Q&A: from trainee to full-timer

In this Q&A, Silja and Lotta share what drew them to Miltton, what surprised them most during their trainee journey, and what advice they’d give to anyone considering applying. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or simply curious about life at Miltton, their stories offer a candid look at what it means to start your career here.

Let’s start with the basics – what’s your name, your current role, and where are you based?

Lotta: My name is Lotta Mäkelä, and I’m based in Helsinki. I currently work as a Communications coordinator in our Capital markets team.

Silja: My name is Silja Abildsten, and I work as a Communications coordinator in the Sustainability team in Helsinki.

Lotta: I had a feeling that Miltton could be a great fit for my interests and ambitions. I had been following Miltton across different channels for a few years and the projects they shared seemed super interesting to me. When the trainee program application opened, it felt like the perfect opportunity to take the next step and explore that all more closely.

Silja: I had been following Miltton’s work and had seen that they were involved in many areas that really interest me. I had a feeling the culture would suit me – and my hunch turned out to be spot on!

Lotta: I got to do a lot! I took part in a wide variety of projects, from capital markets to strategy and research projects. I had the chance to work on super interesting projects with clients from many different sectors. My daily tasks included, for example, preparing materials, conducting background research, participating in sales, and taking part in customer meetings and workshops.

Silja: As a trainee, I mainly worked with project management in annual and sustainability reporting projects, collaborating closely with clients on a daily and weekly basis. I also got to be involved in several sustainability communications projects, which actually opened the door to my current role.

Lotta: I love the way we work across teams. The number of passionate and smart people around makes it a fantastic environment for learning. People are curious and open to learn new things, which makes Miltton a motivating and special place to work and grow professionally. Outside work, I’m also a big fan of the many different Miltton clubs – I’ve taken part in everything from running to a sound bowl meditation.

Silja: People at Miltton are just so fun. I knew the culture would be good, but who knew you could have that many laughs during a company-wide meeting? Also, the low hierarchy here is something I hadn’t experienced before – it’s such a pleasure to work and joke around with senior colleagues without any sense of formality.

Lotta: I felt trusted from the very beginning. I got to dive into different tasks and learn by doing, but always with the encouraging support and help from my colleagues. And from the beginning, I got to work with clients on super interesting projects. I also had regular one-on-ones with my team lead, where we together made sure I was getting the most out of my traineeship by planning the future and reflecting on the past.

Silja: When I got to work on projects I was genuinely passionate about and was given responsibility, I realized this was the kind of work I wanted to keep doing. It may be intense at times, but when you love what you do, it’s so worth it!

Lotta: Since I already had a lot of responsibilities during my traineeship, stepping into the full-time role felt like a natural continuation. During and after my traineeship, I’ve gained more responsibilities and confidence. Now I have a clearer idea of the direction I want to take my career and it’s easier to identify the kinds of projects that truly excite me and to continue shaping my professional path.

Silja: After moving to the sustainability team, I now get to focus fully on sustainability projects. I’ve really been able to dive deep into the topic, and the learning curve has definitely been steep!

Lotta: Just be yourself, that’s the best thing you can do. Don’t hesitate to show what excites you and share your interests and skills. Curiosity and excitement go a long way.

Silja: Just go for it! Let your passion shine through, and don’t be afraid to be yourself – it really makes a difference.

Lotta: I’m excited to keep learning and deepening my expertise. There is still so much more to explore and I’m looking forward to grow alongside the talented and kind people here.

Silja: I get to work with super interesting clients and projects, and there’s not a day that goes by without learning something new. Being in a role where I’m constantly growing is inspiring!