Following a multifaceted career path at Valmet Automotive, Susanna has stepped from a Body Shop trainee to a specialist role within the People organization. While her responsibilities have evolved over the years, her interest in supporting people has remained a constant throughout her career. Courage and a desire to utilize previous experience in new contexts have encouraged her to pursue new roles in the company.
Susanna’s journey at Valmet Automotive began in 2017, when she started as a trainee in the car plant Body Shop after graduating as an electrical engineer. Following the trainee period, she continued working in the Body Shop as a production area supervisor. This people leader role sparked her growing interest in people-related topics.
“While working as a supervisor, I noticed that my interest in supporting people deepened. At the same time, my interest in HR systems also grew”, Susanna says.
During an organizational change, the People organization needed additional resources, and Susanna courageously seized the opportunity to move temporarily into HR-related tasks. After this assignment, she still returned to her role in the Body Shop until a permanent HR Specialist position became available, and Susanna was selected for her current role.
Today, Susanna’s responsibilities include delivering payroll materials, supporting supervisors, taking care of the company’s car benefits, and maintaining HR systems. The job requires precision, organizational and stress management skills, and the ability to prioritize.
INTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES OPEN DOORS
Susanna’s career path at Valmet Automotive has not been built on a carefully predetermined plan. Instead, it has been guided by interesting opportunities and a strong desire to learn something new. She emphasizes that a successful transition into new roles requires the ability to apply existing skills and experience in new contexts.
“Moving from one role to another takes courage and an open mind to adapt your thinking to a new functional context.”
Transitioning into a new role was naturally thrilling at first, but familiar colleagues made the change easier. The most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to support former colleagues in a new role and to work with topics that genuinely match her interests.
For those interested in internal growth opportunities, Susanna has clear advice: “Be proactive in reaching out to the recruiting supervisor and don’t hesitate to express your interest in change.”
A ROLE WHERE SPEED AND PURPOSE COME TOGETHER
For Susanna, the best parts of her job are supporting people and the variety of tasks. New and individual situations bring their own challenges, but the accomplishments are rewarding when solutions are found together with colleagues.
In her free time, Susanna finds balance in everyday life with her children and by spending time outdoors with her dog. She recommends Valmet Automotive to anyone who values diverse roles and great colleagues:
“There’s no time to get bored here, because ‘the fast lane’ keeps you moving.”
Susanna’s journey reflects a career path built on both bold steps and a genuine desire to help people – a path where new opportunities sometimes open even without a detailed plan.