Mohammad joined Valmet Automotive in September 2018, starting his career in the body shop as a production worker. After just over a year, he was accepted as a trainee in the Manufacturing Engineering department through the company’s internal training program ‘From Operator to Engineer’. Since then, he has steadily advanced in his career path and now works in the Technologies department, Supply Chain Management team, as a Senior Project Engineer.

 

CAREER TURNING POINT AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Working in the production line didn’t fully allow Mohammad to utilize his technical background. With a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from his home country, Iran, he had plenty of ideas for improvement, but no clear channel to implement them. A turning point came with Valmet Automotive’s training program ‘From Operator to Engineer’, which offered a new opportunity to advance his career in the company.

  • I applied, took the online test and was invited to an interview. My strong test results led to a six-month internship. Impressed by my work, my manager at the time soon expressed his intention to hire me as an engineer, Mohammad remembers.

The internship was a success, but then COVID-19 pandemic hit, and personnel needs in the company were reduced. That moment became a turning point – Mohammad decided not to return to factory work.

  • With a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Iran, six years of experience as a Business Systems Analyst, and a Master’s in Futures Studies from the University of Turku, returning to the production line no longer felt right. After a brief stay in Iran, my former manager contacted me about a new opportunity in Supply Chain Management team. I returned to Finland and have been in the team ever since.

Returning to Valmet Automotive marked a fresh start with leading a complex subproject and brought with it a new opportunity. When the team project lead left in the middle of a major project, Mohammad’s new manager asked him to step in, and he accepted the challenge.

 

MOVING FORWARD WITH DETERMINATION

Mohammad says one of his biggest strengths is his determination – when he decides to do something, he does it. In 2023, he set a development goal to earn the IPMA Level D project management certification, and he achieved it. The following year, he aimed for Level C and achieved that as well. As a result, he was promoted to Senior Project Engineer.

  • I already had much of the knowledge required, but I knew I needed to prove it here. That’s why I pursued these certifications – to show that my skills meet European standards.

Currently, Mohammad divides his time between project work, such as meetings and routine tasks, and personal development, including idea generation, networking, and continuous learning. He studies Finnish daily and actively practices it in real-life situations. While English is still used for critical discussions, Finnish is increasingly incorporated into meetings. His role demands a broad and versatile skill set, combining leadership, management, interpersonal communication, and technical understanding. Problem-solving is one of the aspects Mohammad enjoys most in his work, especially when facing complex challenges in large-scale projects.

  • One of the most valuable experiences I’ve gained is leading a team. It’s something I hadn’t done before. Taking on leadership responsibilities has been a significant and rewarding step in my professional growth. In my work, I find it rewarding to analyze different situations, explore possible solutions, and figure out the best way forward. That moment when a solution clicks into place is always a great feeling.

 

CULTURE THAT SUPPORTS GROWTH AND ADVICE FOR OTHER INTERNATIONAL TALENTS

Mohammad describes Valmet Automotive’s culture as caring and balanced – the one that genuinely supports employee growth and development. He knows from personal experience that for highly educated foreigners in Finland, advancing professionally isn’t always straightforward. He shares his advice for others going through the same.

  • Be patient but active – trust takes time and the right person. Show what you can do through results and persistence. Find someone who believes in your potential, and learn the language and culture to build real connections.

 

Mohammad’s journey is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and the power of perseverance. He has shown that with determination, adaptability, and the right support, it’s possible to grow and thrive also in a new country and culture.