From a researcher to a digital twin development manager and supervisor
Jenni Kontkanen works at CSC as a Development Manager and her team’s supervisor. She leads CSC’s activities related to the digital twins and is involved in planning the utilization of the digital twins to support science and the society in the future. In addition, her daily work consists of administrative tasks as a supervisor and of ensuring the well-being at work and success of the members of her team.
At the time of the writing of this story, CSC has two large projects related to digital twins under way: digital twins for climate and biodiversity. These projects use advanced modelling to develop digital copies of the Earth’s climate and biodiversity, which can be used to study the future development of climate or biodiversity, and to create different future scenarios. Digital twins and the information they provide can be used concretely in environmental and climate-related decision-making.
Swapping research for a broader perspective
Jenni joined CSC as a climate strategist in the beginning of the 2022. Working with the climate was not a new departure for her at the time, as she had more than 10 years of experience as an atmospheric scientist at the University of Helsinki. “I enjoyed my work as a researcher but I also felt I needed a change”, says Jenni. Her motivators for applying for a job at CSC were enthusiasm for learning something new and a new work environment.
Jenni had used CSC’s services in her scientific work but had not believed she could find a job with the company before a vacancy that matched her competence profile opened up. In addition to work relating to the climate, Jenni finds that research and her current tasks share some of the same features: “I really like the fact that although I’m not a researcher anymore, I still get to work with research, and with the best scientists in Europe.” However, she points out that at CSC she has been able to look at issues from a broader perspective than as a researcher.
I really like the fact that although I’m not a researcher anymore, I still get to work with research, and with the best scientists in Europe.
Jenni Kontkanen, CSC
New career as a supervisor
After working at CSC for only nine months, Jenni moved on to a supervisory role. This was a natural step as CSC was putting together a new team responsible for digital twins, and Jenni had already worked on them in her previous role.
While Jenni had no experience of managerial work before her current job, she felt at home in it from the start. In her previous role as a researcher, her work had included providing guidance for students and assisting colleagues. “It is important for me to have a position or task where I can help others. This is also one of my favorite things as a team leader”, Jenni says.
Jenni has not felt that she has been left alone in her new role as a supervisor, and plenty of support has been available. CSC organizes various types of training for new supervisors, both in administrative matters and in aspects such as ensuring team members’ well-being at work. Jenni has also found the peer support of other development managers particularly invaluable.
An inspired mind rests in nature
Jenni, who is positive and interested in new things, says that she prefers to spend her leisure time in a calm and serene environment: “On my vacations, I prefer to go hiking in Lapland or enjoy the peace and quiet of nature somewhere else, rather than go to a busy place with many people.” Jenni’s hobbies include not only hiking and nature excursions but also jogging and orienteering activities, which allow her to spend a lot of time in nature.
Jenni has also participated in CSC’s wide range of open clubs and events. “I have taken part in a company league in orienteering and various running events. I have enjoyed spending time with my colleagues away from the usual setting and context. You also meet different people in the clubs and events than you do in your daily work”, she says.