“I like that things happen and I’m curious by nature. Sitting still and waiting for something to happen is not my thing. I like to tackle things myself and make sure that I get new challenges and learn new things. When I was asked to take over the position as project manager, I did not hesitate to accept. I was curious to do something more, and it felt fun to try a new role while being able to keep my job as a technician, since I enjoy it so much.”
Can you describe what your roles entail?
My job as a technician is very varied, and I have great responsibility to plan and manage my everyday life. I deal with various types of fiber optic problems, such as large excavation works and problems with fiber optic customers, both private individuals and companies. It is a very interesting job where no two days are a like. Over the years, I have built up a lot of experience, so I find it exciting to go out on larger excavations where I have to think a little extra to find the solution. It’s fun to be challenged a little extra and consider how to solve the error in the best possible way. As a technician, I sometimes work at night, which is something I enjoy vry much, because the pace is slower then, and it is easier for us to work.
As a project manager, I am planning the scope of service assignment and fiber optic network for private households. This involves, for example, planning the scope of our service assignment, where we will place the poles and pull fibre optic cables. I am responsible for coordinating the work, managing budget and schedules, and ordering materials. As a project manager, I also have contact with many different people to coordinate the work, such as landowners and property owners.
How is it like to combine two different positions?
It is great to be able to combine the jobs of technician and project manager. For me, having two different roles works well. Sometimes, of course, there can be a lot to do, but then you have to plan and solve things as you go. Stressing unnecessarily does not help. If it gets to be too much, I also have colleagues who can support me, we are a team and we solve things together.
How did you end up in the telecom industry?
I have been working in the telecom industry since 2011. It started when I was given the opportunity to take a telecom technical training in copper after being made redundant from my previous job as a fitter. I had not worked in telecom before, but I have always had an ability and interest in practical and technical work. When I started training in telecommunications, I immediately felt that I had found the right path. I learned quickly and ever since I started working as a technician, I have continued to learn and develop in new technologies.
Today I don’t work with copper at all, my focus is on fiber optic both in my job as a technician and project manager. There are similarities between working with copper and fibre optic, but also many differences. Fiber is, for example, more fragile than copper, different instruments are used and fiber optic cables are handled in a different way. It is a matter of habit to learn different techniques, but if you have the interest and will, it is possible to learn new things all the time.
