Manojna Tetali, Summer Trainee, Data Engineering
Looking back, this internship was much more than a summer job. It was an opportunity to work with real-world data, solve meaningful problems, and experience firsthand the impact that data engineering can have on a business. It helped me bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice while strengthening my passion for building reliable and impactful data solutions.
My Summer at Fortum: Learning, Delivering, and Growing
Moving to Sweden after completing my master's degree was both exciting and a little intimidating. Like many international graduates, I was eager to find an opportunity where I could put my skills into practice, learn from experienced professionals, and understand how things work in a real business environment. My summer internship at Fortum turned out to be exactly that and much more.
Although I joined Fortum as a Summer Trainee, I wasn't completely new to working in technology. Before moving to Sweden, I had already gained around two years of professional experience. That background helped me settle into a professional environment quickly, but I soon realized there was still so much to learn, especially when it came to large-scale data platforms, cloud technologies, and the energy industry.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was working with real business data. At university, projects usually involve static datasets that are designed for learning. At Fortum, however, the data was actively used across the organization for reporting, analytics, and decision-making. Knowing that the work I was doing could support real business processes made every task feel meaningful and motivating.
At Fortum, however, the data was actively used across the organization for reporting, analytics, and decision-making. Knowing that the work I was doing could support real business processes made every task feel meaningful and motivating.
During the summer, I had the opportunity to contribute to several projects by improving datasets, implementing business requirements, and supporting enhancements that made data more accessible and reliable. Whether I was updating an existing data model or introducing new data fields, I learned that every technical change serves a larger purpose. Seeing the connection between technical solutions and business outcomes was one of the most valuable lessons I took away from this experience.
What I appreciated most about my time at Fortum was the balance between learning and contributing. I wasn't just observing from the sidelines. I was trusted with real responsibilities while constantly learning about the company's data platform, business processes, and data architecture. There were moments when I had to navigate unfamiliar datasets, learn new concepts, and solve problems all at once. Those moments were challenging, but they were also where I learned and grew the most.
What I appreciated most about my time at Fortum was the balance between learning and contributing. I wasn't just observing from the sidelines. I was trusted with real responsibilities while constantly learning about the company's data platform, business processes, and data architecture.
Another highlight of my internship was the people. Starting a new chapter in a different country can feel overwhelming at times, but my team made the transition much easier. Everyone was approachable, supportive, and generous with their knowledge. No matter how busy they were, they always took the time to answer questions and offer guidance. That supportive and collaborative environment gave me the confidence to take ownership of my work, ask questions freely, and keep improving every day.
I am truly grateful to everyone at Fortum who supported me, shared their knowledge, and made me feel welcome from day one. The experience, lessons, and confidence I gained this summer will stay with me throughout my career.
As my internship comes to an end, I genuinely hope this is not the end of my journey with Fortum. It has been an incredible place to learn, grow, and contribute, and I would be excited to continue working alongside such talented people in the future.