the US.
Compensation:
We have a special internship program through FinnCham, where students from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences may be eligible for a student grant worth of 1.500 euros per month for the duration of the internship. The grant is paid by the University from the Helsinki Regional Chamber of Commerce's trust. You must pay your own J-1 visa. Additionally, FACC SD will reimburse all the local business related costs.
FACC is a non-profit organization with all volunteer staff, the position is an unpaid internship with the purpose of international experience, learning opportunities, and professional real world education. If you are enrolled in a Finnish university, you are eligible to apply for student support and loan from the Finnish government, if you include the internship in your studies.
If you recognize yourself, apply now for the spring 2023 internship!
Article about the Internship
Previous internship stories
Noora Tuomisto
Management Associate, Marketing and Business Development
Noora Tuomisto started her 6 months internship at FACC in February 2022. Due to Covid-19 pandemic we didn't have any interns for two years and Noora’s main responsibility was to restart our operations again.
She is studying business at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and her major is Global Markets and Trade. Noora saw this internship as an opportunity to get practical experience of global business and challenge herself in a new environment.
Her main tasks were managing our newsletter, social media and organize events. Great performance during the internship leaded to a full-time job here in San Diego as a Marketing Director in one of our partner companies. Noora will also continue with FACC San Diego as a Board Member and advisor for the future interns.
“This internship allowed me to grow professionally and as an individual. I had the privilege to learn from the other professionals of the field, but at the same time I got to work fully independently and execute my own vision. I loved the flexible working hours that FACC provided, because I was also able to explore California in my free time. Honestly, I enjoyed so much that the 6 months wasn’t enough for me and that is why I decided to stay.”
She is studying business at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and her major is Global Markets and Trade. Noora saw this internship as an opportunity to get practical experience of global business and challenge herself in a new environment.
Her main tasks were managing our newsletter, social media and organize events. Great performance during the internship leaded to a full-time job here in San Diego as a Marketing Director in one of our partner companies. Noora will also continue with FACC San Diego as a Board Member and advisor for the future interns.
“This internship allowed me to grow professionally and as an individual. I had the privilege to learn from the other professionals of the field, but at the same time I got to work fully independently and execute my own vision. I loved the flexible working hours that FACC provided, because I was also able to explore California in my free time. Honestly, I enjoyed so much that the 6 months wasn’t enough for me and that is why I decided to stay.”
Tuula Ryhänen
Management Associate, Finance and Business Development
Tuula Ryhänen made her two month`s work rotation period at FACC. She is a marketing professor at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki. The work rotation period helps teaching staff to update and develop their workplace skills in the chosen field. Tuula teaches marketing, supervises graduate students, cooperates with Haaga-Helia´s partner universities abroad and works together with the students on client projects.
I have enjoyed working here at FACC. It has been a great experience to see how a non-profit organization operate. I have met many interesting people and learned a lot. I am enthusiastic to share my San Diego experience with counterparts and my students.
I encourage my and other students to make their internship here at FACC. It is a valuable practice in many ways: You learn practical skills in marketing, and business, have possibility to experience the Californian lifestyle, practice your English skills, make new friends and networking opportunities, etc. It is also good to remember, that international internships are increasingly valued by employers.
I have enjoyed working here at FACC. It has been a great experience to see how a non-profit organization operate. I have met many interesting people and learned a lot. I am enthusiastic to share my San Diego experience with counterparts and my students.
I encourage my and other students to make their internship here at FACC. It is a valuable practice in many ways: You learn practical skills in marketing, and business, have possibility to experience the Californian lifestyle, practice your English skills, make new friends and networking opportunities, etc. It is also good to remember, that international internships are increasingly valued by employers.
Santeri Majaniemi
Management Associate, Marketing and Business Development
Santeri was an exchange student in San Diego State University in fall 2018 and he fell in love with the city. When he heard about the opportunity to gain valuable practical skills in marketing and business development in FACC, he was completely sold and had no other option than to move back to San Diego. Working around Cleantech and Smart city projects are fascinating and close to his personal values.
Santeri is currently a Marketing Management student in University of Vaasa and writing his Master's thesis about Californian businesses. Before starting his Master's in Vaasa, he studied Bachelor's degree in Marketing in Tallinn University of Technology.
Santeri spends free time surfing and skateboarding. San Diego has excellent facilities to pursue both of these hobbies alongside the internship.
Santeri is currently a Marketing Management student in University of Vaasa and writing his Master's thesis about Californian businesses. Before starting his Master's in Vaasa, he studied Bachelor's degree in Marketing in Tallinn University of Technology.
Santeri spends free time surfing and skateboarding. San Diego has excellent facilities to pursue both of these hobbies alongside the internship.
Ashley Liman
Management Associate, Finance and Business Development
Ashley Liman represents the seventh round of interns at FACC. Ashley is an undergraduate economics student at San Diego State University. Before interning at FACC, Ashley had previous experience as a marketing intern at Indonesia and a Business Development Intern in Singapore. She currently works as a management associate, finance and business development for FACC.
“FACC has taught me to think out of the box and be a go-getter, as interns are the future for this non-profit organization, there is alot of opportunities that were presented to me. I’ve learned so much working for FACC, from handling invoices and financial reports to business development and project management. It’s heartwarming to work for an organization that has such amazing people and values” - Ashley
“FACC has taught me to think out of the box and be a go-getter, as interns are the future for this non-profit organization, there is alot of opportunities that were presented to me. I’ve learned so much working for FACC, from handling invoices and financial reports to business development and project management. It’s heartwarming to work for an organization that has such amazing people and values” - Ashley
Marianne Mannila
Management Associate, Marketing and Business Development
Marianne represents the sixth round of Interns at the FACC San Diego Chapter. Marianne is a Master's student at the University of Turku. She is majoring in economic sociology and minoring in marketing and business competence. Marianne has done two university exchanges, both in Mexico and in Brazil. Before coming to San Diego, Marianne was working in an advertising agency in the strategy department. She has also experience in event organizing and sales.
In her spare time, Marianne loves to travel and do sports, especially soccer. Marianne is very excited about the internship opportunity in San Diego. During the internship, Marianne hopes to learn more about the Californian business life and develop her skills in marketing and communications.
In her spare time, Marianne loves to travel and do sports, especially soccer. Marianne is very excited about the internship opportunity in San Diego. During the internship, Marianne hopes to learn more about the Californian business life and develop her skills in marketing and communications.
Maija Tunturi
Management Associate, Marketing and Business Development
1. What was your assignment and when were you an intern at FACC SD?
I was an intern at FACC SD from December 2017 to May 2018. I worked as Management Associate within Marketing and Business Development. My tasks included creating content for FACC SD's monthly newsletter and for the chamber's many different social media platforms including Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Planning and organizing events was also one of the main responsibilities as an intern.
2. What do you do today?
Currently, I work as a Consultant at EY in a team called Financial Accounting Advisory Services. In the team, I have focused on finance and business process enhancement projects. These type of process related projects are focused on solving our clients' process related challenges, for example assessing controls and risks in their processes and identifying what possibilities they have for robotization and automation.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC SD?
As an intern at FACC SD, I learned many valuable skills and lessons: the ability to take on new challenges, the importance of teaming and team effort, and I learned a lot about the American business environment and business-to-business relationships. I learned also many hands on technical marketing skills: how to create content for marketing purposes and how to use different marketing tools.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I would recommend applying for an internship at FACC for various reasons. Firstly, it is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, live abroad and learn a lot about new culture and a way of living. Secondly, the internship at FACC SD, gives you the opportunity to run the day-to-day business of a non-profit organization. You are able to choose projects and manage them from the beginning to the end. While doing that, you get support from the experienced and encouraging board that they have at the chamber. And last but not least, the chamber shares their office space with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, so it presents you with an opportunity to practice your Swedish skills. ;)
I was an intern at FACC SD from December 2017 to May 2018. I worked as Management Associate within Marketing and Business Development. My tasks included creating content for FACC SD's monthly newsletter and for the chamber's many different social media platforms including Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Planning and organizing events was also one of the main responsibilities as an intern.
2. What do you do today?
Currently, I work as a Consultant at EY in a team called Financial Accounting Advisory Services. In the team, I have focused on finance and business process enhancement projects. These type of process related projects are focused on solving our clients' process related challenges, for example assessing controls and risks in their processes and identifying what possibilities they have for robotization and automation.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC SD?
As an intern at FACC SD, I learned many valuable skills and lessons: the ability to take on new challenges, the importance of teaming and team effort, and I learned a lot about the American business environment and business-to-business relationships. I learned also many hands on technical marketing skills: how to create content for marketing purposes and how to use different marketing tools.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I would recommend applying for an internship at FACC for various reasons. Firstly, it is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, live abroad and learn a lot about new culture and a way of living. Secondly, the internship at FACC SD, gives you the opportunity to run the day-to-day business of a non-profit organization. You are able to choose projects and manage them from the beginning to the end. While doing that, you get support from the experienced and encouraging board that they have at the chamber. And last but not least, the chamber shares their office space with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, so it presents you with an opportunity to practice your Swedish skills. ;)
Maria Merilä
1. What was your assignment and when were you an intern at FACC SD?
At FACC SD, I was a Management Associate in Finance and Operations. My internship at FACC SD lasted six months from September 2017 to March 2018.
2. What do you do today?
I am currently finishing my Master's studies in International Marketing and Finance. At the same time, I am working as a Controller in Turku. I got the job during my internship and started working shortly after I got home from sunny California.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC SD?
I learned a lot during the internship. I got to do a lot of interesting tasks, everything from marketing to event organizing and financial assignments. In addition to all the knowledge I gained from FACC I also learned a lot about the American culture and business world.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
You really get to be inventive and creative which I really liked. You will also gain a huge amount of knowledge about the international business world. Besides all of this, you get to live six months in California, where you have the chance to travel and explore America and at the same time you will meet a lot of amazing people.
At FACC SD, I was a Management Associate in Finance and Operations. My internship at FACC SD lasted six months from September 2017 to March 2018.
2. What do you do today?
I am currently finishing my Master's studies in International Marketing and Finance. At the same time, I am working as a Controller in Turku. I got the job during my internship and started working shortly after I got home from sunny California.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC SD?
I learned a lot during the internship. I got to do a lot of interesting tasks, everything from marketing to event organizing and financial assignments. In addition to all the knowledge I gained from FACC I also learned a lot about the American culture and business world.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
You really get to be inventive and creative which I really liked. You will also gain a huge amount of knowledge about the international business world. Besides all of this, you get to live six months in California, where you have the chance to travel and explore America and at the same time you will meet a lot of amazing people.
Julia Rissanen
1. What was your assignment and when were you an intern at FACC?
My title at FACC was Management Associate, Business Development & Marketing but actually I was doing everything from event planning to budgeting and marketing. I was really lucky because I got two really interesting projects that I was focusing on: Finland Centennial Independence Celebration and Green Connections. I was doing the internship from June to December 2017.
2. What do you do today?
After I came back to Finland I started to plan my graduation ceremony. I finalized my master thesis in San Diego and graduated as a Master of Business Administration and Economics. Then I started to look for a job - and found one amazingly pretty fast. I started as Marketing Trainee at Goodio a few weeks ago. My responsibilities at Goodio include social media and PR but I will also get to do sales in the US. So maybe I'll be back in San Diego one day.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
I learnt a lot as an intern at FACC. I learnt how to manage two projects simultaneously and also a lot about American business environment. I also learnt about event planning, event coordination, teamwork, budgeting and marketing. I also got amazing mentoring from our board members.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I would recommend this opportunity for everyone who wants to grow not only as an employee but also as a person. You will get a lot of valuable contacts, business advices and experience of international business. You will also get more time to think what you want to obtain in your career while enjoying the sunny weather in Southern California! And the best is, you will have a chance to explore the world's best yoga studios and surfing beaches.
My title at FACC was Management Associate, Business Development & Marketing but actually I was doing everything from event planning to budgeting and marketing. I was really lucky because I got two really interesting projects that I was focusing on: Finland Centennial Independence Celebration and Green Connections. I was doing the internship from June to December 2017.
2. What do you do today?
After I came back to Finland I started to plan my graduation ceremony. I finalized my master thesis in San Diego and graduated as a Master of Business Administration and Economics. Then I started to look for a job - and found one amazingly pretty fast. I started as Marketing Trainee at Goodio a few weeks ago. My responsibilities at Goodio include social media and PR but I will also get to do sales in the US. So maybe I'll be back in San Diego one day.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
I learnt a lot as an intern at FACC. I learnt how to manage two projects simultaneously and also a lot about American business environment. I also learnt about event planning, event coordination, teamwork, budgeting and marketing. I also got amazing mentoring from our board members.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I would recommend this opportunity for everyone who wants to grow not only as an employee but also as a person. You will get a lot of valuable contacts, business advices and experience of international business. You will also get more time to think what you want to obtain in your career while enjoying the sunny weather in Southern California! And the best is, you will have a chance to explore the world's best yoga studios and surfing beaches.
Otto Vainio
1. What was your assignment and when were you an intern at FACC?
Management Associate, Business Development
December 2016 - June 2017
2. What do you do today?
Currently, Otto is in Finland, finishing his Master's degree and writing his academic paper on internationalization of Finnish start-ups together with the Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
For him, the great amount of responsibility within different interesting projects during his time at FACC gave a good opportunity to better understand his future career dreams and professional endeavors.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I recommend the opportunity for everyone! Spending 6 months in sunny California among awesome people and booming business is worth striving for!
Management Associate, Business Development
December 2016 - June 2017
2. What do you do today?
Currently, Otto is in Finland, finishing his Master's degree and writing his academic paper on internationalization of Finnish start-ups together with the Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
For him, the great amount of responsibility within different interesting projects during his time at FACC gave a good opportunity to better understand his future career dreams and professional endeavors.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I recommend the opportunity for everyone! Spending 6 months in sunny California among awesome people and booming business is worth striving for!
Riina Pajala
Interns play an important role in supporting the overall organization and implementation of each event and project. I focused mainly in developing and writing marketing materials for newsletters, social media and our website. I was also closely involved in Green Connections. Within this project I gathered information from both finnish and U.S. cleantech innovations and promoted the event in any way I could.
All in all, this five-month internship at FACC developed my project management skills and creative thinking. It also strengthened my abilities to think forward and work both alone and with others. This internship was not only an obligatory part of my study program. It was an adventure. I learned so many things that cannot be learned without experiencing it in the raw.
Currently I am writing my Master’s Thesis on Trademark Law. The internship experiences helped me to understand myself better and to know my strengths and weaknesses. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction. I am ready for opening a new door and continuously looking for ways to self-improve. Right now I could say that it feels good to be lost in the right direction.
All in all, this five-month internship at FACC developed my project management skills and creative thinking. It also strengthened my abilities to think forward and work both alone and with others. This internship was not only an obligatory part of my study program. It was an adventure. I learned so many things that cannot be learned without experiencing it in the raw.
Currently I am writing my Master’s Thesis on Trademark Law. The internship experiences helped me to understand myself better and to know my strengths and weaknesses. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction. I am ready for opening a new door and continuously looking for ways to self-improve. Right now I could say that it feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Matthias Gull
1. What was your assignment and when were you an intern at FACC?
My official role was business development, but speaking in practical terms my tasks were ranging from budgeting to event management. I also focused a lot on creating new partnerships between Finland and Southern California as well as acquiring new members to the chamber. Not one day was like the other during my internship!
2. What do you do today?
After my internship I wrote my Master's Thesis and graduated 6 months later. Currently I am volunteering for a few months in Cambodia, with the intention to kickstart my career in the months ahead.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
A lot about not only the American business environment, but also about international business in general. I got a chance to put my skills and knowledge into practice and grow as a young business professional. Also, the American environment is the perfect setting to learn how to network with business people!
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
You will get valuable international business experience, a chance to grow your network and yourself, and a lot of practical skills for managing an organisation like this! Also, the burritos in SoCal are with no doubt the best in the world!
My official role was business development, but speaking in practical terms my tasks were ranging from budgeting to event management. I also focused a lot on creating new partnerships between Finland and Southern California as well as acquiring new members to the chamber. Not one day was like the other during my internship!
2. What do you do today?
After my internship I wrote my Master's Thesis and graduated 6 months later. Currently I am volunteering for a few months in Cambodia, with the intention to kickstart my career in the months ahead.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
A lot about not only the American business environment, but also about international business in general. I got a chance to put my skills and knowledge into practice and grow as a young business professional. Also, the American environment is the perfect setting to learn how to network with business people!
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
You will get valuable international business experience, a chance to grow your network and yourself, and a lot of practical skills for managing an organisation like this! Also, the burritos in SoCal are with no doubt the best in the world!
Kaisa Vetoniemi
1. What was your assignment and when were you an intern at FACC?
I was an intern at FACC during the Fall 2016. Almost every day at the office was different. There were many ad hoc tasks depending on what was happening outside the office. We had a close cooperation with my colleague Matthias, but I was mainly responsible for the PR and communications of FACC. My tasks included updating all social media pages and the webpage, planning and organizing events, promoting FACC in Finland and San Diego and designing strategies to attract new members.
2. What do you do today?
I have recently started my master’s degree in Media and Business at the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
What I find very valuable to me is that I learned to understand the American culture and ways of living much better. Besides gaining new skills and knowledge, I also learned a great deal about myself; knowing my own strengths and weaknesses has made me more assertive. Living abroad is always a great way to broaden horizons for the future and gain new perspectives. Overall, the internship experience was unforgettable.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
The internship at FACC is an investment in your future. You can shape the internship to meet your own ambitions and goals. It is an amazing opportunity to gain unique experience while enjoying the California lifestyle!
I was an intern at FACC during the Fall 2016. Almost every day at the office was different. There were many ad hoc tasks depending on what was happening outside the office. We had a close cooperation with my colleague Matthias, but I was mainly responsible for the PR and communications of FACC. My tasks included updating all social media pages and the webpage, planning and organizing events, promoting FACC in Finland and San Diego and designing strategies to attract new members.
2. What do you do today?
I have recently started my master’s degree in Media and Business at the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
3. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
What I find very valuable to me is that I learned to understand the American culture and ways of living much better. Besides gaining new skills and knowledge, I also learned a great deal about myself; knowing my own strengths and weaknesses has made me more assertive. Living abroad is always a great way to broaden horizons for the future and gain new perspectives. Overall, the internship experience was unforgettable.
4. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
The internship at FACC is an investment in your future. You can shape the internship to meet your own ambitions and goals. It is an amazing opportunity to gain unique experience while enjoying the California lifestyle!
Ilona Ahovuo
1. What was your assignment and when were you an intern at FACC
As the first intern for FACC San Diego I had a chance to conceptualize and create development plans and processes for the Chamber. How to enhance the operations and increase the Chamber’s level of recognition as a local player were some of the central questions. I had a great opportunity to visit local firms and organizations, network, and learn about the business culture as a part of my internship too. Some of the biggest projects consisted of a concreate company’s internationalization case and event organizing, which I found very interesting. In addition, besides daily tasks and duties and participating the Board Meetings I was being part of the next interns’ selection and tutoring processes too.
2. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
The experience of working abroad through the FACC internship program has offered an interesting viewpoint of the American business culture, which cannot be studied from distance. In addition I was able to develop my networking, social, and presentation skills which are important in today’s working life. Furthermore, working with a concrete internationalization project for a Finnish company expanding to California was a wonderful learning opportunity.
3. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I found the internship to be a great opportunity to learn about another culture from both business and social perspectives. This internship is a unique experience in many ways; you will get a chance to live abroad, meet new people and network with professionals from different countries and business fields, as well as learn new skills through your work. I felt I had wonderful support from the FACC Board and Intern Committee during my stay, but at the same time I was able to have an impact determining my personal areas of interests and have an influence on developing the Chamber’s operations and the internship program.
As the first intern for FACC San Diego I had a chance to conceptualize and create development plans and processes for the Chamber. How to enhance the operations and increase the Chamber’s level of recognition as a local player were some of the central questions. I had a great opportunity to visit local firms and organizations, network, and learn about the business culture as a part of my internship too. Some of the biggest projects consisted of a concreate company’s internationalization case and event organizing, which I found very interesting. In addition, besides daily tasks and duties and participating the Board Meetings I was being part of the next interns’ selection and tutoring processes too.
2. What did you learn as an intern at FACC?
The experience of working abroad through the FACC internship program has offered an interesting viewpoint of the American business culture, which cannot be studied from distance. In addition I was able to develop my networking, social, and presentation skills which are important in today’s working life. Furthermore, working with a concrete internationalization project for a Finnish company expanding to California was a wonderful learning opportunity.
3. Why would you recommend to apply for an internship at FACC?
I found the internship to be a great opportunity to learn about another culture from both business and social perspectives. This internship is a unique experience in many ways; you will get a chance to live abroad, meet new people and network with professionals from different countries and business fields, as well as learn new skills through your work. I felt I had wonderful support from the FACC Board and Intern Committee during my stay, but at the same time I was able to have an impact determining my personal areas of interests and have an influence on developing the Chamber’s operations and the internship program.
