In June 2024, Metso launched an 18-month graduate program in the aggregates business area, welcoming new talent to take on real assignments across different functions and locations. The program includes three 6-month job rotations, with the possibility of an international assignment. Our first Rock Stars started their journeys in Espoo and Tampere in Finland, and in Macon, France.
May 27, 2025
Meet the Aggregates Rock Stars: Inside Metso’s graduate program
Meet some of our Aggregates Rock Stars, who work at Metso’s graduate program. During their assignments, they’ve worked across different teams, countries, and projects, gaining hands-on experience in the heart of our business. We sat down with four of them to hear what the journey has been like so far.
Three of Metso’s Rock Stars, Anni Siintoharju, Santeri Huhtamäki, and Hoang Duong at Tampere office in Finland.
“None of us program participants have the same study background, and this program is different for all of us. We all work with completely different topics, which is cool,” says Santeri Huhtamäki.
Santeri studied economics, specializing in supply chain management and information systems. He started his Metso journey in Espoo working with digital business and strategy project, before heading to France for 2,5 months to join the business development and sales support team in Macon.
With no prior experience in the aggregates industry, he’s embraced the challenge of learning about Metso's products and processes.
“This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity – a deep dive into a new industry, different functions and many people in a short time," says Santeri.
Santeri Huhtamäki
Building confidence and connections
Anni Siintoharju studied industrial engineering and management and joined Metso in 2021. She has worked in purchasing and product management, and recently, she did her master's thesis for Metso. In the Rock Star program, she started in procurement analytics in the global aggregates team and continues that in Macon.
“I’ve learned to lead meetings, facilitate projects, and speak English with confidence. I used to feel a bit uneasy before English spoken calls, now they’re just normal part of my workdays. Also, the assignment abroad was an interesting chance to learn and gain experience at another site of a global company.”
Anni Siintoharju
What stood out for Anni was the supportive work culture, both in Finland and in France:
“In Macon, people are in the office more often, which supports quick communication and getting small issues resolved easily. Everyone’s helpful, no matter your role or whether you work together or not.” Santeri agrees: “It’s very easy to be in Macon right now as all the people are so friendly and supportive, even though we don’t work in the same project. It’s important to feel supported by your colleagues.”
Nolwenn Giroud started at Metso in 2021 while studying mechanical engineering. After graduating, Nolwenn knew she wanted to stay at Metso, but her previous team didn’t have an open role. With the job market being uncertain, she saw the Graduate Program as a great opportunity to keep growing, explore new areas of the business, and connect with more Metsonites. Nolwenn worked with crusher product management first in Macon, and now she’s spending four months in Finland, focusing on crusher recycling strategy as well as the development of a new impact crusher for a new Lokotrack.
She says the experience has pushed her to grow professionally and personally, especially as she navigated being the only graduate on-site in France during the first months of the program.
“It was a bit lonely at first, but the other graduates made sure to include me. In addition, the overall culture at Metso is very supportive. The team where I was previously working was very welcoming. I was the first girl in the team, and they are still checking how things are going for me and making sure everything is fine while I’m here in Finland. We have a community where I feel I belong to.”
Nolwenn Giroud
Bringing AI into the world of aggregates
Originally from Vietnam, Hoang Duong studied software engineering in Vaasa, Finland. When he came across the Metso graduate program, the mention of AI projects immediately sparked his interest. He saw it as a unique opportunity to understand how artificial intelligence is used in the industry and to get hands-on experience in real working life.
His first assignment focused on digital business strategy as well as participating in the Metso AI project, which gave him a broad view of how Metso operates. That experience laid the groundwork for his current project in Espoo, where he’s contributing to automation development in the quotation and order management team.
Hoang Duong
“I really like what I’m doing. It’s a good environment, and I’ve found a great community around me.”
One of the most valuable aspects of the program for Hoang has been the opportunity to rotate between different teams and topics. Each assignment has helped him better understand the structure of the business and his current project has shown how AI can be used to cut down repetitive tasks and create real impact. “This new assignment is a great challenge, and I’m really excited to contribute. Hopefully, there’s a chance to continue at Metso even after the program.”
Building a Rock Star network – one challenge at a time
One of the first challenges the Rock Stars faced together was a group assignment on sustainability, a topic none of them were familiar with. Balancing this project alongside their own individual assignments wasn’t easy, especially with everyone located in different countries. But instead of getting stuck, they leaned on each other, keeping things simple, sharing ideas, and focusing on getting it done together.
Despite the distance, they built a strong sense of connection through regular check-ins, spontaneous coffee chats, and encouragement. “We’ve really become a team,” Nolwenn shares. “We work on different things, but we always have someone to call or bounce ideas off.” The element of collaboration and support has shaped their experience, whether working remotely, side-by-side in the office, or across different countries.
Rock Stars visiting Finnish Christmas market with Metso colleagues.
Advice for future Rock Star graduates
Thinking about applying to the graduate program? Here’s what our current graduates want you to know:
“When applying, don’t try to fit in every box – this program gives opportunities for people with different backgrounds.” says Anni. Santeri adds: "If you have any ideas or hopes for what you’d like to do, share them openly. It’s a win-win situation for all when you speak up.”
"If you’re unsure about your next step after graduation, this is the perfect way to figure it out," says Nolwenn. "It helps you understand what fits you, and what doesn’t."
"Stay patient, be calm, and the results will come," Hoang advises. "And don’t be afraid to challenge yourself,” Nolwenn adds.