Where curiosity can lead: Pooja’s career journey at Metso

Pooja’s background combines a bachelor’s degree in chemical and process engineering with a master’s degree in industrial environmental engineering, shaping her strong interest in sustainability and safety. When she first came across Metso, those themes immediately stood out. 

“I saw that Metso had a strong focus on environmental strategy and safety. It felt like a place where I could both learn and contribute,” she says.  

She joined Metso’s Lappeenranta office as a summer trainee while studying, looking to gain hands-on experience in a global company. 

Learning by doing from day one 

From the start, Pooja’s role was more than just observing. “I didn’t feel like a trainee doing small tasks. I was included in real work, and my opinions were always asked,” she explains.  

That early trust became the foundation for her growth. Instead of waiting for responsibility, she grew into it. “I started by supporting daily EHS tasks, and step by step I was given more responsibility,” she says.  

One of the defining moments was her thesis work at Metso, focusing on EHS risk management. Through the thesis, she explored how EHS risks management practices can be improved across Minerals locations. Working at the same time allowed her to deepen her understanding quickly — connecting studies to real-life challenges across different locations. “It was intense at times, but I had great support from my team. That made it possible to really grow through the experience,” she says.  

After completing her thesis, continuing as a specialist felt like a natural next step. 

Growth that happens step by step 

Looking back, Pooja describes the transition from trainee to specialist as a natural progression rather than a sudden shift. “It didn’t feel like a big change, because the transition really started from day one. Over time, I got more independence and broader responsibilities,” she says. 

Today, her role includes working with safety and sustainability topics across global locations. Today, working in the Espoo headquarters, her tasks vary from safety reporting to developing EHS processes, conducting EHS audits and supporting teams across Metso Minerals locations and customer-sites.

As her role has grown, so has the level of trust. “Now I have more ownership of my work. I’m trusted to take initiative and move things forward,” she adds. 

People make the difference 

When asked what has supported her growth the most, Pooja doesn’t hesitate; it comes down to people. 

“My team has been very supportive since the beginning. I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions and sharing my ideas,” she says.  

Working in a global company has also brought valuable learning opportunities. “I’ve learned how to collaborate with different cultures and teams around the world. That’s something that has really helped me grow professionally,” she explains.  

Even in a large organization, the culture feels approachable and down-to-earth: “You can just reach out to people, ask for help, and move things forward together. That openness makes a big difference.” 

Advice for those starting their journey  

Pooja’s advice reflects her own approach to growth: stay curious and take opportunities as they come. 

“You might get tasks you don’t know anything about, but that’s exactly where you learn. Be brave, ask questions, and say yes to opportunities,” she says.  

She also emphasizes the importance of learning from others. “There is always something to learn from your colleagues. Building those connections helps you grow faster,” she adds.  

Looking back, Pooja sees her path at Metso as a continuous journey of growth — shaped by everyday experiences, increasing responsibility, and the people around her. 

“It’s been a process of learning, taking on new challenges, and building confidence step by step,” she says.