From nurse to energy professional with strong motivation
My name is Heidi Mervasto, and four years ago, I was working as a nurse when I decided to change careers and pursue a degree in energy engineering. The energy sector has opened up a completely new world for me, where my previous experience working with people has proven to be very beneficial.
In healthcare, I worked as a nurse in a demanding specialized care department and before that, I spent years as a practical nurse in elderly care. After deciding to switch fields, I carefully considered and researched different education options, took career tests, and also had discussions with a career psychologist.
The energy sector won out, as it aligns with my strengths, interests, and the promising future prospects and broad career opportunities in the field. I am currently in my third year of studying energy technology at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. The study program is blended, with in-person classes once a month and the rest of the time I study remotely. My plan is to graduate in about a year.
I started my studies with no prior knowledge of the energy sector, so I had to learn everything from the basics. Studying an entirely new field has been exciting, and I am highly motivated to learn things properly. I approach my studies and work seriously and want to succeed in them, while still keeping joy and humor in mind!
A good mix of dirty hands-on work and clean remote work
A friend recommended Adven as a place for an internship, and mentioned that Adven offers diverse learning opportunities for energy industry students. I focused on the application and managed to get a summer job during my first summer. I was welcomed very well.
As someone switching careers, I greatly appreciate hands-on work at facilities and want to learn the basics of energy production from the ground up. My tasks at Adven are very varied, and I enjoy doing real, “dirty” work at the facilities, but also clean remote work at home.
For example, I have inspected numerous district heating wells and assisted plant operators in various tasks, such as during revisions, where I even got to go inside a boiler. I have been part of planning and implementing several facilities’ 5S processes together with plant operators. Every moment spent at heating plants and working practically with colleagues teaches me something new.
Remote workdays provide a good balance to fieldwork and offer diverse learning opportunities. For example, I have been involved in statistical work, reviewing environmental reports, and updating rescue plans and chemical inventories for the facilities.
It is important to me that life is energetic, positive and happy. At Adven, I am able to develop myself together with knowledgeable colleagues and contribute my strengths to the team’s success.
I start every workday with enthusiasm!
Although I also enjoy working independently, the best moments I’ve had have been at the sites with site operators and when crawling around in district heating wells. While inspecting the wells, we’ve had many laughs digging in the sand and jumping away from ants.
The team spirit at Adven has been absolutely great and I have only experienced pleasant encounters. I get to interact with many different parties, and I’ve had conversations with every plant operator at Adven in Finland.
I cooperate daily with the production manager, plant operators and other seasonal workers in my area. I always ask boldly if something is unclear, and I receive help immediately. Even when working remotely, I never feel alone. I am pleasantly surprised by how smoothly and easily collaboration works, both with official parties and other employees at Adven.
Age and gender do not matter
Thanks to my background in healthcare, I am used to working with different kinds of people, and age brings a certain maturity and ability to view things from a broader perspective. For example, other colleagues and I may have an age gap of over 20 years, but cooperation still works excellently. Age or gender doesn’t matter. What impacts how smoothly things go is one’s own activity, diligence, and approachability.
As an employee, I feel valued, and working in line with Adven’s values and goals has been important to me. At Adven, I am able to develop myself together with knowledgeable colleagues and contribute my strengths to the team’s success. I take pride in contributing to plant operations and in being a woman working in the field alongside men.
Heidi also maintains an Instagram account @heidin.matkassa, where she shares thoughts on career changes and energetic and active lifestyle.
Instagram
Youtube
Linkedin
Newsletter