The data center currently under development in Mikkeli is already having an impact on the regional labor market. One example is Saana Grün, an Energy Specialist at Granlund, whose work related to the project enabled her to relocate from the company’s Vaasa office to South Savo.
Returning to her home region had been a long-standing goal.
-I had wanted to move back to Mikkeli for quite some time. Once my work arrangements were confirmed, the decision was incredibly easy. The transfer from one Granlund office to another went very smoothly, Grün says.
Originally from Varkaus, Grün moved to Juva at the age of 14 and later studied in Mikkeli at the South Savo Vocational College, Esedu. After completing a vocational qualification in construction, she earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Building Services Engineering at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) in Mikkeli. She then continued her studies at the University of Vaasa, graduating with a Master of Science in Energy Technology.
Her interest in the construction industry began during summer jobs in her youth, and after moving to Vaasa she worked in various specialist roles in the field.
In the summer of 2023, Grün worked as a Project Trainee for the City of Vaasa. The position provided valuable work experience and led to an opportunity to join Granlund as a part-time employee in autumn 2023 while still completing her studies.
A Data Center Project Accelerating Career Development
Today, Grün works as an Energy Specialist and contributes to the data center project through maintenance manual coordination, document management, and other project-related tasks. She feels the project has provided significant opportunities for professional growth.
-This project has given me more responsibility and challenges than any of my previous assignments. I’ve had the opportunity to learn new software, monitor project documentation, and report in English. It’s helped me develop my expertise considerably.
The project has also played a major role in her employment opportunities in Mikkeli.
-Without this project, I might not have found employment in Mikkeli. It enabled me to transfer internally within Granlund from Vaasa to here.
Being involved in one of the most significant projects of her career is also meaningful.
-This is one of the largest projects I’ve ever been part of. The schedules are on a completely different scale than usual, and the project highlights the importance of international collaboration and quality assurance.
Combining Quality of Life and Nature in Mikkeli
Although Grün spent several years living in Vaasa, Mikkeli remained a place she hoped to return to.
-Mikkeli is the perfect-sized city. It has all the services you need while still offering easy access to peaceful countryside and nature. I can definitely see myself living in this area in the future.
In addition to her job, Grün’s ties to Mikkeli include friends, family, her local network, and her first owner-occupied home. Since returning, she has also noticed the city’s development.
-In my opinion, Mikkeli has become much more vibrant over the past few years, and there are plenty of events and activities taking place.
In her free time, Grün particularly enjoys the proximity of Lake Saimaa and an active outdoor lifestyle. During the summer she spends time running and paddleboarding, while winter activities include skiing.
Investments Benefit the Entire Region
According to Grün, major investments are especially important for cities like Mikkeli in the current market situation.
The construction industry is still facing a downturn, and projects like data center developments improve regional employment and help the industry through challenging times.
She believes the true impact of investments can be measured by how many people who relocate for work ultimately decide to stay permanently. The effects of the data center project extend beyond the construction site. They influence career paths, migration patterns, and the ability of South Savo to attract skilled professionals.
-If projects like this bring more people like me to the region, people who find employment and choose to stay, then they genuinely strengthen the area’s vitality.