First week in Stockholm and WHAT A BLAST! Throughout the last few days I have been on a Viking Walking Tour around Gamla Stan, practiced the route to my new office, investigated the city area including many cute stores and cafes, and more importantly met some amazing people. Although I feel as though I have already experienced so much that Stockholm has to offer, I know that I have not even scratched the surface of what I am going to get out of my time here.
In just a few days, I’ll be starting my internship at GreenIron, a company that’s working to change the way we think about metal production. They’re focused on creating sustainable, carbon-free methods of producing and recycling iron—a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions. The more I learn about their mission, the more excited (and inspired) I am to dive in.
Though I haven’t officially started yet, I’ve been thinking a lot about the industry I’m stepping into. The cleantech and sustainable metals sector is not only innovative—it’s essential. Tackling environmental challenges at the industrial scale requires a combination of technical expertise, forward-thinking solutions, and a serious dose of creative problem-solving. It’s a field where data, engineering, and environmental science intersect to build a better, more sustainable future.
Since this internship is based in Sweden, there are also some unique cultural competencies I’m getting ready to embrace. Sweden has an impressive reputation when it comes to environmental leadership, and sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s woven into everyday life and business. From what I’ve gathered, being successful in a Swedish work environment also means valuing collaboration, equality, and work-life balance. I’m looking forward to navigating a professional setting that operates with flat hierarchies, team-oriented decision making, and a genuine respect for individual contributions.
Even before day one at GreenIron, I can already tell that this experience will stretch me in the best ways—professionally, personally, and culturally. I’m eager to contribute, learn, and see how sustainability is being brought to life at an industrial level. Until then, I’ll be soaking up as much of Stockholm as I can—and probably having another fika or two along the way.