Problem solving keeps work motivation high

Jun 22, 2023

We interviewed Irina Ventelä, Development Manager, about her inspiring career at Valmet. Let’s see what she has to say about her work and responsibilities, and what she thinks about Valmet’s work culture.

What is your background? What brought you to Valmet?

“During my studies, a classmate introduced me to Valmet’s sales office where I then applied a job as a summer trainee. This is how my journey in the company started around 10 years ago. I worked in the Finland sales office for two summers and did my bachelor’s thesis there. After graduation I got a job in customer service team in Vantaa factory.

During the years in the team, I learnt a lot about both sales and production since the team worked closely with the sales offices around the world as well as the Vantaa factory. I then transferred to IT department to work with ERP development. After working few years in IT and in different projects, I journeyed back to business when this new team was established. “

Irina Ventelä works as a Development Manager and she started her Valmet journey as a summer trainee.

What kind of colleagues/team do you have?

“We have a small and new team in Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) and Service business unit. Our team’s main task is to drive process and system development together with the market areas. Although the team is small in numbers, together we have a wide experience on sales and service processes and tools, and we work closely with Valmet’s Flow Control sales and service offices around the world.”

What is your typical workday like? What does your job entail?

“I start my day around 8 AM by checking the emails and having my morning coffee. I check what topics need to be handled urgently and what are not so time sensitive. Currently we have many development actions ongoing for sales and service processes and most of my time is spent with these actions.

I do a lot of testing in different systems and participate in meetings with market area representatives and external consultants, where we are trying to come up with the best solution for the problem at hands. For example, now we are trying to improve the distribution order handling and monitoring for sales offices.

My job also includes giving trainings, updating user instructions, and supporting sales and service teams in whatever questions they might encounter with their day-to-day activities. My job is very social and interacting with people is a big part of my day.

During a remote working day, I usually try to take a break in the afternoon and use that as an opportunity to have a short walk with our dog. Fresh air really boosts your thoughts. My day is usually wrapped around 4 PM but depending on ongoing projects, some workdays can also be longer.”

What inspires or motivates you at work?

“Being able to solve problems and issues together with market areas really makes me feel motivated. It is interesting to meet people from different backgrounds and parts of the company and learn how they are working and what kind of issues they are dealing with.”

“I think Valmet is encouraging people to seek new opportunities within the company. I have been given challenging opportunities and felt supported by my team members and managers which has made it possible to also succeed in the new challenges. “

What is the most challenging part of your work?

“Sometimes the time pressure is a challenge and I have been forced to learn how to prioritize the tasks on my table. Prioritizing sometimes leads into having to say “no” or “not yet” to someone.“

How would you describe the Valmet’s culture?

What do you like to do in your free time?

“We have a baby and a dog, so my family keeps me busy, but I also have free time to go to the gym. I’ve been doing Crossfit for few years and it really clears the head and prevents you to think about work or household chores!”

What makes Valmet a great place to work?

“I think people make Valmet a great place to work. I have met wonderful people while working in the company and have been surrounded by talented colleagues who have taught me a lot of new things.”