Did Viivi Syrjä choose the construction industry, or did the industry choose her? Listening to Viivi talk about her background, it quickly becomes clear that her career choice was no coincidence.

– My father works as a building inspector, and that may have played a role in the background. As a child, I often accompanied him on inspections of summer cottages. I have always been interested in engineering, and among all university study options, construction engineering felt the most practical and interesting to me because I like seeing tangible results from my work. Even as a child, I enjoyed building huts and small structures, she reflects.

Her sense of belonging in the industry has only grown stronger through her work on KSBR’s construction sites. This is already her second summer working for the company as a trainee.

Field experience provided a broader perspective

Viivi Syrjä is in her third year of studying civil and construction engineering at the University of Oulu, specializing in structural engineering.

Last summer marked her first season with KSBR.

– I started calling around looking for summer work, and things moved quickly from there. I spent the summer in Northern Finland at an industrial construction project. I worked hands-on in the field and gained valuable insight into how things operate at the grassroots level. I also developed a broader understanding of everything a designer must consider to ensure that a project is actually feasible to build, whether it is an entire building or an individual structure.

Viivi says she was pleasantly surprised by the workplace atmosphere, which was both relaxed and highly productive.

– It was great to feel welcomed into the KSBR team so easily. I was given appropriate responsibility right from the start and people trusted me. In my opinion, a positive working environment is where people develop and learn the most.

Learning about the energy sector

For her second summer, Syrjä was offered a site management trainee position in Soini, South Ostrobothnia. KSBR is currently constructing a wind farm consisting of 17 wind turbines for OX2, alongside an energy storage facility.

– It was nice to return to a familiar team. I had such a positive experience with KSBR that coming back felt like a natural choice.

At the Korkeamaa project site, Viivi’s responsibilities include GPS surveying, monitoring pipe installation work, documentation, and site supervision.

– The energy sector is a completely new environment for me. The experience has been extremely educational because the work focuses largely on earthworks, which is very different from what I saw last summer. It’s great to work on different types of projects and gain experience across multiple sectors. It helps me understand which field and role interest me the most.

Meaningful work in construction

What makes a career in construction meaningful to Viivi?

– What we build today creates broad benefits for society in the future. We are building a better and more sustainable society. When I eventually have the opportunity to design environments through my own engineering solutions, I want to make them as functional and effective as possible.

After the summer, Viivi will continue her studies in Oulu and begin work on her bachelor’s degree. In a few years, she expects to graduate with a Master of Science in Technology.

Could she see herself as part of the KSBR team in the future?

– Absolutely. In addition to the excellent working atmosphere, the company offers a wide variety of projects and operates very efficiently. I have also recommended KSBR as an employer to my friends.