A job role doesn’t have to be a performance

I’ve spent the last three months as an intern at the University of Turku in the On My Mind activities. During that time, I learned more about event organisation, using new communication channels, building websites, and understanding the structure and leadership of the programme. I became part of the university’s well-being services team, where I felt more at home than anywhere I’ve worked before.

But the most important thing I learned is this: in working life, too, it’s worth being genuine and staying true to yourself. Job ads are often filled with the same clichés, and when you see them repeated over and over, it can start to feel like you’re not a desirable applicant unless you reshape yourself to fit the mould. When I applied for internships last autumn, I decided to do things differently. I don’t even remember how or why I found the courage, but I’m glad I did. I’ve now spent three months in a workplace that understands me and the way I think, doing exactly the kinds of things that prepare me for the roles I dream of.

When I was applying, I couldn’t see what it was in me that could be interesting or valuable, why someone wouldn’t simply choose another candidate. Even though the tough job market and “hustle culture” can easily lead to discouragement, it was authenticity that ultimately carried me forward. I study education, and I’ve often struggled to see how it connects to the roles I’d like to work in. What interests me most is event production — especially music events.

In my internship application, I described my motivation and skills through my passion for gigs and the event industry. I had been applying for so long that I thought: fine, let’s try something bold. After sending it, I was mentally shaking, afraid that they would see me as nothing more than a reckless partygoer with no “real” expertise. But the opposite happened.

So, what I want to say — in a very long way — is this: apply to places that genuinely spark excitement in you. Dare to be honest and authentic, because in the end, if a workplace doesn’t want you as you are, do you really want that workplace? After these three months, I truly believe that being able to be yourself is the foundation of long-term well-being at work.

If job hunting feels artificial, start doing it your own way. Dare to show your quirks if they feel meaningful to you. Because if a recruiter rolls their eyes while reading your application, chances are you would have rolled yours later on if you had forced yourself into a role that required you to pretend.

Roosa