Internship at Kairos Future
My name is Gustaf Jungnelius and I am currently working as a full-time intern at Kairos Future in Stockholm.
Finding an internship can be very difficult. In an ever-globalizing world, students must successfully distinguish themselves amongst an incredibly deep pool of talent. Not only are you competing against peers at your university but also against top applicants from around the world. If you are curious about what an internship at Kairos Future consists of or are just generally curious about the life of an intern, I’ve answered some of the questions I myself had when putting together my resume and applying for internships.
Enjoy!
A quick introduction
My name is Gustaf Jungnelius, I am 23 years old, and I am currently taking a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics at Jönköping International Business School.
What is Kairos Future?
Kairos Future is an international consulting and research company that assists companies, organizations, and leaders to understand and shape their futures. We work as consultants for strategic futures, providing clients with trend analysis and scenario planning, strategy and innovation, strategic change, and capability development.
In short, Kairos Future makes complexity actionable. Our vision is a world where everybody puts future first.
Why did you apply for an internship at Kairos Future?
While most of my friends at school were planning their semester abroad, I was determined to find an internship. To be honest I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to work with. I am interested by everything this amazing world has to offer and can see myself building a career in a number of fields. However, I knew that I was searching for an opportunity to gain real-life experience in a demanding but innovative environment.
When I found Kairos Future on LinkedIn, I was immediately drawn to their vision of “making complexity actionable.” How society is evolving and understanding what strings are pulling us forward is incredibly interesting if you ask me. Following my curiosity, I researched more about Kairos Future to understand who they were and if we would be a good fit for each other.
The more I researched the more of my boxes checked off. The internship was relevant for my degree, the company was innovative and respected, and it had an incredible cast of employees, each a leader in their field with a life-span of experience. I didn’t care if I was going to be washing coffee mugs for 4 months. This was the place for me.
How was the application process?
I sent my CV to Kairos Future but had missed the due date for applying unfortunately. It was a disappointment of course, but after applying to 100 internships within a two-month span, I had realized that rejection isn’t failure. I only needed one opportunity to prove myself, not 100.
However, six days later I was contacted by Therese Lundquist and given the opportunity to interview for a full-time internship. We booked a phone interview and three months later I was entering the office for my first day at Kairos Future. I had found my one opportunity!
Are you the only intern at Kairos Future?
The first two weeks I was alone but was shortly joined by Ogadinma Nwoko. We’ve worked side-by-side during projects but also apart on differing assignments.
What do you do at Kairos Future?
Each intern has specific tasks during their time at Kairos Future. My main responsibilities are split between supporting the Travel & Tourism department on various projects and working on Kairos Future’s pro bono project. This year’s recipient was We Effect, an NGO whose mission is to strengthen local and democratic civil society organizations through mutual partnerships.
A portion of each day includes researching global trends that are affecting our clients’ and their industry’s future. If you are stimulated by thinking outside the box, are talented at contextual analysis, and enjoy research, you’ll enjoy working as an intern at Kairos Future.
Is that all you do?
The most exciting aspect of my internship is that every day is truly unique.
Kairos Future offers a freedom to its interns that few other companies do. During my four months at Västra Järnvägsgatan 3, I will be able to involve myself in a wide range of projects, learning from the incredible cast of employees assembled at the office.
So far, I’ve worked with Artificial Intelligence, participated in client-meetings, translated reports to English, travelled to universities for workshops with industry leaders in Sustainability, and been educated in contextual analysis. I’ve worked with almost everyone at the office and each day I expand my knowledge of the world, gaining valuable experience along the way.
Of course, as an intern you are also expected to complete less glamorous assignments as well such as picking up food for client meetings, filling up the coffee pot, and emptying the dishwasher. But these small tasks make up a very small percentage of my schedule and can often be a nice little break during the day.
When can I apply for an internship at Kairos Future and how do I apply?
Applications are open for the fall vacancy!
Organize your CV and cover letter and send it to internship@kairosfuture.com.
Good luck!