“Where do you see yourself in 3 years?” is a question many people have faced during interviews, conversations, and school assignments. When faced with this question, I’ve always found it difficult to picture exactly what I would be doing in the future, mainly because life has a way of taking unexpected turns.
One of those turns came in 2024, when I was accepted into the Bachelor of Humanities, Community Educator program at HUMAK University of Applied Sciences in Finland. At the time, I couldn’t have imagined how many doors this degree would open, especially on an international level. As my studies progressed, I began to feel increasingly curious about how NGOs operate outside of Finland. I wanted to understand what kinds of social challenges exist in other countries, and how organizations respond to them in different cultural contexts.
That curiosity eventually led me to Serve The City Paris. What started as a simple online search quickly turned into something much more meaningful. Before I knew it, I was on the streets of Paris, distributing food, meeting people from all walks of life, and becoming part of a community driven by compassion and action.
During my internship, I have had the opportunity to try many different kinds of tasks and responsibilities, each of which has taught me something valuable about working life. One of the most impactful experiences has been participating in food distribution for vulnerable people in Paris. This work has not only deepened my understanding of social inequality, but also taught me the importance of human connection. Sometimes, a simple conversation or a moment of genuine presence can be just as meaningful as the material being offered.
In addition to fieldwork, I have also been involved in CSR events. For example, I participated in a concert where we engaged with attendees and asked for donations to support the organization. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop communication and persuasion skills. It also showed me how important partnerships and public engagement are for NGOs in sustaining their work.
Another significant part of my internship has been administrative and developmental tasks. I contributed to creating a policy on how to act against gender-based sexual violence (In French: Violences Sexistes et Sexuelles), as well as designing a workshop around the topic. This process required research, critical thinking, and sensitivity. I learned how important it is for organizations to have clear guidelines and safe practices, not only for the people they serve but also for volunteers and staff. Working on this project also strengthened my ability to handle complex and serious topics in a professional and responsible way.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of my internship has been getting to know the diverse volunteer community at Serve The City Paris. People from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds come together with a shared goal: to help others. Being part of such a diverse and motivated group has taught me a lot about teamwork, intercultural communication, and the power of collective effort. It has also reminded me that meaningful work is often built on shared values and human connection.
Overall, this internship has helped me develop both practical skills and a deeper understanding of what working life in the NGO sector can look like. I have learned to adapt to different situations, take initiative, communicate effectively, and reflect on my own role in a larger social context. Most importantly, I have gained confidence in my ability to contribute to meaningful work.
So, if I were asked again, “Where do you see yourself in 3 years?”, I might still not have a perfectly clear answer. But now, I feel more certain about the direction I want to move in: towards work that creates impact, connects people, and continues to challenge me to grow.
Julia Ylä-Autio,
Community educator student,
Humak
