1. What is your role at Ilmatar, and how has your area of responsibility possibly changed during your time at Ilmatar?
I have been working at Ilmatar for four years as a Project Development Manager. I am responsible for the permitting of the wind and solar energy projects assigned to me, all the way to a potential investment decision. Initially, I focused solely on onshore wind projects, but a couple of years ago solar energy was added to my portfolio. Over these four years, my expertise has deepened and broadened considerably. The most instructive process so far has been taking the Säkylä Korpilevonmäki wind project from the draft zoning stage all the way to the investment decision. Going through the entire process has given me completely new capabilities to advance other projects.
2. How do you enjoy working at Ilmatar? What is the best part of being one of us?
I have enjoyed working at Ilmatar throughout. I feel that I am not just one of the employees, but part of a community that enjoys spending time together even outside of work. It is also rewarding to share the expertise I have accumulated over the years with younger colleagues, especially when I feel that my knowledge and perspectives are valued.
3. Briefly tell us about your career before Ilmatar.
I have worked for shorter periods at, among others, the ELY Centre, the Regional Council, and Metsähallitus. Before joining Ilmatar, I spent almost eight years at Ramboll in environmental consulting. I assessed the impacts of wind energy projects as well as other energy projects, mining projects, and road and railway projects. My interest in wind energy developed already in these previous roles before joining Ilmatar.
4. Briefly describe your educational background.
I graduated in 2012 from the University of Eastern Finland with a Master’s degree in Social Sciences. My major was Human Geography, and I also studied, among other subjects, Environmental Law and Geoinformatics.
5. The best lesson you have learned during your career?
It is easy to get too absorbed in interesting work. It is important to learn to set limits for yourself. In long and complex projects, you may encounter many pitfalls, sometimes even very concrete ones, so it is best to focus on the essential aspects and move forward straightforwardly. You cannot control everything, nor is it necessary, and it is important to remember that work is, above all, a team effort.
