Geophysics, marine geology and coding – 12 interns work at GTK this summer

Summer at GTK begins at the latest when the interns start their work. This year, 12 higher education interns are working at GTK, with tasks including geophysical measurements, mineral processing technology, layman’s samples, application development, legal affairs, geodiversity, environmental geochemistry, as well as groundwater and mining environment studies. Work is carried out in the field, offices, and laboratories.

GTK’s higher education intern positions attract strong interest among students of geosciences and environmental fields every year: this year, GTK received a total of 565 applications.

“It is a pleasure to see how, year after year, students want to join us as interns,” says HR Planner Apollonia Kinnunen, who is responsible for interns.

She continues: “For interns, the summer offers an opportunity to network and gain practical experience in an internationally respected research organisation. At the same time, GTK benefits from fresh expertise and new perspectives that support research and development work.”

Some interns, such as Claudia Castelli, have already started at GTK in early May. The rest will begin in June. Castelli works on geodiversity research during the summer.

“In the first three weeks, I have been able to work on a wide variety of tasks. In addition to familiarising myself with geodiversity research and datasets, I have assisted in the sediment laboratory and participated in soil sampling in the field. I am looking forward to the summer and everything new I will learn and experience at GTK. It’s great to be part of research work!” Castelli says.

International internships deepen GTK’s cooperation in Africa

This summer, GTK also offers internship positions to two recently graduated geoscience professionals from Tanzania through its International Internship Program. As a pilot, the programme is connected to GTK’s activities in Tanzania.

GTK strengthens local expertise, develops geological research, and improves the quality and availability of mineral data. The internships are organised in cooperation with the Tanzanian organisation PreIWD, and supported by partners Metso and Mining Finland.

“PreIWD promotes the participation and careers of Tanzanian women in the mineral sector. Therefore, our cooperation focuses on providing internship opportunities for two newly graduated female geoscience professionals,” says Director General Kimmo Tiilikainen.

The Tanzanian interns will work in the Geophysical Solutions unit during their internship period. They will participate in the planning and implementation of geophysical fieldwork and gain hands-on experience of expert work at GTK.

“The internship offers young professionals an opportunity to learn new methods, build networks and contribute to the sustainable mineral economy globally. The international internship programme deepens cooperation and strengthens GTK’s presence in Africa,” says Tiilikainen.