Project assistant, business services

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work in the NUOTTA project, which aims to support companies in improving customer understanding and thus develop new services. As a project assistant, I am responsible for project marketing, customer procurement, documents and events.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I have previously worked in the tourism and restaurant sector, as well as with private customers at TE Services. I became an expert in corporate co-operation, which inspired me to complete a business advisor specialist vocational qualification alongside my work. During my studies, I noticed that the TE Services’ business services were looking for a new recruitment service specialist. I was selected for the position, and I felt that I had found a suitable and interesting workplace, where I was able to help employers at different stages of recruitment.

After a while, I wanted to try something new in which I could develop my competence and increase my knowledge of business services. The available position of a project assistant at TechVilla met my wishes and I was selected for the position.

Describe your typical working day or week.

My typical working week includes a variety of organisational and preparatory work, such as sending documents to companies and planning and implementing webinars. I am usually responsible for the invitations, marketing and moderation of webinars and the editing of recordings. In addition, I conduct customer acquisitions and share information about the project with companies. We also organise network events, and my task is to order catering and book facilities for them. I join my team on company visits whenever possible and help my colleagues in various tasks if necessary.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I mainly work remotely, but the TechVilla staff try to get together regularly. I have flexible working hours, and I am often on my laptop early in the morning because that’s when I am at my most efficient.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

The most important features of this work are sociability and courage. I meet with many entrepreneurs and am present at events we organise, so an extrovert personality is an advantage in this job. I love events and I am at my best when I get to meet with people face-to-face. In addition, this work requires self-management skills, as the progress of the work is the responsibility of the employee.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part of this work is helping companies and people. It is great to see that our services enable companies to develop their business activities. I get excited about new things, and it's great to see others get excited.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

Today, cold calling, i.e. calling potential customers who have not been contacted before is challenging. Entrepreneurs receive a lot of sales calls, so it is difficult to stand out.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a project assistant?

This type of project assistant's work is suitable for anyone interested in different sectors and business operations and who likes to help others. There are plenty of work opportunities, as you can work as a project assistant in public administration, companies and various projects.

How do you see the future of your profession?

The job description of business advisors can be broad, so there will certainly be plenty of work opportunities also in the future. For example, Enterprise Agencies will continue to offer job opportunities, as new companies are constantly being established and ownership changes and expansions are carried out. The Business Advisor Specialist Vocational Qualification is sure to be useful.