Getting your first job in your own field is not a given in today’s labour market. Many young people send out a large number of applications before receiving their first positive response. That is why one given opportunity can shape the direction of the entire career.
For Ada Ojuva, Quality Development Engineer at Jaakkoo-Taara, her career at the company began during her studies. Her experience shows how significant a single opportunity can be.
“In the end, you only need one positive response, and one person who believes in you, trusts your abilities and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in practice,” Ojuva says.
From student to quality developer
Ojuva, who graduated from the University of Turku with a Master of Science in Biotechnology, joined Jaakkoo-Taara in her second year of studies as a quality inspector. Her major focused on sustainable biotechnological processes, while her industrial engineering studies deepened her interest in process development and managing larger entities.
After her studies, Ojuva briefly moved to another company, where she also completed her master’s thesis. When the opportunity to return to Jaakkoo-Taara arose, the decision was easy.
“It was great to return to a familiar company in a new role where I could make use of both my previous experience and the knowledge I had gained through my studies.”
In her current role, Ojuva develops quality management from several different perspectives. Her work includes developing final inspection processes, improving the handling process for customer complaints, and creating standardised ways of working. She is also involved in implementing new technologies, such as imaging- and AI-based solutions.
Responsibility from the very beginning
At the start of a career, there is often an expectation that responsibility will gradually increase as experience accumulates. At Jaakkoo-Taara, the trust placed in a young employee’s abilities positively surprised Ojuva.
“I have been given the opportunity to take on broad and meaningful development projects right from the beginning.”
The first months have taught her a great deal about production processes, quality management and working with customers. Particularly memorable have been the encounters with colleagues across the organisation.
“I have had the opportunity to discuss things with professionals from different departments. Everyone has been very open about explaining their work and answering my questions. These conversations have brought a lot of motivation and joy to my working days.”
According to Ojuva, the diverse expertise within the work community is one of Jaakkoo-Taara’s strengths.
“Development requires looking at things from several different perspectives. There is a great deal of knowledge here that can be utilised.”
You don’t have to know everything right away
When discussing youth employment, the conversation often turns to a lack of experience. According to Ojuva, however, willingness to learn and the right attitude are even more important.
“You don’t have to know everything right away. Working life is a continuous learning process, and after graduation you are not expected to know everything about everything.”
She also points out that the current labour market situation is challenging for many young people.
“If you do not get the job you applied for, it does not mean that you are not good enough or that you were not suitable for the position. Getting a job is not always entirely within your own control.”
At the same time, people can develop their skills in many ways outside of work as well.
“All experience, studies, projects, hobbies and your own initiative build your competence. It is also worth being open-minded about different opportunities. Sometimes the best opportunities are found outside your comfort zone.”
An opportunity is worth giving
From the perspective of a young employee, companies play an important role in building the expertise of the future. According to Ojuva, young people bring new ideas, fresh perspectives and the courage to look at established ways of working from a new angle.
Her own journey is also an example of what one opportunity can make possible at its best. The work she did as a quality inspector during her studies created the foundation for her current expert role.
“Every professional has been a beginner at some point. That is why giving young people opportunities can be a decisive step both for their own careers and for the future of companies,” Ojuva concludes.