Tiina Riskilä, Rejlers Finland Oy
"When opportunities come your way, you should seize them, because you never know where they will lead and what opportunities they will open up."
What have you studied and what influenced this choice back in the day?
I studied process engineering at the University of Oulu, majoring in process metallurgy with minors in mining and materials engineering. At sixth form I took advanced maths, physics and chemistry. I weighed up engineering versus a business degree and decided to pursue an engineering master’s. I felt it would provide a solid foundation for a range of roles, especially as I wasn’t yet sure what I wanted to do “when I grew up” and that has proved true. The education is excellent preparation for varied, multifaceted work. Over my career I’ve been able to combine technical expertise while building up my commercial skills.
How did you end up in your current position?
I got this role by proactively reaching out and asking whether my skills might be needed when I was looking for a new challenge. I’d seen news that Rejlers was expanding in the mining and metals sector, which aligned with my background. I called, we had further discussions, and I was hired. I’m now an Account Manager, responsible among other things for project sales in mining and metals and for business development.
I began my career after graduation as a development engineer, then moved into project management across various process and product development projects. I’ve always been drawn to the commercial side, so I first moved into a customer service engineer role and, as my experience grew, began working in marketing and sales — and that’s the path I’m still on.
What is the best thing about your job?
The people: colleagues and clients I get to work with. In design and consulting you’re involved in a wide range of industrial projects and stages: from early development of future investments right through to implementation. You also get to contribute to major endeavours, for example, planning a new plant or helping build a functional society for the future. I also enjoy creating new ways of working, which brings plenty of rewarding challenges.
What have been the highlights and key lessons of your career?
The biggest lesson is that learning continues throughout life and it’s worth enjoying the journey.
With experience, you learn more about your strengths and interests, and a technical background can lead to many different roles. I realised at one point that I’m stronger at managing the big picture than at being a deep specialist in one niche.
I’ve had great opportunities to work with diverse teams, growing and solving tough problems together. It’s harder and more valuable to figure out how to solve a problem than to simply say it can’t be done.
When opportunities arise, seize them! You never know where they’ll lead or what they’ll open up, either immediately or later on.
What are your plans and goals in the future?
To stay curious and keep developing. To seize opportunities and do meaningful things, both at work and in my free time.
What kind of person is suitable for your profession?
Engineering is for anyone who wants to create sustainable solutions for people and the environment. With an engineering master’s you can progress into many kinds of roles, different perspectives and skill sets are all needed. In design and consulting you’ll work on diverse projects and help create bold new solutions.
Your greetings for young people in high school deliberating their future career?
Move confidently towards what interests you.
If you’re unsure what you want, try things out. The journey won’t always be a straight line from A to B; there are often twists along the way that teach you and help you learn about yourself. That’s how you grow and figure out what you want at each stage.
I also encourage you to reach out proactively to people, companies and organisations that interest you. You never know what you’ll learn or where you might end up when you speak up about what you’re looking for. And remember to stay enthusiastic, it will take you a long way.