Author: Saku, Bachelor of Civil Engineering

The beginning: A party, a purchase, and a couch 

My journey with Congrid began somewhat unexpectedly. While still in school I attended NCC's summer party for trainees, where I met Matti (one of Congrid's founders) for the first time. Shortly after – in a rather humorous twist – I ordered Congrid for our construction site, leading to a memorable incident with the first bill – let's just say our site manager was not too thrilled about the unexpected expense!

During this time Matti was heavily involved in developing Congrid and often needed a place to stay when visiting Helsinki. Living in Kamppi then I offered my couch, and through these visits we developed a close friendship. 

A thesis opportunity and a career shift 

As I neared the completion of my degree, I was left with my thesis to tackle. Eager to intertwine my work with Congrid, I chose to focus on time management, crafting a joint thesis for both NCC and Congrid. Upon graduation, faced with the reality that NCC couldn’t offer me a job, I shared my situation with Matti. Within a couple of days, he presented an offer I couldn’t refuse: to join Congrid. And that’s how I became the first employee of the company. 

Growth and evolution: From ground zero to heights unknown 

Joining Congrid felt like stepping into a world of endless possibilities and learning. Starting from scratch I found myself adopting and honing new skills, contributing to the development of processes and structures that would shape the company’s future. My first day was a deep dive – managing customer support solo while the rest of the team was away. This experience, challenging yet rewarding, was a testament to the company's rapid growth and evolving maturity. 

Key milestones and personal development 

Looking back, the significant milestones for Congrid have been the strong relationships forged with our customers and major project wins. These achievements have not only contributed to the industry but also marked our company’s success and influence. 

My personal career trajectory at Congrid has been dynamic, to say the least. I've navigated through various roles, starting in customer support, moving into sales, and then shifting towards customer success. This journey has given me a profound understanding of our product, driving me to seek new challenges, ultimately leading me to my current role as a Product Manager. It’s been a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey. 

Supportive environment and future perspectives 

Congrid has always fostered an environment that encourages growth and exploration. My keen interest in technology nudged me towards my current role, supported by guidance from team leads, the CEO, and personal drive. 

Looking ahead: A bright future for Congrid and the construction industry 

As I look forward, I see a future ripe with potential. The standardization of BIM and the advent of AI tools are set to revolutionize the industry, automating tasks and streamlining processes. I am excited about the future of Congrid and the construction industry, anticipating more automated and user-friendly solutions in the coming years.