After I finished my Master’s degree in electrical engineering, I applied to the KONE International Trainee Program. At that time I didn’t know a lot about elevators. KONE had an open position where some aspects such as mathematical modeling and hoisting calculation assessments were familiar from my studies at university. Still, the first two or three months of the six month trainee period were basically learning how elevators work and getting familiar with the organization and multicultural working environment.
Real challenges from day one
HR emphasized in the job interview that the position was very demanding, even if it was a trainee position. It was true – the other employees didn’t treat me as a trainee but as one of them.
Getting to know the Finnish working environment was a valuable lesson for me. For example commitment to meeting deadlines and a hard-working mindset is something very characteristic for this society. I also got to know many people and I made a lot of friends, which was great!
The trainee period was good among other things because I had the chance to take part in different projects in the R&D unit in addition to my main task. Thanks to this, I could then continue my career at KONE.
“For us, eco-efficiency is a way of life”
This is my second position at KONE. Our team is developing new systems that consume less energy and are more efficient, which contributes to lowering carbon dioxide emissions. We verify that new products are sustainable in terms of material and energy consumption throughout their lifetime. One thing to consider is how the customer is using the elevator. For instance, nobody uses the elevator during the night, so we switch off the lights. Why should you have an elevator with lights always on if nobody is inside? Our solutions allow us to switch off the lights when the elevator is waiting to be called at any floor.
In this job, we not only develop energy-efficient elevators but we also try to keep the environment in mind in our daily lives. For example we share cars when we commute. It is a way of life for the whole team.
“If you like challenges, KONE is your company!”
I think working in a global environment is very rewarding. Nowadays, I’m constantly working with Chinese, Indian, Italian, German, Finnish and Swedish people. This international working environment has become a must for me. KONE also offers a huge range of opportunities, and I can choose what I want to concentrate on which gives me the opportunity to change my daily routines. Finally, having challenging tasks is also important. That can sound a bit tough, but it’s something I like.