Anna-Reetta Eilola, Afry
“Things that may not seem valuable now can turn out to be incredibly important later, in ways you didn’t expect.”
What have you studied and what influenced this choice back in the day?
After high school, I started studying Environmental and Energy Engineering at Tampere University of Technology. I had already been interested in natural sciences and environmental issues during high school, so this seemed like the best fit. In my bachelor’s studies, I wanted to choose a technical minor and decided to go with Automation Engineering. Although it was a bit of a random choice at the time, I realized it suited me even better than my major. Later, in my master’s studies, I switched my major to Automation Engineering and eventually graduated with a master's degree in that field.
How did you find your current job?
I came across the job posting by chance while I was working on my master's thesis for another company. My current employer was looking for someone with a background in both the energy sector and automation engineering — and I happened to have both. It felt like a perfect match, so I applied. I was selected, and since then I’ve been able to make use of my diverse background in many ways.
What is the best thing about your job?
What I enjoy most are the interesting, varied, and ever-changing tasks, the opportunity to challenge and develop myself, and, of course, a great team. I also find it very meaningful to contribute to the energy transition and to play a part in building a cleaner and better future for all of us.
What have been the highlights and most important lessons of your career?
So far, the biggest highlight has been noticing my own growth. It’s a great feeling to recognize those small moments where you clearly realize how much you’ve developed — when something that once felt challenging now comes easily, or when something that used to make you nervous no longer does.
The most important lesson has been that you shouldn’t skip opportunities just because you don’t see immediate benefits. No experience is wasted, and not everything has to be “useful” right away. Things that may not seem valuable now can turn out to be incredibly important later, in ways you didn’t expect.
What do you expect from the future?
I believe the future will bring meaningful projects where I can tackle interesting challenges and take on more responsibility. I also hope that my work will continue to align with my values and that I’ll be able to focus on topics that feel personally important.
For whom is this a suitable career option?
Engineering is for everyone. Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn are helpful traits — but they can also be developed along the way. You don’t need to be an expert from day one or ready to jump into big shoes immediately. There’s no single mold you need to fit into in engineering. Be bold — this field has room for people just like you.
What message would you like to send to a young person pondering their career?
Be curious and try things out! If something doesn’t feel right, you can always change direction and try something else. I’d also like to remind you that pursuing a career in engineering doesn’t require prior hobbies in technology or flawless skills in science and math. What matters most is your attitude, and sometimes taking a leap into the unknown can open doors you never even dreamed of.