Solid foundation for future career: My Summer Trainee experience at Metso

My name is Sonja Sipilä, and I am currently finishing my master’s degree in management at the Jyväskylä School of Business. I studied accounting for my bachelor's degree but decided to pursue management for my master’s degree, since the job opportunities seem versatile and meaningful.

Metso has always intrigued me as a big, international company. I was drawn to Metso’s values and the positive feedback I had heard from friends and acquaintances. The position I applied for aligned well with my previous experience, and I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my expertise and gain new perspectives in a new environment.

My responsibilities revolve around HR systems, data maintenance and developing Metso’s recruitment module. This involves a lot of independent work with Excel and various other systems, as well as attending meetings with my team and other departments. Despite the routine nature of some tasks, each day has brought something new to learn.

Safe and supportive work environment

When I started working, the warm welcome and support from my team and colleagues felt amazing. From day one, I felt valued and encouraged to ask questions. The inclusive and open culture has made it easy to integrate. It is comforting to know that I could rely on my team and other colleagues whenever I needed assistance.

Metso’s values were a factor in my decision to join the company, and they have proven to be genuine in everyday encounters. The company’s participation in events like Pride resonates with my own values, creating a safe and supportive work environment. Furthermore, Metso’s commitment to employee development is evident, as I am encouraged to learn and grow professionally.

My role at Metso has provided me with a solid foundation for my future career. The emphasis on career development and continuous learning has given me a clear path to follow. I appreciate how my interests and career aspirations are considered, and I am optimistic about the opportunities for further growth within the company.

One of the challenges I have faced is coordinating with colleagues across different time zones. This has required a level of flexibility and adaptability that I hadn’t experienced before. However, this also highlighted the collaborative aspects of work, and it has been rewarding to work with an international team.

Among the many memorable moments, one that stands out is a team trip to a summer theater and dinner. Such events not only help build stronger bonds with colleagues but also it is rewarding to get to know your colleagues better. The various activities organized for trainees have allowed us to connect with each other, which has been fun.

Advice for future trainees

For those considering a trainee position at Metso, my advice would be to remain open-minded and patient. The learning curve, especially with new systems, can be steep but persistence pays off. Emphasize your motivation during the application process, and once you are in, take every opportunity to learn and ask questions. From my experience, the support is strong, and everyone is willing to help you succeed.

Reflecting on my time at Metso, I realize that the experience has been valuable. The collaborative nature of projects, even those focused on system development, has been a pleasant surprise. It underscores the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving successful outcomes.

My summer at Metso has been a transformative experience, filled with growth, learning and wonderful memories. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited for what the future holds. Metso has truly provided a platform for personal and professional development, making it an invaluable part of my career journey.