I came to Kraków because it seemed like a great chance to work abroad, which I had always wanted to do. I had just finished my studies in Oulu and I was looking for career opportunities. At the same time, my adventurer’s spirit was itching for a longer stay outside of Finland. When I spotted UPM’s advertisement for a job opportunity, it was like killing two birds with one stone. With UPM being a well-known Finnish company offering work abroad, I figured the risk was worth taking. And I was right!
My daily work includes coordinating recruitment processes for Finnish factory locations. This means that I am in daily contact with different stakeholders, mainly managers and Business HRs, from Finland. We act as a support for the management and local HR in Finland starting from posting the job advertisement all the way to the hiring of the newly chosen employee. As the Team Coordinator, I make sure everyone is up to date with daily tasks and act as an administrative support for the team. As someone with an interest in management, this role has helped me realize the professional skills I can develop towards this career path.
When it comes to work, one of the most important aspects for me is the ability to do things in my own way. This comes true at HR Service Center, where managers & team leaders trust their team members and allow them to experiment with their work. Not only team leaders, but also the team members are a pleasure to work with, and we all provide support to one another to the best extent possible. With strong support from your colleagues and without unnecessary micromanagement, you can truly reach your potential in your own style of work.
Here at HRSC, there are a plethora of projects you can get involved in. Personally, I have enjoyed taking part in them, since they offer you an opportunity to gain a better overall understanding of the HR area and its processes. Apart from that, these projects are usually available for the whole HR Service Center, meaning you get to work with people from different teams. The great thing about us is our like-mindedness despite all the differences. UPM employees come from various cultures and backgrounds and it creates a pleasantly open and relaxed environment to work in.
When it comes to the city, Kraków is a great place for exploring. Established in the Middle Ages, the city has many historic sites & sights that are worth visiting. If you are hungry for some culinary experiences, Kraków offers an extraordinary selection of restaurants and different cuisines. What is more, the city is surrounded by nature, providing many parks and mountains for hikers and travelers. These activities are also supported by UPM, which offers a benefit called Multisport card as part of its employee benefits package. At a small monthly cost, the card enables you to participate in a large variety of different sports and visit practically any gym in Kraków.
The central location of Kraków in Europe has its own advantages. The warm summer nights are a treat and for me, as a Finn, the sunlight availability during winter is a considerable plus. Traveling within Europe is also very cost efficient here. For example, Prague or the Tatras are among the most popular weekend getaway destinations within close proximity. Now that’s work-life balance!