What was your experience of the secondment?
The secondment has been a wonderful and unique experience. I feel very lucky that Svalner Atlas trusted me with this opportunity. It’s like I re-invented myself to some extent by exploring a new country and hometown, by meeting and forming connections with new colleagues and others and, of course, by gaining experience in a new workplace with other ways of working, expectations, and responsibilities.

What are your impressions of Helsinki and Finland?
Helsinki is an amazing city to live and work in. The atmosphere is very relaxed, everything is clean and safe and people are super friendly. As the city centre is not that big, I quickly knew my way around. Beautiful nature is always around the corner and the restaurants are amazing! I also had the chance to visit Turku, and my colleague Ina even took me to her family’s mökki (cottage) where I had plenty of true Finnish experiences. For my final week in Finland, I went to Lapland where I saw the northern lights: bucket-list item checked off! And last but not least, the weather has actually pleasantly surprised me.

What have you learned?
During my secondment, I had the opportunity to work in-house for a renowned client. This has taught me a lot about how tax advice is perceived and processed by clients and how we can respond to that as advisors. My in-house role as well as the way of working in the Helsinki office also resulted in much more trust in myself as an advisor, as I had to work on a more independent basis. I grew a lot from that professionally.

Personally, it was a challenging but energising experience to be by my own in a completely new environment. I pushed myself to meet new people, visit new places and re-invent hobbies and interests. I went to restaurants and cinemas by myself and while that felt a bit awkward at first, it is very rewarding to just do whatever you feel like doing without external encouragement. It has been a very refreshing experience.

Can you share some highlights from the secondment period?
Some highlights include showing my 80-year-old grandma around my new city, working for a very fun client, shouting “huomenta” (good morning) across the office every morning as if I know any Finnish, visiting the Slush event, trying cross-country skiing for the first time, singing karaoke with my Finnish colleagues in a completely empty bar and, of course, visiting Lapland.

Would you recommend going on secondment?
I would, but only if a secondment really speaks to you. It’s no small thing to leave your home, and the comfort that comes with it, behind for three months and I think you will get the most out of the experience if you are truly open to it. That being said, the secondment programme is a very accessible and safe way to explore living abroad and the colleagues in our other offices are the most welcoming and helpful people to guide you through. And I would highly recommend considering Helsinki for a secondment. The city, the country and the people create the perfect home away from home, with plenty of unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I can’t wait to visit again!