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How did you end up studying chemical engineering?

- Chemical engineering was always in the background - my father worked in the field, and the name "chemical engineering" was familiar from an early age. In high school, I was particularly interested in chemistry and mathematics, and when it came to choosing a study field, engineering seemed a natural choice. 

What were your student years like?

- Definitely the best was the community. Otaniemi was a place where you could get involved in a lot: events, volunteering and student activities. For example, I was involved in the Vuorimieskilta and did volunteer work, which really helped me get to know a lot of people. Study and work went hand in hand - both supported each other. For example, the company visits organised on behalf of both the school and the subject organisations were really inspiring.

What was Otaniemi like for a student?

- I lived in Otaniemi for most of my studies. It's a close-knit but open community where things are happening all the time. The student culture is diverse and inspiring - you could even say mind-blowing. It was also easy to start an independent life in Otaniemi - I moved there directly from my parents' house in Kirkkonummi. There was also a teacher at my high school, Porkkalan lukio, who had studied chemical engineering, and we made a visit É«É«À² Junior.

Where did you do your master’s thesis?

- I did my master’s thesis at Metso, where I had worked for a year. I was researching the use of biochar in the copper industry - a renewable material that aims towards more carbon-neutral production. The idea is that biochar can be produced from plants, for example, and is theoretically zero emission. The work was also linked to the wider Tocanem 2.0 project, which was looking for solutions to reduce emissions from the Finnish metal industry.

How did you get into the workforce - did your studies help you find employment?

- I applied for my first summer job after a company visit. A visit to a copper smelter in Harjavalta was impressive and I decided to apply there. That was the beginning of a three-year summer job in Boliden's production and as a trainee. I then moved to Metso, where many of the things I had learned at school were of direct benefit. My main advice to students is to keep an open mind and dare to apply for jobs a little further afield - you never know where the opportunities will lead.

What skills have helped you in your working life?

- My teamwork skills developed tremendously during my studies and especially through volunteering. Collaborative projects simulated working life surprisingly well. The theoretical basis is important, but in the working life you see how things really work and then the theory takes on a whole new meaning.

Would you do anything differently?

- If I were to change anything, I would probably take it a bit easier. I've been involved in a lot of things and I've pushed myself pretty hard sometimes. But I have no regrets - I'm really happy with my degree and everything I experienced at Otaniemi. My time at university developed my social skills enormously.

Finally - what do you think about the future?

- Continuous learning is important to me. I want to strengthen my expertise and develop my skills in an international environment. I believe that being open, active and willing to learn goes a long way. Both in my studies and in my professional life.

Juha Malinen graduated with a Master of Science (Technology) on June 11th 2025.