Gabriel’s summer at Metso: From learning to contribution

Hi! I'm Gabriel, and I work as a Summer Trainee in Metso's Hydrometallurgy Services team. I'm currently completing my master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Oulu. I first heard about Metso when a team visited our university to introduce Metso and its work. I didn't know much about the company before, but after the presentation, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to be. 

Since joining Metso, I've had the opportunity to support product and marketing managers while working on a variety of projects. My days have included learning new software, updating product information, creating onboarding guides, and developing tools and materials that help the team work more efficiently.  

Learning beyond studies

One of the biggest things I've learned this summer is how different working life can be from university studies. 

While studying, it's easy to feel confident in what you know. Starting at Metso reminded me how much there is still to learn, and that's been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. I've gained a better understanding of how large organizations operate, how different teams collaborate, and how engineering expertise contributes to real business outcomes. 

Along the way, I've also had the chance to step outside my comfort zone. One of my projects involved learning completely new software that I had never used before. It was challenging at first, but by working through tutorials, asking questions, and staying persistent, I was able to build my skills and contribute to the project successfully.  

One of my proudest moments came when a colleague reviewed my work on this new software and told me it worked exactly as he had envisioned. It was a great feeling to know that I had contributed something meaningful to a real product. 

A workplace where you feel supported 

The people at Metso have made me feel welcome. From my first day, I felt welcomed by both my team and my manager. Everyone has been approachable and willing to help, making it easy to ask questions and learn from experienced colleagues. 

What I appreciate most is that people genuinely want to see each other succeed. I've received guidance, feedback, and encouragement throughout my traineeship, which has helped me feel like a valued member of the team rather than just a trainee. There’s a genuine sense of respect and support in the way people work together. 

Building connections across Metso

Beyond my immediate team, I've really enjoyed getting to know other summer trainees across the company. One of the highlights was the summer trainee day. It was well organized, fun, and I got to meet a lot of great people. After the event we would get together for coffee breaks and lunches, share our summer experiences and even play some ping pong! 

These connections have helped me better understand the wider organization. It has been great to learn from people with different backgrounds and areas of expertise.  

Looking ahead

Rather than simply observing, I've been able to support my team, work on meaningful assignments, and see how my efforts create value. 

Advice for future trainees 

My advice for anyone considering a summer traineeship is to be willing to learn. 

Ask questions, take initiative, and don't be afraid to tackle something new. Before applying, take some time to learn about the company, the role, and the industry. Understanding why you want to work somewhere makes it much easier to show your motivation and get the most out of the experience.