Technology is for everyone. It is used by a wide range of people, which is why it is very important that technology is developed by a range of different people. Islet has been working determinedly for diversity for years, and one of our main goals is to increase the number of women in the tech industry.
One of Finland’s most significant actors in encouraging women to enter the technology industry, as well as Islet’s long-term partner, is the Mimmit koodaa program. This program has helped many women find their way into the tech industry and develop their skills. One of the inspiring stories is from #Isletter Päivi Laasonen, who discovered Islet through the Mimmit koodaa virtual event. In this blog post, Päivi shares her journey and experiences.
At crossroads in working life
Päivi Laasonen had always been interested in technology and was able to utilise it in her work as a logistics professional. However, she had been thinking for a long time about how to find new challenges and opportunities to make more use of her interest in technologies in particular. Päivi decided to take a day off and participate in the Mimmit koodaa virtual event, hoping to find inspiration and a new direction.
Virtual event that changed direction
In the spring of 2021, Päivi participated in the Mimmit koodaa virtual event, where Islet was one of the partners. The event had several interesting speeches and workshops, but especially the presentation by Islet’s CEO, Janina Luoto, caught Päivi’s attention. Janina talked about the company’s values, culture and the opportunities they offer to their employees.
“Janina’s speech was my first contact with Islet, as I had not heard of the company before. So many things fell into place at that moment. I quickly searched Islet for more information and felt that this must be the right place for me. Before the event, I already knew that I wanted to work as an SAP consultant – or I thought I knew, I hadn’t done this job before. When looking for the right direction, I had already previously taken advantage of other events, webinars, courses and blogs in the Mimmit koodaa community. On the other hand, I was drawn to SAP because of my long experience as user”, Päivi tells us.
Path to Islet
Päivi was impressed by Islet’s commitment to sustainability, employee well-being and continuous learning, so she applied for a job at Islet after the event.
Päivi’s application led to several discussions and interviews with Islet. They were impressed by her positive attitude, willingness to learn and motivation towards new technologies, and she was offered an opportunity to join Islet without any previous consulting experience. Päivi started working in Islet’s ERP expert team just a few weeks after the virtual event.
“Islet did not yet have an office in Oulu at the time, so it was exciting to start working in a new field and completely remotely”, Päivi tells us. “The excitement factor was also increased by the fact that the summer holidays were just about to begin. However, the excitement turned out to be unnecessary, as it was clear to me what was expected of me and what I was going to do next, even though most of the new colleagues were on vacation. In the beginning, I also received a lot of support in identifying my own skills and strengths. Even though I was a career changer, I didn’t start from scratch. I was received really well on Islet, everyone was absolutely amazing. Today, there are so many more of us, and yet the same team spirit and atmosphere have remained. Even though I still work remotely most of the time, I never feel alone. We keep in close contact with colleagues, e.g. through Teams, and this culture of working together is very important to me.”
New career at Islet
Päivi has now been at Islet for several years and her journey has been a wonderful growth story from a logistics professional to a system specialist. Päivi is respected by her colleagues and has even received the #TeamBuilder title at Islet’s annual award gala.
“Islet offers an opportunity to learn and move towards the very things that interest me. Of course, learning new things always requires a lot of effort from yourself, but the workload is lighter when the things you are working on are your own interests. To succeed in this field, continuous learning must not discourage but rather inspire you. The work of a consultant is very versatile, and you get to develop yourself every day. There is a good ratio of customer encounters and more independent technical work. Succeeding in both is the goal”, Päivi says.
It’s great when a tricky technical problem is finally solved or when you can offer the customer the support and solutions that make their everyday life easier. These are what a good working day is made of.
Do what you want
When Päivi was about to leave her previous job and head to Islet, a former colleague handed her a package of tea that read: “Do what you want”. Following this motto, she has moved forward, every day.
Päivi feels that she is exactly where she should be now, and that she can do exactly the things she wants to do. She hopes that also be reflects in her work. Päivi is especially grateful that she decided to participate in the Mimmit koodaa virtual event, which led her path to Islet.
At the Mimmit koodaa virtual event, you get to hear really inspiring speeches from different fields of technology and about different roles in this really wide field. It is also very easy to contact companies at the event, so I encourage everyone to get in touch with a low threshold, whether you are looking for a new job or just support on your path. They are there just for you.
Päivi Laasonen’s story is an inspiring example of how the Mimmit koodaa programme can open new doors and opportunities for women in the technology sector. Islet is proud to be a part of this community and to provide a platform where women can grow and thrive. We hope that Päivi’s story will encourage also other women to seize opportunities and follow their dreams in the tech industry!
Check out open positions at Islet here.
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