Back to Olkiluoto through a multifaceted career path

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"I was a little nervous about coming back. Starting in a new workplace is always exciting," Juhola admits as she reflects on returning to a workplace she last knew decades ago. "The warm welcome quickly made the nervousness disappear."

After upper secondary school, Juhola headed straight to Otaniemi to study electrical engineering. Having already become familiar with Olkiluoto through jobs such as window cleaning and outdoor maintenance, she was able to gain experience in her field of study as a trainee at TVO. However, despite her educational background, TVO did not quite win her heart the first time around, as her career path ultimately took a more creative direction.

COVID-19 was hard on entrepreneurs in the jewellery industry

Creativity has always been an important part of who Juhola is. That is why she decided to try something completely different, training as a make-up artist while also starting her own business in the field.

That entrepreneurial journey eventually led her and her spouse into the world of jewellery. As a result, Juhola trained as a goldsmith in Lahti. Together, the couple ran their jewellery business for a total of 12 years.

Eventually, the coronavirus pandemic changed their plans. According to Juhola, running a business became particularly challenging, leading to the decision to close the company permanently. At the same time, she began considering new directions for the future.

Fortunately, a friend came to the rescue by recommending an Open University course in the fundamentals of programming. Before long, that suggestion led Juhola to her current studies and, ultimately, back to TVO as a trainee after a break of 25 years.

Returning to Olkiluoto was a clear goal

Today, Juhola is studying Information and Communication Technology at LAB University of Applied Sciences and is completing the final stage of her degree in the Software Engineering programme through online studies.

Since the beginning of May, she has been working in Information Systems Services at TVO, contributing to the modernisation of information systems. Her current responsibilities include the Latu project, which focuses on the modernisation of the plant information system.

"The most rewarding part is the feeling of success, both at work and in my studies. I also enjoy combining creative thinking with logical elements. Technological development, problem-solving and the opportunity to keep learning continuously make the work interesting," says Juhola.

The amount of pink came as a surprise

"Some things are exactly the same. They still serve pyttipannu on Fridays," Juhola laughs when comparing today's Olkiluoto with the one she knew in the early 2000s.

While many things have remained unchanged over the years, she points out some clear differences as well. Security arrangements have become more advanced, and the number of computers across the plant units and at the head office has grown significantly. A quarter of a century ago, digitalisation was still in its infancy.

She had also been somewhat concerned about working in an open-plan office, particularly because her work requires concentration. In the end, however, the lively atmosphere and sense of humour have proven to be no obstacle. Juhola often becomes so absorbed in her work that she almost forgets to take breaks.

That naturally led us to ask what she does in her free time to take her mind off work.

"In the summer, I enjoy swimming and spending time with friends. My spouse and I also have a detached house that keeps us busy," Juhola says.

Her hobbies also include handicrafts and painting.

Looking ahead

Juhola can easily imagine Olkiluoto remaining her workplace in the future.

Her dream role would involve projects that require both visual creativity and logical thinking. Designing user interfaces and creating solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use are examples of work she would find particularly interesting.

"The whole package interests me," Juhola reflects.

The wide range of opportunities at Olkiluoto and its welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere have made a positive impression on her. According to Juhola, excellent onboarding, a strong team spirit and the low threshold for both asking for and offering help are among TVO's greatest strengths as an employer.

She enthusiastically adds that she has recommended Olkiluoto as a workplace to all of her fellow students.

Text: Venla Lehto and Jessi-Julia Salonen
Photos: Tapani Karjanlahti