Software developer Antti Maaranen has been part of Profium's Mikkeli office for over ten years now.
"My role right now is working as a lead developer on confidential projects. On top of that, we're constantly researching new technologies," Antti says. An awareness that the work relates to important, socially meaningful topics has stayed with him throughout his career.
First step into IT
Antti previously worked in a completely different field. He holds a university of applied sciences degree in information technology, but had no IT work experience before joining Profium.
"I saw a job ad online, sent a message, and got an interview. I started as a summer employee, and I've enjoyed my time at Profium ever since," Antti recalls.
According to Antti, the key to succeeding in the field is genuine interest: "People who are truly interested also have the energy to keep learning, and they find it enjoyable." He highlights problem-solving skills and initiative as the most important qualities for career success: "You don't need to know everything, as long as you know where to find information. There's almost always a solution to be found, if you just know how to look for it."
A tight-knit team and varied daily work
Antti hasn't worked at larger organizations, but feels a small team works well: "I haven't felt any need for anything bigger. It's easy to work in a small team."
Collaboration with colleagues is close, even though everyone has their own role and area of responsibility: "When you work closely together, you kind of know what everyone else is doing. We try to help each other and ask a colleague if there's something someone else knows better."
A typical workday starts at the office in the morning, usually around nine. After checking emails, Antti often begins to continue working on the current project. Work follows a precisely defined process — the stage is always either specification, design, implementation, or testing. The week's tasks are largely known in advance.
Within that clear structure, employees are trusted to work independently: "It's fairly relaxed, independent work, unless something specific has been arranged," Antti describes. The workday can often be shaped around your own rhythm rather than every minute being externally directed.
In a small office, you get to see the whole path from software development to customer work: "As software developers, we're in a lot of contact with customers, and we're even involved in testing together with the customer. So you get to develop in many different areas in this job." Antti also attends customer meetings when needed and provides on-site support at customer locations. Between projects, there's also the chance to learn new technologies.
The memories that stand out most are Profium's 20th anniversary celebration and the company's shared summer days, when the whole company gathers in one place. Interesting customer meetings, where he's gotten to see the results of his own work in use at the customer's own premises, have also stuck with him.
A working system is the most rewarding part
For Antti, the most rewarding part is good feedback from customers: "When you know you're building important systems and you get good feedback, that's rewarding. Customers usually give honest feedback." In the end, the best praise is simple: "If the system works, that's the best feedback."
Looking ahead, Antti would be interested in developing something new from start to finish: "In long projects, technical 'aha' moments don't come along very often, since progress is slower. Interesting projects using the latest technologies are motivating and teach you new things."
Balancing work and free time
In his free time, Antti deliberately keeps some distance from computers: "I don't sit at the computer at home, especially on weekdays after work. I've made an effort to get outdoors and stay active, because taking care of your fitness and wellbeing is important when you do IT work year after year."
His free time ranges from volleyball and the gym to jogging and hiking. In summer, Antti spends time at the cottage, away from computers, and goes on walks with his dog.
As a special skill, or at least a hobby not everyone knows about, Antti mentions swamp volleyball: "I've played on the same team for over ten years and have competed at the World Championships. Swamp volleyball is almost always one of the highlights of the summer."
