Hello, my name is Sarah Mitchell and I have just completed my sophomore year of college going into my junior year at the University of Pittsburgh! I am double majoring in Finance and Business Information Systems, participating in multiple business related clubs and getting the chance to meet new people throughout programs just like this. I am excited to see what I am able to accomplish during this summer, and I plan to make the most out of my experience here in Stockholm, Sweden!

This internship abroad will be my third internship, as well as my second international internship, and I want to make the most out of it by being out of the country and traveling as much as I can. In the past, I have had experience in Beijing, China where I worked in marketing for a local construction and landscaping company completely online for the month that I was away.

During my academic year at the University of Pittsburgh, I had the opportunity to intern at the Tafel Center for Student Success, located at the heart of our business school. I worked there as a Student Data Analyst throughout both the fall and spring semesters. This role allowed me to dive deep into real-world data analysis, contribute to student success initiatives, and gain hands-on experience in using data to support strategic decision-making within an academic environment. Balancing this internship with my coursework not only strengthened my time management and analytical skills but also sparked a broader interest in how business functions across different cultural and economic contexts. As I began to explore global case studies and international markets in class, I realized how intrigued I was by the complexities of international business. That realization is what ultimately motivated me to pursue a professional experience abroad, and Sweden, with its globally recognized innovation, sustainability focus, and unique work culture, became the perfect destination. The combination of my academic foundation and practical experience at the Tafel Center laid the groundwork for the skills I now bring to the international stage: adaptability, cross-cultural communication, data-driven thinking, and a genuine curiosity about how business operates beyond borders.

I’m incredibly excited to intern in Sweden this summer for so many reasons, both professional and personal. Sweden has long been recognized for its forward-thinking approach to business, with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and work-life balance, all values that deeply resonate with me. I’m eager to experience firsthand how Swedish companies operate within such a progressive environment, and I’m especially looking forward to observing how collaboration, creativity, and efficiency intersect in the workplace. On a cultural level, I’m excited to immerse myself in a new way of living and working, whether it’s joining in on daily fika breaks, navigating the flat organizational structures, or simply adapting to a new rhythm of life. I believe that stepping outside of my comfort zone and learning to thrive in a completely different environment will help me grow both as a young professional and as a person. This internship is an opportunity to challenge myself, to broaden my global perspective, and to bring back insights and skills that I can apply in any future role. I’m excited not only to contribute but to learn, to ask questions, to meet people from diverse backgrounds, and to fully embrace everything this experience has to offer.

The company that I will be representing and working for is with Printworks in Stockholm, a company that perfectly aligns with my passion for design, innovation, and creating meaningful connections. Founded in 2017, Printworks has reimagined everyday items, such as photo albums, board games, furniture and other home goods, into beautifully crafted pieces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Their commitment to “Functional Decoration” resonates deeply with me, as it reflects a thoughtful approach to design that enhances daily life. As an AI Training Intern at Printworks, I support the development and refinement of artificial intelligence systems by curating, labeling, and analyzing data to improve model accuracy and performance. My work involves ensuring that AI outputs align with the brand’s creative standards and customer values, helping enhance user-facing technologies in areas such as product recommendations, content generation, and customer experience. Through this role, I contribute to building smarter, more intuitive AI tools that align with Printworks’ vision of blending design with functionality.

In conclusion, as I begin this exciting chapter in Sweden, I feel incredibly grateful and motivated to be working in such a forward-thinking and creatively driven environment. Being part of a company like Printworks, where design, innovation, and purpose intersect, is a unique opportunity that I’m fully ready to embrace. I’m looking forward to learning from a diverse and talented team, contributing to meaningful projects, and growing both professionally and personally in a culture that values balance, collaboration, and curiosity. This experience is not just about advancing my career, but about broadening my perspective, challenging myself in new ways, and making the most of every moment in this inspiring country. I truly can’t wait to see what this summer holds, and I plan to make the most out of it!