I highly recommend exchange studies and internships

Ilari Saarela graduated from University of Vaasa ten years ago and since then has worked in Finland, England and Switzerland. Let’s hear his interesting career path and tips for students!

Tell us a bit about your studies and your career path!

I studied marketing as my major and graduated in 2013. Since that I have worked in various sales and marketing roles, all with the same employer Hilti. I’m currently living in Switzerland and daily commuting to our headquarter in Liechtenstein. My first job as a fresh graduate at Hilti wasn’t in a fancy marketing agency as I started in retail sales without knowing anything about the construction industry. However, I selected employer based on reputation and values I personally embrace.

I worked in field sales and in ecommerce, before I was offered a pricing role in Manchester. As a football fan, that decision was a no-brainer. I’m now developing business of our 500+ stores around the world. I start my days having calls to Asia-Pacific, and finish with supporting our teams in the Americas.

During these 10 years, one circle has closed in a way. Back then, the decision to start in retail sales to learn about our customers and industry, was obviously one of the main reasons why I was selected to my current role.

How did you end up working abroad and have you done exchange studies?

In addition to caring culture, another reason I joined Hilti was that they made it clear already in the interview, that international assignments are available and they indeed “walk the talk”. I did my exchange studies and an internship in China, from where I came back with many jaw-dropping experiences and learnings. That is something companies appreciate when hiring people.

Have you noticed some differences in work culture?

Work culture is very similar. Thanks to many nationalities, every meeting is different. That makes things exciting also when enjoying coffee with colleagues. I will never forget the face of my Italian colleague, when I ordered a cappuccino in the afternoon. According to him, drinking cappuccino after 11.00 am is almost as severe crime as pineapple on pizza.

Do you have some tips for students regarding international career?

I strongly recommend gaining sales experience as you will need those skills to sell your ideas. If you want to work abroad, I highly recommend exchange studies and internships. Hilti, for example, offers many internships.

Make people aware of your ambition and “push” yourself abroad. Grab the opportunity, and don’t just do your job well, but make sure people see that. What is often more important, is the way you do your job and with whom. People will recognise your work and you’ll be “pulled” to exciting new roles and locations.