Job shadowing <\/em>means following and observing another person at their workplace to gain an understanding of their tasks and work environment. It is similar to a short student exchange, but in professional life. This makes it a unique way to learn by watching, listening, and asking questions directly from a colleague in practice.<\/p>\n Before heading off for his job shadowing experience at Vaasan S\u00e4hk\u00f6, Axel wrote a list of questions he wanted answered during his time in Vaasa. Based on his interests and job responsibilities, his host Johan Eriksson<\/strong>prepared a detailed schedule for the week. Michaela did the same for her colleague Helen Eriksson<\/strong> from \u00d6vik Energi. She also made sure to inform her own organization about the visit and encouraged her colleagues to include the visitor in their daily routines.<\/p>\n During his week in Vaasa, Axel gained a deeper understanding of how another energy company works on various issues that his own organization also faces. The days in Vaasa were filled with scheduled activities, discussions, and spontaneous conversations that offered new perspectives. Outside of working hours, Axel also got the chance to explore Vaasa, including attending a hockey game with Johan.<\/p>\n \u201cSince I\u2019m a process engineer, the most interesting part of the week was visiting EPV\u2019s combined heat and power plant, which has a large thermal storage and electric boilers. We\u2019re currently procuring an electric boiler ourselves, so I wanted to learn as much as possible about them. It was also very rewarding to hear how Vaasan S\u00e4hk\u00f6 manages its district heating distribution\u201d, says Axel.<\/p>\n In Jakobstad, Michaela and her guest discussed topics such as talent acquisition, employer branding, HR systems, and language culture. The colleague also joined a field visit to a hydroelectric power plant and participated in a training session for technicians on the implementation of a new HR system.<\/p>\n \u201cOur staff is very welcoming and open, and so is Helen, so she quickly became part of our work community.Additionally, most people at our office speak Swedish, so communication went smoothly\u201d, explains Michaela.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Axel Lindberg, process engineer at \u00d6vik Energi, traveled across the Kvarken strait for a week of job shadowing at Vaasan S\u00e4hk\u00f6.<\/p><\/div>\n For Axel, the job shadowing week at Vaasan S\u00e4hk\u00f6 was not only an opportunity to see how another energy company operates but also a way to build relationships that can facilitate future collaboration. It is valuable to put faces to colleagues in another company and to know who to call if different questions arise.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was extremely rewarding to have discussions with my counterpart at Vaasan S\u00e4hk\u00f6, and we learned a lot from each other. There are many things that are done in a certain way within a company, which can be hard to understand unless you\u2019re there for several days and can see how the work is carried out in practice.\u201d<\/p>\n In discussions with her Swedish colleague, Michaela noted that there are some country-specific nuances in laws, collective agreements, and terminology between energy companies, but typical HR challenges are the same no matter which side of the Kvarken strait you are on. At Finnish Herrfors, which is bilingual, all communication must also be provided in both Swedish and Finnish \u2013 something Michaela\u2019s guest particularly noted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nA week full of insights and inspiration<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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New faces and rewarding discussions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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