I am Karde Mirell Pilk, a 22-year-old resident of Tartu and a first-year student of business administration at Võrumaa Education and Technology Center. When I started studying business administration, I knew I wanted more than just lecture halls and textbook pages – I wanted to see how knowledge truly comes to life. I came to the Tartu Youth Work Center for my internship with this exact thought – to explore how the public sector works from the inside and to see what goes on "behind the scenes" of youth work.
My internship was not passive observation – it was an active immersion in management, sales and marketing, and customer service. I was able to dive into processes that were not just textbook exercises but alive and immediate. The marketing work gave me the freedom to experiment, offer my own ideas, and give the center's Instagram a visual refresh. I participated in creating TikToks – sometimes in front of the camera, sometimes behind it, and occasionally with a reluctant grin. But it was precisely these moments that taught me that creative courage and team spirit can achieve something great together.
As part of the customer service module, I created a survey for the youth area of the upcoming Siuru cultural center. This was not just a task – it opened a door to the mindset of young people. Their expectations and wishes made me realize how important it is to truly listen and create something that resonates. However, the biggest lesson didn't come from Excel or Instagram. It came from people.
At Tartu Youth Work Centre, I never felt like just an intern sitting in a corner waiting for tasks. I was welcomed with open arms – noticed, listened to, involved, and challenged as much as I was ready to take on. I had the freedom to offer ideas, experiment, and stumble – and the fact that my thoughts were genuinely considered was more than I expected. This trust and courage to give responsibility to an intern was a gift I will carry with me into every next step.
I saw how a team operates that is not afraid to change when there is a reason to. How events are not just organized, but experiences are created. How to create a budget, plan activities, and at the same time keep the focus on what is truly important – the young person with their dreams and needs.
What do I take with me? More than just skills – I take courage, self-confidence, and inspiration. An understanding that the public sector is not just "government work," but can be created with passion, driven by innovation, and truly impactful for young people.
Negative experiences? Honestly, none. There were days that were longer and more fast-paced, but even those helped me grow. If I could change anything at all, it would be just one thing: I wish this time had stretched out a little slower.
If you are looking for an internship where you won't be overshadowed but can shine, learn, and truly contribute – then Tartu Youth Work Center is the place where an internship becomes an experience. It is a place where trust is given, encouragement is provided, and every idea can be the beginning of something great. If you want to feel that your presence has meaning – then this might just be the chapter waiting for your story.
