Piia Nokso
VTT has been my dream workplace ever since I was a child. I’ve always been interested in exploring and reflecting on things and phenomena. Wondering why things work the way they do and what we can learn from them.
What is your current job title, job description, and workplace?
My job title is Senior Specialist, Portfolio Lead, and I work in Information Management at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. In this role, I am responsible for guiding the strategic direction of our internal IT development portfolio in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with our objectives and value streams.
What did you study, and when did you graduate?
I graduated from the Kauhajoki Home Economics Institute in 1997 with an adviser in home economics degree. In 2000, I completed a specialized vocational qualification in foreign trade at the Marketing Institute. I graduated as an IT engineer in 2005 from the Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences in Kokkola (later Centria). In addition, I completed ICT specialist training in 2009.
What has your career path been like? How did you end up in each of your roles?
Before pursuing my engineering studies, I worked as a retail sales associate, a window dresser, and an advertising specialist, among other roles.
After graduating with a degree in engineering, my career path led me from a sales assistant position to a role as a technical writer. From there, my journey continued into IT help desk work, first through a staffing agency and then directly into the same role. I progressed from a help desk role to a supervisor role and from there to a team lead role. I worked as a team lead for nearly ten years.
However, I was craving new challenges. I received support for my reflections from my own mentor, to whom I am deeply grateful for our many conversations. I dared to let go and take the leap into the unknown. In January 2023, I started working at VTT in an expert role as a Portfolio Lead. I love my job.
What is the best part of your current job?
VTT has been my dream workplace ever since I was a child. I’ve always been interested in exploring and reflecting on things and phenomena. Wondering why things work the way they do and what we can learn from them.
The best part of my job is the meaningfulness of the work and the sense of community. VTT is one of Europe’s leading research institutes. I feel privileged to be part of a community that strives to build well-being and a sustainable future for all of us, and to bring exponential hope to the world.
What advice would you give yourself if you were starting your studies now?
One thing at a time, many in a row. Enjoy your studies and life, all the wonderful experiences, as well as the challenges. Network and see the world; be brave.
What has been the most valuable take-away from your studies from a professional perspective?
The diversity of the curriculum, and the opportunity to broaden one’s perspective through elective courses. Meeting different people and personalities, and working with them.
Has anything in your career or professional life surprised you?
After graduation, landing a job in my field wasn’t a given; instead, I had to work hard at it for several years and continue my education.
In the workplace, you may also encounter prejudices and attitudes that aren’t always pleasant or friendly.
What is your best or most memorable memory from your student days?
Flashcards. I don’t think they make these anymore, but people my age will recognize them. 😊 In reality, that was probably the best way for me to learn things—it forced me to really focus on what I was studying.
What was your biggest insight during your studies?
Even someone who isn’t particularly good at math, like me, can achieve their dream of becoming an engineer if they’re willing to put in the work.
How do you remember your student days? Does anything in particular come to mind when you look back on those years?
I look back on my student days with fondness. There were quite a few of us in the class, people of different ages and with diverse educational backgrounds, what a treasure! It was always nice to come to school; we had a good time and the environment was safe. The pace of the coursework was just right, and we had plenty of time to really grasp the material.