Kertu-Grete Tamkõrv is studying Entrepreneurship and Business Administration at EBS and is spending her summer as an intern in the talent management team at LHV. According to her, the most important qualities when applying for an internship are not past education or experience, but rather genuine interest, an open mindset, and a willingness to learn. Her experience shows that if you are willing to try, take risks, and step out of your comfort zone, you are giving yourself the best chance to grow, both professionally and personally.
‘I knew I wanted to explore the world of HR, and when the opportunity came to try it out at one of Estonia’s top employers, I felt it was something I could not pass up. I knew I had to give it my all,’ Kertu-Grete says. ‘When I applied for LHV’s internship program, I hoped to gain new insights and a sense of how work life really functions. But in reality, even the first month has given me so much more – I have experienced trust, team spirit, and what it means to learn through real work.’
Here are the three most important observations that have stood out to her during the first few weeks.
1. Onboarding starts with people, not tasks
When entering a new workplace, it is common to expect an immediate flood of information and a rush to start delivering results. But at LHV, Kertu-Grete has experienced something different: what matters most is feeling welcomed and safe to ask questions from day one.
‘Those first few days moved at a comfortable pace – I had time to get familiar with my surroundings, join meetings, and ease into things. Having a supportive team and other interns to talk to during lunch breaks really helps me settle in. All of this creates a sense of belonging and confidence,’ Kertu-Grete says.
2. An intern is not ‘just an intern’
A common fear when starting an internship is that the work will be limited to observing from the sidelines or doing minor tasks. But at LHV, Kertu-Grete has quickly discovered that interns are encouraged to contribute, and with learning comes real responsibility.
‘Even during the first few weeks, I was already joining meetings and helping where I could, which made me feel like a real part of the team. I am not seen just as ‘the intern’ – my ideas are heard and if I have a suggestion or question, we will talk it through together. That has given me confidence and made me want to learn and contribute even more.’
3. Flexibility can be part of professionalism
Coming into a large, fast-growing organisation, Kertu-Grete expected rigid structures and strict rules. But what surprised her was LHV’s flexibility and the high level of trust.
‘I am surprised by how much independence I have been given. For example, I can work from home on certain days – it is all about trusting you to manage your own time. That same flexibility applies to how people treat each other – you are not seen as temporary extra help, but as a real contributor whose ideas and work matter.’
According to Kertu-Grete, her internship at LHV has been far more than just a glimpse into the banking world. It has been a chance to grow, experiment, make mistakes, learn, ask questions, and truly belong. She says: ‘If you are curious, willing to try new things, and open to stepping outside your comfort zone now and then, you are giving yourself the best chance to grow, both as a professional and as a person.’
