Joy Clees, from Luxembourg, has been an intern in the Media, Communication and Publications Unit of the SPK’s Central Service Unit (ZSE) since August 2025. Here, she talks about her varied role and her favourite idyllic spot.
What is the exact title of your role, how long have you been with the SPK, and what are your responsibilities?
Clees: I am a trainee research assistant in the Media, Communication and Publications Unit – so it is a two-year fixed-term traineeship. I have been part of the SPK since the end of August 2025, so I am still very new here.
I help with planning press content and external communications, design social media content and assist with organising events. My day-to-day work is a mix of organisation, research and creative design, and no two days are the same. Everything is covered, from small topics to international projects: sometimes I create Instagram posts, other times I help organise press conferences. It’s fascinating to get a glimpse behind the scenes of this major institution and to be able to play an active part in shaping it. At some point, I’d also love to write for the SPK magazine!
What is your favourite spot in the SPK, why, and what do you most enjoy doing there?
My favourite spot isn’t actually inside an SPK building, but rather one with a view of one. The Hiroshimasteg is located east of the Villa von der Heydt, and from this picturesque bridge you have a wonderful view of the villa, the Spree Canal and two magnificent trees – the villa’s plane tree and a weeping willow right by the water.
Every evening, when I finish work, I walk across the footbridge to catch my bus home. I often pause briefly on the red bridge, take a moment to reflect and cast one last glance at the villa before leaving the working day behind me. There is something new to discover every day, and it is lovely to watch this scene as it slowly changes with the seasons. Just a month ago, the sun was reflecting on the water; now it is the streetlights.
Although the von der Heydt Villa hasn’t changed, my view is never quite the same as it was the day before. And it’s exactly the same with my work here: every day is different. I’m already looking forward to seeing what my view will be like when I finish work in the spring.
Fancy becoming part of the SPK cosmos? You can find all vacancies throughout the foundation on LinkedIn.
