Traineeship in Sustainability & Analytics

Meet Aapo Räsänen - Sustainability & Analytics trainee

Aapo Räsänen studies Circular Economy in the Environmental Engineering Master's program at LUT University, as he is interested in circular economy. Aapo finds it very interesting to come up with new solutions that make technical operations and parts less polluting or more easily reusable: "I chose the circular economy program in my studies because I am specifically interested in circular economy and how the current linear model of the economy could be developed to be more sustainable. In my work, I get to work on these very issues in the context of technology and industry."

Aapo faced the same issue in early spring as many other students: finding a suitable summer job seemed difficult, with few positions available and tough competition. However, the email notification about this position seemed to hit the mark, as the company, job duties, and location were exactly what he was looking for. Aapo was indeed chosen, and now his summer job at Konecranes is nearing its end. However, he plans to continue writing his thesis at Konecranes after the summer job ends, which is possible for master's students.

Working in the Sustainability and Analytics team requires skills in data handling and lifecycle assessment (LCA) and its application. Aapo's skills learned in school with the LCA software have helped him in this role, making it easy to learn other software on the job. Proficiency in English is also essential, as all reporting is done in English.

Data analysis is a big part of Aapo's job, and during his summer job, he has analyzed, for example, the parts lists of Konecranes products, from which material information is collected for lifecycle modeling. His job also includes various projects, such as participating in the ongoing Open to Ideas competition at Konecranes, where new solutions for Konecranes' challenges are developed with other summer and new employees. In this competition, Aapo has led the Green Delivery team: "We are trying to come up with a solution for how we can make the transportation of Konecranes products more sustainable."

What is a typical workday like for a Sustainability and Analytics Trainee?

“Well, to classically put it, I don't really have a typical workday.”

But if he were to describe it, it would roughly go as follows:

The workday starts either remotely at home or at the office by reading emails and planning the day's schedule. Aapo plans his day's schedule around the project's timelines and the day's meetings, forming the day's work goals based on these. He schedules specific times in his plan for "focus" moments, wherein he intensely focuses on a particular project or task. He finds this to be an effective work method.

An important coffee break is scheduled a few hours into the day, meaning a small breather and moment of calm in the midst of work. After the coffee break, he often checks emails and other messages again.

Lunch is around midday, and since Aapo feels he cannot immediately focus on detailed tasks like data analysis after lunch, he uses this time to plan his thesis.

Afternoons are often spent working in the same rhythm as the mornings, alternating between intensive work sessions, Teams calls, and other tasks. Aapo often works on multiple different projects throughout the day, bringing variety to his workday. Visits to factories for analyzing or inspecting certain machine parts provide a break from sitting at the computer.

The workday can thus be pleasantly tailored to best suit oneself and one's working style.

Through his summer job, Aapo has become accustomed to reading technical drawings and parts lists. Learning to use new information systems and a new LCA modeling program has advanced his skill level, and his work organization skills and language skills have improved "as a bonus." He highlights flexibility and the support from supervisors and colleagues as the best aspects of his summer job at Konecranes. "Flexibility has been a big deal; I have been able to do much more than just work during the summer. I also appreciate the orientation and support I received when starting work and continue to receive. Amazing people, the work atmosphere is relaxed, very nice to work in this team. I can't think of anything negative. Best summer job experience," Aapo concludes.

Flexibility has been a big deal; I have been able to do much more than just work during the summer. I also appreciate the orientation and support I received when starting work and continue to receive. Amazing people, the work atmosphere is relaxed, very nice to work in this team. I can't think of anything negative.

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Life at Konecranes Traineeship in Sustainability & Analytics