A summer to remember: Frank Natanni's trainee experience at Metso

Hello! My name is Francesco Natanni, but everyone calls me Frank. I'm an Australian living in Finland, and I'm currently pursuing my studies at the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. This summer, I had an opportunity to work as a developer trainee with WearSense at Metso.

I started my internship a bit earlier than a typical summer trainee, working one or two days a week in May and then transitioning to full-time over the summer. My decision to apply for this position was influenced by a friend who worked at Metso and believed the role would be a great fit for my studies in IT. After reviewing the requirements, I knew it was an excellent opportunity I couldn’t miss.

My daily routine is quite structured yet flexible. My team is based in Perth, Australia, so I start my day early to prepare for our 9 AM Finnish time meetings. These meetings are for discussing our daily tasks and sharing updates. Despite being in Espoo, Finland, I have worked closely with my team in Perth through video calls and other collaborative tools. During a five-week period, I had the an amazing opportunity to work from Perth, meet my team in person and work closely together.

Boost to professional growth

Most of my work involves coding and programming, specifically focusing on Bluetooth Low Energy technology. I spend a lot of time reading documentation and understanding the principles behind BLE to apply them to my projects. One of the main projects I work on is with WearSense, where we aim to transition sensor data transmission from Zigbee protocol to BLE, exploring energy efficiency and range capabilities.

Working with a team located in Perth has had its challenges mainly because of the time-zone differences, but it has also been rewarding. My team is supportive and approachable and my manager and colleagues provide valuable guidance, helping me navigate industry standards and practices.

I have really enjoyed working from our Espoo headquarters. Our office is well-equipped with all the necessary tools, and its proximity to my home has made commuting convenient. I enjoy lunch breaks at a big shopping center nearby, with my colleagues, adding a social aspect to my daily routine.

This internship has been a significant boost to my professional growth. The hands-on experience with embedded systems and BLE technology is directly aligned with my academic studies. The WearSense team provides me with various hardware to experiment with, further enhancing my learning experience.

One of the highlights of my internship has been a breakthrough in my Bluetooth project. After months of diligent work, I discovered that my code was functioning correctly and transmitting data via radio waves. This achievement was a testament to my persistence and the practical skills I have developed during my time at Metso.

Reflections and advice

Looking back, my summer at Metso has been a journey full of learning. My advice to future trainees is simple: if you’re interested in a role, go for it. The opportunities for learning and growth at Metso are immense, and the support from industry specialists is invaluable. The application process was straightforward, and the onboarding process was smooth, making my transition into the role seamless.

My internship has been a blend of professional challenges, learning opportunities, and personal growth. When I return to my studies, I carry with me the knowledge and skills gained from the trainee experience. This internship has solidified my career aspirations and highlighted the importance of practical experience in shaping a successful professional path. Metso’s supportive environment and diverse opportunities made this a summer to remember.