Otto Marjusaari has spent his summer as a maintenance supervisor at UPM Timber's Alholma sawmill in Pietarsaari. Pauliina Räisänen is doing her summer internship in the grading unit at UPM Korkeakoski sawmill in Juupajoki. Let's dive deeper into Pauliina and Otto's experiences and find out what their first summer internship at UPM has been like and what they have learned during the summer.
What made you choose this summer internship at UPM Timber?
Otto: I needed experience in engineering jobs for my studies, and I was particularly interested in the tasks of a maintenance supervisor.
Pauliina: I study bioproduct engineering and needed an internship for the summer. We had visited the Korkeakoski sawmill in high school, so I was familiar with the place. In addition, a friend of mine who worked here last year recommended the place.
What tasks does your job entail?
Otto: My tasks include reading and approving the final reports as well as issuing work permits and fire permits to employees and contractors. In addition, I make and approve purchase orders and requisitions, make work orders based on defect reports and carry out site inspections and observation tours of the sawmill site. I also attend weekly sawmill and maintenance meetings.
Pauliina: There are several different workstations here on the grading unit: lift, timber sorter, registration, packing machine and wrapping. We also have so-called extra jobs, like sorting bin operator. The workstation changes every hour, so you can do all the tasks. For example, at the packing machine workstation we monitor the layering of sawn timber into the finished package to ensure it is even and well-formed. In wrapping, timber is moved from bins into packages, ensuring that the packages are the correct size, with accurate measurements and quality.
“The most rewarding part of the job has been the feelings of achievement and the good working atmosphere, which makes it fun to work here!”
What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
Otto: One of the best things about the job is the independence, although of course learning something new always requires guidance from your supervisor. In general, the days are quite calm and you can concentrate on the essentials without being rushed, which helps you learn.
Pauliina: The most rewarding part of the job has been the feelings of achievement and the good working atmosphere, which makes it fun to work here!
What has been the most challenging part of your job?
Otto: The most challenging part has been remembering multitude of things, because there is always new information to learn. You have to keep a list of important things so that you don't forget them before needing them.
Pauliina: In the beginning it was difficult to learn the tasks of all the different workstations. Potential congestion and blockages at workstations can also be challenging, but you can always get help to solve them.
Do you feel you have received enough training and support for your tasks?
Otto: Yes, definitely! My supervisor and other colleagues are happy to help. It takes a lot of pressure off their workload too, as I get a good start on tasks that I can later do independently.
Pauliina: The internship orientation was really good. The orientation lasted for the first four weeks, after which it could have been extended even further if you wanted. Of course, you can always get help and advice when you need it.
Would you recommend your summer internship to others?
Otto: Yes, I would. Here you can express yourself and influence things with your own decisions. The supervisors are supportive and guide you in your work, but also allow you to work independently. It’s also never wrong to ask for help!
Pauliina: Yes, definitely! The team is very nice, and help is always on hand. It's nice that the tasks change every hour – so the workday doesn't get boring. It's a really nice place to work, and I would gladly come here again!
If you could give one piece of advice to new summer workers, what would it be?
Otto: As a new employee, everything is a learning process in some way, and you don't need to know everything right away. It's important to be careful and ask for help if something is bothering you. When you know you can do something, be determined and confident in what you do.
Pauliina: It's good to be brave and ask for help and advice so that you know how to deal with things like production congestion and blockages. It's easy to get help, and everyone is happy to help!