Henna Peltoniemi, Ahlsell Oy
"Technology is needed every day = You are needed every day!".
What have you studied and how did you choose this option?
In high school, I was interested in teaching and science, especially biology and geography, and I thought I would go into them first. Somewhere along the way, I realised the potential that studying engineering has for saving the world and found myself in the Environmental Engineering programme at LUT.
How did you become an education manager?
After graduating as a master, I worked first at a university in education development, and then for a couple of years in a small technical trading company in quality and environmental project management. However, at the back of my mind, I had a longing for education and started looking around for a way to combine education and engineering. Fortunately, I found my current job in a large Nordic-based technical trading company, where I am responsible for the design, development and actual training of various information systems training courses.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best part of my job is working with people. It's great to see things that you have planned together turn into something that you can do together, and to see your own hand in other people's work.
What have been the highlights and most important lessons of your career?
The most important thing in work is to dare to be yourself. Forcing yourself into a mould never feels good in the long run. You have to know yourself and be brave. You also have to dare to experiment and test things, and ask for interesting and challenging tasks.
The successes and highlights of my career have been in situations where my actions have proved worthy of other people's trust. It's great when you get different opportunities to use your talents to the full and to show what you can do.
What are your expectations for the future?
I hope to continue doing interesting projects for the whole group, i.e. looking at learning and development perspectives in a collaborative way. Whether the training is on information systems, management or even sales, there is a need for a certain level of process management and an ability to see the big picture.
What greetings would you like to send to a young person considering a career choice?
Technology is needed every day = You are needed every day!
For whom is this a suitable career option?
A job like mine would suit someone who likes to interact with people and enjoys a variety of activities. The job allows you to network, fulfil your research interests and satisfy your curiosity.