"For an electrical engineer, my current role is a bit like a candy store."
Anna Tanskanen graduated from LUT with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in 2004 and earned a doctorate in 2010. Her dissertation focused on on business models for distribution network utility services and the benefits of a Distribution Management System (DMS). Her career has spanned various industrial roles, allowing her to develop and apply her expertise in diverse ways.
"I spent the first seven years after graduation as a network contractor at Eltel Networks, followed by ten years working for electricity companies – at Fortum in the operations unit and at Caruna in network automation. I have always enjoyed working in the electrical field and want to be involved in making a meaningful impact both in Finland and globally," Tanskanen explains.
She has now been the CEO of SESKO ry for five years.
"Now, more than ever, the importance of the electrical industry is truly recognized across various sectors. In my view, electrical standards overseen by SESKO in Finland play a crucial role in enabling the safe and efficient electrification of society," she says.
Challenging and important tasks keep her work engaging, and the constantly evolving electrical industry demands a dynamic approach from professionals in the field.
"For an electrical engineer, my current role is a bit like a candy store. Standardization work is varied and international. With new technologies and their standardization, there is never a dull moment," Tanskanen summarizes.
I want to be involved in making a meaningful impact both in Finland and globally.
For Tanskanen, doctoral studies were a natural continuation of her master’s thesis. She worked in industry while pursuing her doctoral degree, which allowed her to apply theoretical knowledge to practice seamlessly.
"I conducted my doctoral research at LUT’s electricity market laboratory. I have fond memories from my time there thanks to my fantastic colleagues. My employer at the time supported my doctoral studies, so I spent 80% of my time working in industry and 20% as a doctoral researcher. That way, I maintained a connection to the industrial sector throughout my studies and could immediately apply what I learned in my work," Tanskanen recalls.
The clean energy transition is already well underway in Finland, and the energy sector is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in the 2030s. According to Tanskanen, attracting new talent to the field is essential, as more professionals are needed to support the electrification of society.
"A lot is expected from the electrical industry today, and the sector is developing rapidly. This guarantees continuous learning opportunities, and the potential for professional growth is practically limitless," she emphasizes.
Doctoral studies enable career development in a new way
Esko Heino, who graduated with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in the spring of 2020, started working at Kempower during his master's studies and has continued his career at the company after graduation.
"During my studies, one of my professor’s contacts encouraged me to apply for a job at their company. At the time, Kempower was still a much smaller player in the industry than it is today. I first worked as an intern, then completed my master’s thesis at the company, and eventually stayed on as a full-time employee after graduation," Heino recounts.
Currently, Heino works as a researcher and research project manager at Kempower. His tasks are varied, which keeps the work engaging and interesting.
"During the first years at Kempower, I worked as a senior hardware designer, but now, my focus shifted toward leading various research projects," Heino explains.
I first worked as an intern, then completed my master’s thesis at the company, and eventually stayed on as a full-time employee after graduation.
This shift in responsibilities is due to Heino starting his doctoral studies at LUT. Further education is a natural next step in his career.
"My strong interest in research is the primary reason I started pursuing a doctoral degree. At the same time, earning a doctorate provides a new way to advance my career by allowing me to deepen my expertise in a specific subject area," Heino states.
Heino’s dissertation topic is currently taking shape and will be tied to a concrete project at Kempower. During his doctoral studies, he will continue working at Kempower, and the dissertation research will be carried out in collaboration with industry players.
"I have already had the opportunity to work on interesting projects and topics. Now that the opportunity for doctoral studies has opened through collaboration between LUT and Kempower, I am sure I will continue to enjoy my work here for a long time," Heino says.
Innovations arise through collaboration between experts from different fields
Multidisciplinary collaboration between different fields of science is essential in both research and the world of work. According to Heino, interdisciplinary cooperation enables the emergence of new perspectives and ideas.
"When people from different backgrounds and educational disciplines come together, new viewpoints and ideas emerge. For example, in electronics design, mechanics and software development go hand in hand. I have worked closely with mechanical engineers on a daily basis to ensure that all system components fit together properly," Heino explains.
Interdisciplinarity is likely to play a greater role in Heino’s doctoral studies than it did during Tanskanen’s time as a doctoral student in the early 2000s.
"My dissertation topic will probably involve an interdisciplinary approach, and the business world even demands it. Innovations must offer real value to companies," Heino states.
"During my own doctoral studies, I mainly collaborated with my immediate contacts. However, there was some interdisciplinarity, particularly between electrical engineering and industrial management. For example, I worked with Juhis Saksa, the current rector, to assess the economic impacts related to my dissertation topic," Tanskanen adds.
Innovations must offer real value to companies.
LUT is reshaping and increasing doctoral education in 2024–2027, as Finland needs more highly trained professionals for jobs in critical fields that require a high level of expertise. Tanskanen recognizes this trend and considers innovation a key driver of industry development.
"Innovation plays a central role in how organizations and companies restructure to meet new demands. Every expert should have the ability to evolve, develop, and contribute to innovation thinking," Tanskanen describes.
According to Tanskanen, gaining experience in innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial even during doctoral studies.
"Learning and utilizing innovation methods and scenario planning is essential. The result is often richer and more versatile when experts from multiple disciplines come together," she emphasizes.
Heino fully agrees with Tanskanen.
"As a result of innovation work, we can develop products that reach a broader target audience or even create entirely new types of products," Heino concludes.
