Experiences from an Internship in a Research Group
The internship we completed in the research group was one of the most rewarding and interesting experiences of our pedagogical studies in adult education. We had the opportunity to gain insight into academic work and the functioning of a research community, as well as to learn from inspiring and highly skilled experts.
The Versatility of a Researcher’s Work Surprised Us
Our initial understanding of a researcher’s work was quite narrow, but the internship opened up new perspectives. We were especially positively surprised by the collaborative and interactive nature of the work. Being a researcher is not merely solitary work; it also involves close cooperation with other researchers and experts, both nationally and internationally. In addition, researchers engage in dialogue with individuals and organizations involved in their studies, bringing a human and societal dimension to the work.
Expertise Beyond Teaching
In both research and teaching, expertise plays a central role, as deep subject knowledge forms the basis for sharing and applying information in various contexts. However, content knowledge alone is not enough—strong communication and guidance skills are also essential for sharing expertise in a constructive way. One of our most inspiring observations was how naturally more experienced researchers shared their knowledge with the rest of the group. There was a humane and encouraging team spirit, where everyone was given space to discuss, ask questions, and learn. We noticed that emerging learning needs within the group were addressed quickly, and support was readily available. We had the opportunity to observe several individual and group meetings where guidance was interactive, supportive, and respectful. In the research group, pedagogical expertise was primarily reflected through the lens of mentoring and guidance.
Skills in Scientific Communication
During the internship, we became more familiar with the processes of academic writing and publishing. We participated in writing a scientific article and had a close-up view of the peer review process, which helped us better understand the requirements and practices of academic publishing. Scientific communication emphasizes clarity, visible expertise, and the ability to engage various audiences. We had the chance to practice these skills when presenting our master’s theses to different audiences and taking part in the research group’s English-language discussions. As a result, we gained confidence and courage for working in international contexts in the future.
An Experience That Will Stay with Us
The internship in the research group was both enriching and memorable. We were able to strengthen our academic and pedagogical skills and realized that a scientific community can, at its best, be open, interactive, and encouraging. We are especially grateful for being welcomed as members of the group and for the opportunity to learn from experienced researchers through joint work and dialogue. In the future, we hope to contribute to building a work environment that fosters collaboration and learning, whether we choose to continue in teaching or pursue further research.
Thank you to the research group for the warm welcome and the inspiring learning atmosphere!
Emilia & Jenni, JATKOT-group