Where the Talent Academy can take you
I joined Solita through the Talent Academy four years ago, starting my journey as a Data Engineer. Before that, I worked with data visualisation in-house at a growth company, but I wanted to broaden my skills and explore what else I could do.
One thing I’ve appreciated throughout my time here is that you don’t have to have your entire career mapped out. I certainly didn’t. Through Solita’s mentoring programme, I had the opportunity to reflect on my strengths, explore different career paths, and connect with colleagues working in roles I found interesting. Those conversations eventually led me towards project management, first alongside data engineering and later as my full-time role.
Looking back, my career has evolved through curiosity rather than following a predefined plan. That’s been one of the biggest lessons for me at Solita. If something interests you, it’s worth saying it out loud. It’s likely that people will help you find a way to move towards it.
Helping hundreds of colleagues embrace AI
Last year, my own career took another unexpected turn. After returning from burnout leave, I had the opportunity to gradually ease back into work through an internal role just as Solita was investing more in strengthening AI capabilities across the Connected Data business unit. Today, I lead our internal AI Boost initiative, helping our people build practical AI skills and confidence.
A big part of my work is understanding how different project teams are already using AI, identifying good practices, and helping spread those learnings across the organisation. We organise hackathons, AI jams, and hands-on learning sessions where people can experiment with AI, even if their customer project doesn’t yet involve it.
We’re also creating practical guidance that helps teams discuss AI with customers and use it responsibly. Rather than becoming the wild west, we want AI to be something people use consciously, collaboratively, and in ways that actually create value.
The most rewarding moments are when someone crosses that first threshold. Once people realise what AI can help them do, they often continue exploring on their own. Sometimes those first experiments even grow into solutions that benefit the wider organisation.
Learning never really stops
I’ve realised that variety in my work is important to me. If I keep doing the same thing for too long, my curiosity starts to fade, so I enjoy stepping into new areas and learning from people around me.
That’s one of the reasons I enjoy working here. I’m surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable colleagues, and even when I’m not the deepest technical expert in the room, I learn by listening, asking questions, and working alongside people with different expertise. At the same time, everyone is encouraged to share what they’ve learned.
As consultants, we need to stay ahead of the curve. During the past few months alone, we’ve organised more than twenty internal AI knowledge-sharing sessions, covering everything from new technologies to customer cases. Learning isn’t something that happens once a year. It’s part of our everyday work.
Creating impact that reaches beyond one project
As a Data Engineer at Solita, I worked mainly on public sector projects, where data helped organisations improve decision-making and provide better services for citizens. Even relatively small improvements can make a meaningful difference when they scale across large organisations.
Today, my impact looks a little different. Instead of working with one customer project, I have the opportunity to help hundreds of Solitans develop their AI capabilities. If I can help someone take that first step and discover a new way of working, that learning often continues into customer projects and creates value far beyond one workshop or one team.
A culture that helps you grow
One thing I appreciate about Solita is that you’re never expected to figure everything out alone. I have regular conversations with my People Lead about how I’m doing, what I’d like to learn next, and how my projects can support that development.
The culture is also genuinely supportive. People want to help each other, and knowledge flows freely across teams and seniority levels. That became especially meaningful after my burnout. Returning to work gradually reminded me that sustainable performance matters more than constantly pushing yourself. I also learned that asking for help is a strength. Nobody else can see everything on your plate unless you tell them.
For anyone joining Solita, I’d say curiosity and initiative matter more than knowing everything already. Technology evolves quickly, so the willingness to keep learning, ask questions, and focus on your own development is what helps you succeed.
Finding balance outside work
Outside work, I intentionally spend very little time behind another screen. It’s important for me to have a clear counterbalance to knowledge work, whether that’s walking, running, kettlebell training, or spending time in nature.
My biggest hobby, though, is knitting. Knowledge work often produces results you can’t physically hold in your hands, so I enjoy creating something tangible. Seeing a finished piece you’ve made yourself brings a different kind of satisfaction, and for me, it’s the perfect way to recharge.
Talent Academy gave me more than technical skills
The Solita Talent Academy gave me much more than technical skills. It helped me understand the bigger picture of what we do across Solita, which still helps me in my current role.
What has stayed with me just as much are the people. The group that started the Academy together built a strong network that still exists today, even though we’ve all ended up in different teams and roles. Having those connections across the organisation has made collaboration easier and created a real sense of belonging from the beginning.
The Talent Academy offers much more than building your technical skills. It’s also a chance to build relationships that can support your career for years to come.
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