Switching careers is never an easy decision, but it can open up exciting new opportunities and lead to greater personal and professional fulfillment. At Bofor, we are proud to have a team of professionals who have successfully transitioned from various fields into IT, bringing with them unique perspectives and valuable skills. Here are the stories of four such individuals, each of whom made the leap into IT and found it to be a rewarding and life-changing experience.
Piia Vepsä: From Finance to Business Consulting
Piia Vepsä spent 16 years in marketing and communications within the financial sector before joining Bofor as a business consultant. Her role in HR management, strategy, and sustainability work further enriched her skill set. Moving into IT allowed Piia to view the familiar financial world from a new angle, where she could apply her extensive experience in innovative ways.
The transition has not only deepened her technical understanding but also allowed her to leverage her diverse skills in a cohesive and rewarding role. Piia is able to utilize her previous background as Bofor specializes in the finance sector. What Piia appreciates most about her current position is the opportunity to continually learn and share her knowledge with others, all while enjoying the collaborative spirit and supportive environment at Bofor.
Alisa Svensson: From Teaching to IT Consulting
Alisa Svensson’s journey to IT began after several years of teaching English and French. Despite her passion for education, Alisa found herself increasingly drawn to the world of programming. She began studying coding in her spare time and eventually made the bold decision to change careers. Now she has been working as a Power Platform consultant for over two years.
One of the most significant benefits Alisa has discovered in her new career is the flexibility it offers. Living between Finland and Sweden, she values the ability to work remotely, which was not possible in her teaching career. Although she still enjoys visiting the office and connecting with colleagues, the option to work from home provides her with a work-life balance that better suits her lifestyle.
Alisa’s teaching background continues to serve her well, particularly when she leads training sessions for clients and colleagues. The skills she developed as a teacher—such as explaining complex concepts in an understandable way—are invaluable in her current role. She also finds satisfaction in combining the creative and collaborative aspects of teaching with the technical challenges of IT. Whether she is engaging with primary school students or employees at an international company, Alisa loves inspiring others.
Sini Aaltonen: From Tourism to Development
Sini Aaltonen’s journey to IT began after a diverse and accomplished career in the tourism industry, including roles such as a flight attendant and service motivator for long-haul business class flights. Driven by a passion for coding, Sini transitioned to a developer role after studying C# and Azure. Today, she works on a variety of projects, constantly expanding her technical skills and enjoying the challenges of her new profession.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her career change has been the ability to spend more time at home and engage in new hobbies, such as spending more time at her summer cottage. Sini feels that her decision to move into IT has significantly improved her quality of life. The stability and fulfillment she finds in her current job have made her much happier overall. In particular, she appreciates the regular sleep schedule and the absence of the physical demands and irregular hours that characterized her previous work as a flight attendant.
Sini’s advice to others considering a similar change is to prioritize happiness and embrace the learning opportunities that come with a new career. She encourages those interested in coding to explore online courses offered by open universities or platforms like Microsoft, where you can find free study programs, such as the Microsoft Skills for Jobs series, to kickstart your journey in IT.
Outi Aarnilaakso: From Journalism to Dynamics 365 Consulting
Outi Aarnilaakso transitioned from a career in journalism and editorial management to become a Dynamics 365 Consultant at Bofor. Her previous roles involved meeting influential figures, crafting compelling stories, and managing the complex logistics of print and digital media. One of the highlights of her journalism career was interviewing the world-renowned DJ David Guetta, a unique experience that speaks to her ability to connect with people and tell their stories.
These experiences have proven invaluable in her current role, where she helps clients develop and optimize their systems. The organizational, communication, and leadership skills she honed as a journalist have made her a highly effective consultant. Outi’s background as a high school language teacher also allows her to simplify and explain complex concepts to clients, making her an asset in any project.
The constant learning and problem-solving required in consulting have kept her engaged and motivated, while the diverse challenges of each day ensure that her work remains varied and interesting. Outi believes that her experience in journalism has equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in IT consulting, particularly in understanding client needs and delivering effective solutions.
Take the Leap
Each of these stories illustrates the transformative power of a career change to IT. Whether your background is in finance, teaching, tourism, or journalism, the skills you’ve developed can be applied in the IT field in ways you might not have imagined. At Bofor, we believe in the potential of every individual to make a successful transition, bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to a new and rewarding career.
If you’re considering a career change and are curious about what IT has to offer, we’d love to hear from you. Bofor is always looking for passionate individuals ready to explore new opportunities and take the next step in their careers.