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Courage takes you forward in your career
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Pauliina Hakamäki
  

Project Manager Intern, IEC LV Motors
Vaasa, Finland

When Pauliina Hakamäki graduated from high school, she didn’t yet have a clear vision of her future. She first pursued nursing studies, but during her studies, the idea of a change began to grow. That’s why she started taking management courses at the open University.

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The thought of having to start all over again made the decision to change fields difficult. However, her interest in business studies helped her take the leap. With her versatile interests and entrepreneurial family background, the field felt like a natural choice.

Many people experience uncertainty when it comes to career choices. Pauliina’s story is a great reminder that everyone’s career path is unique, and those paths don’t have to look the same.
Pauliina believes that challenging yourself is the key to growth. When an email popped up about an open HR trainee position at ABB, her interest was sparked right away. It was an interesting opportunity: a role where she could combine studies with working life while gaining experience in a fascinating field. Pauliina was selected, and the HR internship turned out to be more rewarding than she ever expected.

“I was given responsibility: I coordinated recruitment processes together with managers, organized events, supported managers in their work, and got involved in many exciting projects. I grew enor-mously during that year.”

The warm welcome from the team and a solid handover from her predecessor gave her confidence and courage. During the internship, she also began to see ABB as a potential long-term workplace and growth environment thanks to the diverse opportunities it offered


Stepping boldly into new shoes
Pauliina’s interest in project management was sparked through hands-on experience. As an HR trainee, she worked in the same space as project managers and got to observe their daily work. When a new internship opportunity in project management opened, the decision to apply was an easy one.

“Working in project management appealed to me because it combines variety of tasks, collaboration, and opportunities to grow. It’s fascinating to learn how large projects are managed and how different challenges are solved in practice. Even though I don’t yet know exactly where my career will take me, this feels like a very good start.”

ABB’s culture supported her transition to the new role, and Pauliina was able to get to know her new job even before officially starting. Now, as a Project Manager Trainee, Pauliina works on order-to-delivery projects, acting as a link between sales companies in different countries and the factory. Her responsibilities include managing international customer projects, coordinating customer tests, and working closely with engineering, procurement, production, and logistics.


“My internship has confirmed that I am on the right path.

The responsibilities and opportunities I’ve been given have felt rewarding. My career path has become clearer.”
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Through her two different trainee roles, Pauliina has not only gained diverse experience but has also grown professionally and personally.

“I’ve learned to face uncertainty and situations that may feel difficult at first. I’ve realized I don’t have to know everything beforehand. Help is available, and it’s worth asking for it.”

For Pauliina, every day has brought new insights and concrete learning, laying a strong foundation for the future.

“Even though this field was unfamiliar to me, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve realized that I can succeed—and that real learning happens through doing. Working outside your comfort zone builds self-confidence and the ability to adapt.”

“Everyone has their own path! I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about my different career back-ground. It not only makes you stand out, but diverse experiences and lessons can ultimately lead you in exactly the right direction.”
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