Story | 01/03/2024 09:29:22 | 3 min Read time

UPM Graduates Life: A journey of continuous learning, growth, and surprises

Sofia Niemi

UPM Graduate

I have enjoyed my graduate journey so far at UPM Financial Control Development. I started in June at our head office in Helsinki. I am delighted to share my experience, which has been full of learning, growth, and surprises.

For me, the UPM graduate programme felt like the right path to choose after graduating from university because it offers so many opportunities, such as the chance to work in different teams and travel abroad. 

UPM  has exceeded my expectations as an employer. I have seen that the company is genuinely committed to sustainability and creating innovative solutions to mitigate climate change. Added to that, the work culture here is inclusive, and my colleagues have been incredibly supportive. It has been a pleasure to work with such a diverse and talented group of talented individuals. Another advantage is having a mentor to support my journey.
 

Sofia Niemi - UPM Graduate

 
I feel that every day at UPM is a new learning experience. I have had the opportunity to work in various Record-to-Report processes and teams, each bringing its unique challenges and takeaways. I have gained valuable insights into our processes, development practices, and technology. The hands-on experience has significantly enhanced my understanding of financial control in a corporate setting. It is fascinating to see how theoretical knowledge from my university days is applied in real-world scenarios. I am currently very excited and looking forward to starting my second module in January. I will be spending a couple months in Wroclaw, Poland, where I will be working in the Financial Control team.

I have been surprised by the level of trust shown by my colleagues, and I have been pleased that my wishes for assignments have been heard. Despite my graduate status, I have been encouraged to take ownership of my projects. In every assignment, I have grown and learned to use different technologies and practices. Sometimes I feel that I have learned more at UPM than during my five years at university. The trust shown by my co-workers and my manager has not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to perform my best.
 

Sofia Niemi - UPM Graduate

 
Another pleasant surprise is the emphasis that UPM places on work-life balance. The company truly values its employees’ well-being, ensuring that we have enough time for our personal lives and interests. Also, we are welcome to participate in various activity clubs at Biofore House such as yoga or networking. 

As I continue my journey at UPM, I look forward to further developing my skills, taking on new challenges, and contributing to the company’s success. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to see where this journey takes me. 

In summary, my experience as a graduate in UPM Financial Control Development has been nothing short of amazing. It has been a journey of continuous learning, personal growth, and positive surprises. And I am thrilled to be a part of it.
 

Interested in the programme? Read more at upm.com/graduate 

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