Mikaela

Mikaela did her internship at Snake Oil for 3 months over the summer and is now going back to Sweden for another internship this fall.

Photo by: @darianshantayphoto

Mikaela

​Snake Oil Cocktail Company is a boutique cocktail design and consulting firm. The company’s mission is to elevate the craft of cocktails for restaurants, bars and events.

​Why did you decide do your internship in San Diego over the summer?
As a part of my education it’s mandatory to either have an internship, in Sweden or abroad, or pick some special subjects to study during our third year.

I’ve always been having a dream about studying or working abroad, and as soon as I heard about The North West Passage I made a decision that immediately became the best I’ve ever made. Usually students at my program is having their internship during the fall and it was at that time I was supposed to go to San Diego. I had already considered spending my fall in Sweden, but I really didn’t want to miss the opportunity to spend a few months in the States. Ted (CEO of TNWP) was super helpful when I told him about it so I ended up with the best of both worlds. One internship in San Diego during the summer and a second one in Stockholm during the fall. 

What has been different with the internship then you imagined?
I think it’s hard to know what I actually imagined it to be, because as soon as you start the internship you will get completely into it. And by looking back at how I thought it was supposed to turn out I’ve figured out that I didn’t have a clue. I’ve been taking a few steps every day towards my development in marketing primarily and even in my everyday life. And even though I sometimes don’t think about it as a process of learning, I’ve been developing a lot. 

How is the U.S. work culture different compared to your home culture?
During my internship I’ve got in touch with a lot of hard working colleagues which is truly inspiring. Sometimes I would say that the Swedish culture contains more communication than here, which was a bit of a surprising part. I believe it’s hard to compare U.S. work culture to Sweden’s by only been working at one company. Everything is completely different according to what you’re working with and with who, as always. But that’s honestly one of the best parts and you will develop more than you ever could imagine. 

What were your expectations of San Diego and what do you like the most about the city?
I never thought that San Diego were such a big city, but it is! What I like most about it is all the different areas here, no doubt about that. There are so many places to see and a lot of things going on. It never gets boring. In San Diego you will find beaches, city feeling, Old town vibes, Balboa park… it’s a never ending story, and I love it. And California is wonderful. My summer has been the perfect mix of traveling around Cali and enjoying San Diego. ​