“I come from a farm and forest property in South Ostrobothnia, so studying forestry was a natural choice. I was fascinated by the diversity of the field of study. My previous forestry experiences were very practical. My studies broadened my understanding of forestry work, forest ownership and its many different uses,” says Vainionpää.
The field courses he completed during his studies offered welcome variety and concrete experience in the various aspects of sustainable forest management. Company visits and guest lectures highlighted the connection between practical forestry work and the modern forest industry, as well as the related business opportunities.
“I didn’t limit the kinds of forest industry tasks I would like to work in much because forest industry studies enable a wide range of different career paths. In addition to forestry companies, my classmates have been employed by the Natural Resources Institute Finland, banks and the ELY Centre,” says Vainionpää.
The growth of the bioindustry creates new opportunities
Vainionpää started his career at Metsä Group during his studies in 2019. As an intern, he focused on developing cutting management, which is a key part of sustainable wood procurement. Before graduating, he worked as a project expert in wood procurement planning and in a summer job in logistics, being responsible for the operational management of wood flows in the Joensuu procurement district.
After graduating, Vainionpää continued as a project expert in planning. Since 2023, he has worked as Development Manager.
“The great thing about the forest industry is that it offers the opportunity to move between different positions, even within the same company. I now work at the interface between business and ICT, which is both diverse and challenging,” says Vainionpää.
He encourages young people who are planning their higher education to consider the forest industry, as it offers diverse career paths and the opportunity to participate in the rapidly developing bioindustry.
“Metsä Group’s Äänekoski bioproduct mill was once a significant milestone in the forest industry. Since then, the industry has developed at a tremendous pace and the future looks even more promising,” says Vainionpää.
