When Sonja Telkki started studying administrative sciences with a focus on public law, she had no idea that she would end up working in the energy sector. However, after participating in environmental and energy law courses towards the end of her studies, she soon had a new career path in mind.
“I became very interested in environmental administration and how we can responsibly utilize natural resources. So, right after I finished my public law studies at the University of Vaasa, I started studying environmental technology to become an engineer”, Sonja says.
During her engineering studies at the Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, Sonja was also working as a Benefits Specialist at Kela. In late 2020, however, she noticed that Etha was looking for a trainee. In December of the same year, Sonja joined Etha’s Project Management and Permitting team.
“I have really enjoyed my time here as a Permitting Engineer. Having a meaningful job is what drives me forward. Energy has a key role in building a sustainable future, so working at Etha is truly a golden opportunity to help our planet.”
“Energy has a key role in building a sustainable future, so working at Etha is truly a golden opportunity to help our planet.”
Something different every day
For Sonja, each day at work offers something new. She consults customers on all matters related to permitting in sustainable energy projects, such as wind and solar farm development. Sonja gets to work with multiple stakeholders from municipalities and project owners to ELY Centres.
“Energy projects involve a number of permits that need to be taken care of. I like having a wide range of tasks – it keeps me focused and energized. On top of permitting, I’m also interested in doing more technical modeling in the future”, Sonja says.
“Energy projects involve a number of permits that need to be taken care of. I like having a wide range of tasks – it keeps me focused and energized.”
“And the great thing is that if I ever need advice, there is always a team member who is glad to help. It is amazing to work with such experienced people in a small organization and have a real opportunity to learn from them”, she continues.
“Etha does not stand still”
Etha’s ability to react quickly to the changes in the energy sector is also something that Sonja appreciates and finds inspiring.
“Etha does not stand still – it takes on new challenges with an open mind. Expanding our consulting services to energy storage solutions is a good example of this, and I’m looking forward to working on these projects.”