Ammar's journey to Finland
Syed Ammar Hasan Naqvi embarked on a journey that led him from Pakistan to Finland, driven by a desire to contribute to the mitigation of climate change. His interest in sustainability and the fact that Vaasa is an energy hub in the Nordics made the city a great destination for him. Now that he has been in Finland for some time, Ammar highlights his love for the peace and quiet in Finland. “The perfect country for an introvert as me” he explains.
Academic pursuits
Ammar's journey to Finland was guided by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore new horizons. Drawn by sustainability and the improvement of climate, he started his Master programme at University of Vaasa in Smart Energy and Data Analytics. Immersing himself in this field, Ammar found himself at the forefront of technological innovation and sustainable solutions, an opportunity he had yearned for but could not access in his homeland.
Professional journey and cultural insights at the workplace
Professionally, Ammar's journey led him to Danfoss Drives, where he discovered a fitting role as an Application Software Engineer. Using his strong background in electrical engineering, he designs software features for electrical drives aimed at reducing carbon emissions. His work at Danfoss has not only helped him improve his programming skills but also provided him with a platform to actively contribute to climate change mitigation.
At his workplace, Ammar appreciates the culture of trust and flexibility. Autonomous work and individual contributions are both valued and respected. Moreover, he enjoys the strong team spirit and collaborative environment.
Thinking back to his job search and recruitment process for this job, he is convinced that calling his current manager was key for him to get an interview and later land the job. His interview experience was welcoming and relaxed: “He was trying to explore me instead of interrogating me during the interview”, he explains about the hiring manager.
Vaasa International Talents Programme Experience
Ammar attributes much of his understanding of Finnish working life to the Vaasa International Talents programme, which equipped him with insights and strategies for navigating the job market. He highlights a session about multipotentiality where it was discussed how skills can be versatile and adapt to different job positions and situations. Also, an occasion when he had to compare and analyse two CV and decide to hire a candidate. Putting himself in the shoes of the recruiter made him notice what he should add or change in his own.
Aspirations for the Future
Looking ahead, Ammar envisions a future in Finland, driven by a passion for continuous learning, personal and professional growth, and a dream of entrepreneurship someday. Although he admits to often long for the taste of Pakistani cuisine, he is certain that he wants to contribute to improve the climate change in Finland.
Advice for Newcomers
For newcomers, Ammar advises doing thorough research about the city they are moving to and prudent financial planning. That will facilitate a smooth transition and arrival to Finland with much less stress. He is a big advocate for mutual support and collaboration within the community and recognizes the importance and benefits of reciprocal assistance we can give to each other in the job search process.
Embracing the ethos of SISU, Ammar's ongoing time in Finland is characterized by a pursuit of his aspirations and a commitment to making a positive impact. We are sure that it signals a future filled with possibility and potential!