We asked six young professionals what their time as a trainee at Elisa has been like. In addition to continuous learning and a supportive and friendly atmosphere, both hackathons, 3D games and fencing were mentioned. Read here what the trainees have learned and experienced.
William Hammersley
Startup Analyst Trainee, Business Development team, Elisa.
Studied physics at the University of Bath, UK. Founded two startups (one in frozen yoghurt retail and one in producing bottled fitness water) before coming to Elisa.
1. What have you learned as a trainee at Elisa?
“Primarily I meet startups and help to evaluate the business case for partnership Elisa. I have learned a ton about what makes for a successful partnership, how to pitch ideas, and what the best practices are when dealing with startups. In my work there are infinite tasks, so prioritization is the key to success. In addition I have learned lots about how to organize and prioritise.”
2. What has inspired you the most?
“I’m working with the smartest and friendliest colleagues anyone could ask for, who inspire and push me every day! Being given the flexibility and charge of my time to work on things outside my core role has really inspired me to take on extra projects, such as organizing an internal hackathon. “
3. What has been surprising?
“I was surprised by how a small country like Finland can have one of the advanced mobile networks in the world, with the highest consumption of data per customer and lowest subscription rates in Europe. Also how a big organization can have such a lean and fast acting philosophy within their business.”
4. What have you liked the most?
“Our great working environment with swings, massage chairs, mini golf, treadmill desks, big screens and the flexibility to work from home. It all makes working more pleasurable!”
Joose Vuoristo
Finance Data Specialist Trainee, finance unit, Elisa.
Soon to graduate from the University of Vaasa, Finland. Major: Economics.
1. What have you learned as a trainee at Elisa?
”I have learned a lot about how a big corporation works in general. I have had the chance to meet lots of different people from all around the organization, from customer service representatives to people from the highest management. This has helped me gain understanding about my own job and seeing my role as a part of the big picture.”
2. What has inspired you the most?
”People here have a positive attitude towards change. I have permission to develop my daily processes to become more efficient – you can even say that it’s expected from me. This means that even as a trainee, I get to influence the entire company and its operations. This inspires me and pushes me to work harder.”
3. What has been surprising?
”I was surprised by how big and diverse Elisa is, and by how much the company cares for its staff. For a young person Elisa is a great employer because of its numerous internal career opportunities, and it is common for employees here to change tasks internally. I knew that Elisa scored high on the Great Place to Work –list, but I was still surprised by all the employee benefits, the remote working opportunities – and the pool table in the office.”
4. What have you liked the most?
”How much I have learned in such a short period of time. I feel like I’m constantly learning more. I stay motivated when I am constantly challenging myself and learning new things, and at Elisa all this has come true.”
I have permission to develop my daily processes to become more efficient – you can even say that it’s expected from me. This means that even as a trainee, I get to influence the entire company and its operations.
Yuxi Zhu
Research Analyst Trainee, Business Development team, Elisa.
Currently doing a double masters’ program at EIT Digital at University of Paris Sud, France and now in Aalto University, Finland. Major: Human Computer Interaction and Design, minor: Entrepreneurship. Previously graduated from Sichuan University, China.
1. What have you learned as a trainee at Elisa?
“I have learned a lot about time and task management, and I have also improved my communication skills”
2. What has inspired you the most?
“New disruption and research ideas. We meet with world class scholars, and their works always inspires me.”
3. What has been surprising?
“How nice all the employees at Elisa are. My colleagues are always ready to support and help me. In addition I was surprised by the fact that my boss Kimmo Pentikäinen is actually a professional fencer! He won the national championship last month.”
4. What have you liked the most?
”The best thing has been that I get to work in an international and young team. I have worked a lot with startup related tasks and I have had many opportunities to learn new things: for example I took part in the AR academy for creating 3D games”
Topi Huhta-Halkola
Financial Analyst Trainee, finance unit, Elisa.
Fourth year finance student at Vaasa University, Finland.
1. What have you learned as a trainee at Elisa? “I have learned a lot about the importance of communication, and also about different financial models, liquidity management and how to simplify complex issues.” 2. What has inspired you the most? “The fact that I have had the opportunity to discuss current events on the financial market with experienced professionals.” 3. What has been surprising? “I was surprised by how efficient the finance unit of Elisa is. I had expected there to be a lot more people working here. I was also surprised to notice how many employees have stayed with Elisa for more than 10 years.” 4. What have you liked the most? “I have learned new things every day, and I also feel like I have had the chance to make a real influence. My tasks are very diverse. In addition the company culture is very relaxed – for example I don’t have to wear a suit to work.”
Kartik Sharma
Research Analyst Trainee, Business Development team, Elisa.
Graduated with a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (wireless communications) from Tampere University of Technology, Finland. Has a previous bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Rajasthan Technical Univeristy, Kota, India.
1. What have you learned as a trainee at Elisa? “The most valuable thing I learned during my traineeship is how to cultivate business relationships within or outside the company for a successful business development. Also, development of your leadership capabilities is a thread that runs through the whole program.” 2. What has inspired you the most? “The culture of continuous development and the type of leadership in Elisa is something which inspires me every day at work.” 3. What has been surprising? “The most surprising factor is the dynamicity of my job responsibilities where every day is a new day with something new to learn.” 4. What have you liked the most? “This trainee program enabled me to learn about different domains in Elisa Corporation and an opportunity to continue working in a domain of my choice.”
Development of your leadership capabilities is a thread that runs through the whole program.
Stheffany Godoy Garzón
Research Analyst Trainee, Business Development team, Elisa.
Soon to graduate from Aalto University, Finland. Major of master studies: Operations and Service Management. Has a previous degree in Industrial Engineering from Bolivar University of Technology, Colombia.
1. What have you learned as a trainee at Elisa? “I have learned many great things, both professionally and personally. Perhaps the common lesson on both of these levels is collaboration, because it enables innovativeness, more effective work and leads to better results.” 2. What has inspired you the most? “People working together under the same vision for the growth of the company, and its customers satisfaction. Also, that the company culture is really open, diverse, and inclusive.” 3. What has been surprising? “I was really surprised that the working environment and the office are so nice, and the people so friendly! Usually, in other companies people hate Mondays and wait all week for the Friday, or every day the time to go home; but in Elisa time flies, I almost never realize is time to go home! It’s fun to come to the office here. Every day you feel that you accomplish something and that your work is valuable. In addition you are always surrounded by a really supportive team.” 4. What have you liked the most? “Elisa’s low hierarchy and all of its flexible working methods that enable a good work-life balance. Sometimes I forget that I’m in such a big company and it feels like being in a cool startup! It is great to work in a place where your ideas are welcome, and you feel heard. You find the support to take initiatives into practice.”
Sounds interesting? Apply to become an Elisa Talent now!
The Elisa Talent Program is a six month trainee program for graduates and young professionals. The program offers you a place to develop as a professional and a chance to develop a long-term career within this exciting and constantly changing industry.
Read more about the Talent Program and apply here.
Did you know Elisa is one of the best places to work in Finland? >> Read more about Elisa as an employer
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