"I felt that in my previous company, my tasks and position were starting to stagnate, and I had been exploring what to do next for a long time. AW Academy's training seemed like exactly the right path for me to change jobs and find something new and interesting to learn again," describes Joni, who previously worked as a production planner in a logistics company, regarding his decision to jump into a new career.
Before AW Academy, Joni Laukkanen had studied information processing at a university of applied sciences and worked with other ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems. He was particularly drawn to the IT field by the logic of the systems, endless possibilities, and continuous learning. The flexibility brought by the opportunity for remote work was also a major plus for Joni.
Annamaija Anttila, like Joni, had previously trained as a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and completed her studies working on projects in the gaming industry, focusing on creative team management and producing. That was when her spark for the IT industry truly ignited.
"At the end of my BBA studies, I ended up at a transport company that did software development, and during that time, the feeling strengthened that this is what I want. The idea matured, and I glanced at job openings, but without training or experience, it’s not worth wasting energy on nothing. Finally, I spotted an AW Academy ad on the Duunitori website, took the pre-tests the very next day, and luckily received notice to just send in an application!"
Even as a youngster, Annamaija played with computers and tested programming tips shared by the Mikrobitti magazine with her friends, so mastering new software in professional life has felt natural.
"The IT field is extremely fascinating because it develops at an accelerating pace; I can't even imagine what kind of innovations we will see, for example, five years from now."
Intensive training months provided a strong foundation for work life
Microsoft D365 is a cloud-based ERP system, and AW Academy's training programs targeting Digia train career changers for its various units. Annamaija and Joni trained together for the Business Central unit, where they now help customers with questions and problems.
"In our Business Central group, there were two people plus the instructor, so the training was intensive to say the least. We received instruction literally 'hand-in-hand,' even though the entire course was studied online," Annamaija recalls.
Joni agrees: "Studying was intensive and interesting. The Business Central track was practically organized for the first time now, and we had an instructor almost entirely for our own use nearly all the time."
According to Annamaija, the training created a good foundation for practical work tasks. "The training was excellent practice for the future job. Many times a day you had to share your screen, ask for help, or request a further explanation—and that’s often what the work is, too. We frequently solve customer support tickets with one or more colleagues, as everyone has their own areas of strength."
Twelve weeks flew by. Together they studied for six to seven hours a day, after which the instructor gave a topic to explore at their own pace for the rest of the day. The topics were reviewed together the following morning.
"I found it to be a functional practice. Of course, with freedom comes increased responsibility for your own learning," Annamaija reflects. The 12-week study period was demanding but rewarding. "The certificate was perhaps the hardest exam I've ever taken, but by reading, it passed too," Joni remembers.
"I found Academic Work Academy truly rewarding, and it even felt like a privilege to get to participate in such training," Annamaija says happily.
Diverse tasks and supportive colleagues
Work at Digia began immediately after graduation in April. Learning has continued at the workplace, and both alumni have been able to get to work on a variety of tasks.
"I have been able to solve customer support tickets independently as I feel comfortable. There are many new systems, software, integrations, and ways of working, and learning continues every day, but fortunately, you always get help from colleagues," Annamaija says about the early stages of her career.
Joni has had similar experiences: "I got straight into the work, and with the guidance of colleagues, we've solved a wide variety of customer problems. The training gave a good foundation, but the real learning has happened by doing the work. I enjoy solving problems with nice colleagues and the way expertise is shared within the team."
As D365 Business Central consultants, their workdays mainly consist of solving customer tickets. Annamaija says every day is different, as a support request rarely comes in for the same issue twice. Additionally, she has been able to delve into Microsoft licensing, customer contacting, and data conversions. Visiting customer premises has been particularly memorable.
"It's incredibly cool to see how, for example, a workshop's operations with its special features have been digitized and set up to be managed in Business Central. Talking face-to-face also helps you understand how important even small functionalities are in ensuring digital systems serve the user," says Annamaija.
The excitement of learning new skills continues at the workplace
Meaningful work means different things to different people, but both Joni and Annamaija appreciate the experiences of success, receiving feedback, independence, a good work atmosphere, and working together in their new jobs. Joni says he enjoys working independently but has now also learned to work with different types of people, which feels meaningful.
"I feel it's important for the work community to be such that going to work doesn't feel sluggish every morning. Success and learning new skills, as well as applying them to work, support the meaningfulness of the job. Receiving feedback is also important to me."
"In the future, I dream of growing into an IT professional and that work life feels comfortable until retirement. Outside of work, the dream would be to sail around the world. I see that there is a need for a worker like me in the IT field in the future, and I believe career opportunities will only expand."
Annamaija is open-minded about the future: "I have my 'antennae' out for what's happening around me—you never know what opportunities might come your way. As I said, I can't predict five years ahead, but I'm open to new possibilities and ready to work for new things. Life is an adventure!"
What is the best thing about working specifically at Digia?
"In a workplace, it's important that the company has various benefits and it feels like they truly want to look after the well-being of the employees," Joni describes what he appreciates in Digia as an employer.
"Giving and offering help, respecting colleagues, and professional behavior get a big plus from me for Digia! In the team's weekly meetings, it has felt good that even we juniors have received good feedback and praise for our work in front of everyone," Annamaija enthuses.