After many years in software development, I started my data career at Solita over seven years ago. In 2024, alongside my work with data, I had the opportunity to try a semi-professional esports path. What was supposed to be a few months’ trial ended up turning into almost a year-long break from my day job. Currently, I am balancing my career as a Senior Data Engineer with my gaming career. I’m grateful to work at Solita, where flexibility and trust make this possible.
Stepping into a new role in an international project
After playing full-time for almost a year, I returned to Solita, and now I’m in a new big project at Telenor, working closely with my Swedish colleagues. I am currently the only Senior Data Engineer from Finland working on this project. I ensure that our cloud data warehouse is developed with best practices and that everything stays on track.
This is a different role from the one I had before. Now I have less development work and I’m more responsible for the bigger picture in the project.
I feel appreciated
I am the kind of person who goes with the flow and doesn’t have a clear vision of the future. I keep my options open and see what interests me. I think that way, you gain experience and learn about yourself.
I have really enjoyed my time at Solita. My colleagues are a big reason why it is so nice to work here. People are genuine and relaxed, but they still take things seriously.
People are also noticed, listened to, and you always get help when they need it. If there has been a problem, a solution has been found. Here, people are cared for, and we aren’t just a resource or a number.
And the possibility to learn new things all the time is also great.
From hobby to a second job
I’ve been playing video games since I was little, and when I started secondary school, I began playing Counter-Strike. Games are fun, and when you play, you can see your own progress.
When I was studying at Haaga-Helia, after a long break, I started playing again with my friends. Through gaming, I got to know new people and joined a team, and gaming became more serious. Eventually, we made it to LAN tournaments, and I realised that this could lead to something more serious. In 2022, I joined my current team, Rounds.
And, in a very Finnish way, without praising himself, Panu said: I’ve done quite well.
