Juuso Peltola, who is currently completing his studies in digital design, continued at OP as a Product Designer after the trainee period. We had the opportunity to hear his thoughts on the Kiitorata program and his time as a designer trainee. 

Hi Juuso! Could you tell us what kind of trainee position you started with at OP and what you are doing now? 

I started at OP as a Product Design Trainee in the Consumer Finance and Housing Tribe in a team called Digital Consumer Loans. The team's areas of responsibility include, for example, OP's mortgage and bank loans. After a six-month internship, I transitioned to a permanent Product Designer position within OP Mobile's IDM team to work with identification devices.  

What kind of tasks did you get during your trainee period? 

I got to be involved in a lot of different things. At the beginning of my trainee period, I got to attend the Hackathon 2023 innovation competition, and participated in two different user validations. I also got to participate in designing a light loan calculator, lainaa.op.fi customer feedback survey, and the view of automatic logout, among other small design assignments.  

Above all, I gained a lot of responsibility and had the opportunity to work on tangible and significant tasks. It was great to apply and further develop the skills I learned in school. 

What lessons did you take away from the Kiitorata-program? 

During the internship period, I developed my own way of working. I learned the most common practices in my field through hands-on experience and gained confidence in using industry tools. After the trainee program, I better understand the customer and know the significant effort put into enhancing the customer experience. I also became well-acquainted with the agile development model. I could say I now have quite a bit of knowledge about loans, too! 

Undoubtedly, the best part of the program was the responsibility and trust I was given. I also had the opportunity to work on designs that have gone into production. It's a fantastic feeling to see your work visible on OP's platforms. 

What surprised you about Kiitorata? 

What surprised me the most was how well-organized the program was and how various events were arranged for us alongside the work. The trainee period included activities such as a day at Linnanmäki Amusement Park, communal meals, company visits, and speakers sharing insights about their work. Kiitorata was much more than just work. 

Could you share a moment of success for your trainee period? When were you proud of yourself? 

Perhaps the most significant achievement during my trainee period was when our team's other designer had to take a longer leave. During this time, I managed our team's design needs independently. I received support and guidance from my mentor and other designers, but during that period, my confidence, especially my professional skills, grew significantly as I realized I could handle this job. 

What tips would you give the future Kiitorata trainees? 

You can go far by being brave and stepping out of your comfort zone! As a tip, I encourage you to remember that you were chosen for the internship program for a reason. 

 Thank you, Juuso, and good luck in your future design endeavors!