Sabína Gulčíková: I enjoyed the independence and collaborative atmosphere at Aalto University

Professor Garg highlights the critical role professors play in nurturing interns’ talents, emphasizing the personalized nature of the experience for interns in his research group. ‘We don’t offer pre-set, rigid projects. Instead, we tailor each project to align with the interests and strengths of the interns, ensuring they feel invested and engaged. It’s rewarding to treat them as peers, fostering a collaborative and professional atmosphere that pushes them to excel.’

Garg underscores the hard work behind the scenes that ensures the success of each internship. ‘Our role doesn’t end at project supervision. We mentor, guide, and support our interns through every step of their journey, helping them grow as researchers and professionals. Many of our interns have gone on to publish in leading conferences like NeurIPS and achieve remarkable success in their careers,’ he says.

Gulčíková admits that navigating the unknown was a significant challenge. ‘The open-ended nature of the work required a lot of self-discipline,’ she reflects. ‘I had to learn how to structure my time, approach complex readings, and communicate abstract ideas effectively.’ These challenges were eased by the supportive community of interns, who motivated each other through shared experiences and discussions.

In addition to academic insights, Gulčíková gained valuable soft skills, including cultural awareness and communication. ‘The internship’s diversity taught me how much our cultural backgrounds shape our perspectives,’ she says. ‘This awareness now helps me make more thoughtful decisions.’

Organised activities and self-initiated adventures

While Gulčíková’s academic work was fulfilling, the cultural and social experiences were equally impactful. Organised activities, like sports days, brought interns together, but it was the self-initiated adventures that stood out.

‘One of my favourite memories was spending Midsummer evening at Seurasaari island,’ she recalls. ‘Dancing under the endless summer skies with friends was unforgettable.’

Gulčíková was also struck by Finland’s natural beauty and unique summer atmosphere. ‘The long days and mild weather were magical. It’s easy to see why Finland is so special in the summer,’ she says, joking that the experience might give a false impression of what the Finnish winter feels like.

The internship program also included a poster exhibition, where students demonstrated the work they had conducted over the summer. The event, which serves as both a showcase and competition, was a highlight of the program. Gulčíková’s poster stood out among the entries, earning her the top prize in the competition.

The internship reinforced Gulčíková’s interest in academia and research. ‘Before Aalto, I was unsure whether to pursue academia or industry,’ she says. ‘This experience showed me how much I enjoy the research process and collaboration with like-minded people.’

Gulčíková continues to stay in touch with her supervisor on ideas sparked during the summer and sees Aalto as a potential destination for future research projects—or even a PhD. To students considering the program, she offers this advice: ‘Don’t doubt yourself. Apply even if the project seems intimidating. The value of this experience will be even greater.’