Elina’s career story 

Summer jobs sparked interest in the field of technology 

Elina graduated from Turku University of Applied Sciences in 2008 as a mechanical engineer. There were very few women in technology at the time, and she was one of three women in a class of 28 students. Since then, alongside her work, she has completed a master’s degree in technological competence management. 

Engineering studies were not a matter of course for Elina. “I had a summer job at a cardboard packaging plant, so a factory was not a new work environment for me, and I was encouraged to apply to the field of technology. Even though I had graduated from upper secondary school, I hadn’t studied physics or chemistry except for the mandatory courses, but I had taken the matriculation exam for mathematics (short syllabus). Regardless, I did well at the university of applied sciences,” she says. 

Her work at the cardboard packaging plant also continued during her studies. In addition, Elina completed an internship with the Finnish Defence Forces at the Pori Brigade in Säkylä. There, she got more than just work experience, as she got into shooting as a sport, which is still a big part of her everyday life. Elina worked many summers as a technician at a workshop, did her thesis there and, after graduating, started working there as a quality engineer. Elina has always been interested in quality and particularly in the origin of errors and solving their root causes. 

Growing into an engineer 

“After graduating, I enjoyed working as a quality engineer at the workshop for a long time. In a small organization, the position included a wide range of tasks, and I was able to slowly grow into an engineer while working. As a young woman, it hasn’t always been easy in a male-dominated industry, but with an open and straightforward attitude, I’ve come a long way,” says Elina. 

In the first years of Elina’s career, the recession resulted in a number of change negotiations. That meant that her salary development was weak, but Elina still gained work experience corresponding to her valuable education – many others were not so lucky. The COVID-19 pandemic and remote work also brought challenges to her work, as the work community has always been an important factor for her job satisfaction. Elina says that her career has given her lots of good memories and friendships. 

Competence development supports the achievement of career goals 

Elina says she has used the Union’s services for various needs. In connection with her job search, she has sought advice from Career Coaches on how to improve her CV and application letters. She has completed the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certificate during a training course organized by the Union. She has also used the Salary counter tool several times. 

Currently, Elina works as a quality manager and feels that she has achieved her career goals, at least for now: “I work in quality, which I have always liked. The task entails a wide range of responsibilities and is challenging enough. In my current job, I’m also in a supervisory position. I’ve worked towards getting this job and have achieved my goal. I don’t have any big career aspirations right now, but there will be a time for those yet. After my UAS master’s degree, I studied courses related to the degree of teacher of vocational subjects at Haaga Helia’s Open University of Applied Sciences. I will probably finish my degree in the future. Right now, I feel good as things are.”