After her studies in electrical engineering, Nelli's path led her to ABB Drives Sourcing where she worked for a long time in both local and global positions. "At high school, I decided to study for a Master of Science degree in technology because I thought that in the technical field you are guaranteed to get interesting jobs - and that’s proven itself to be true!" says Nelli.
"For example, working in supply chain management for component manufacturing in the wind industry was really interesting. In my supply chain management roles, I also got to travel to four continents, working in Brazil, South Africa, India and China, while getting to know people from all over the world."
Having already seen a bit of the world, when Nelli was offered an expatriate assignment in Estonia in 2012, she didn't hesitate in going. "I worked in Estonia as a supply chain manager for three years and it was a really educational time because of the differences between our cultures. Even though ABB Group's working language is English, as a bonus, I got to learn Estonian, which I also used in my work with the locals. I’ve a lot of good memories from those years, and while working in Estonia, my dream of living by the sea also came true: sandy beaches, the sea, and the ships of Pirita visible from the windows of my home."
Nelli Nivalainen leads a team of project managers at ABB, working on mainly global development projects for different service business units. 
Nelli has worked for ABB in 10 different roles. "Everything I have done and learned along the way has been useful in my subsequent roles." 
Nelli's work is international which has allowed her to go to unusual places. "Perhaps my most memorable experience was when I was able to observe the view from high up in the engine room of a windmill." 
Nelli appreciates skilled colleagues near and far. "You can never praise your colleagues too much. It's best to be able to move things forward together."
Both better
"My technical background has been very useful, especially in the early part of my career when sourcing was heavily involved in ABB's product development projects. So, I encourage young people to enter technical fields, and in a global company like ABB there are many opportunities. I also have many engineering colleagues here from my time at university who have also ended up in interesting positions."
Nelli reminds us that there are always benefits to be gained from all the studies and jobs: "At LUT, it was also convenient to study economics alongside my technical studies. I found a lot of interesting courses, so after completing my engineering studies I decided to study for a Master's degree in Economics."
"Once you understand the combination of technology and economics, it's very useful in many jobs."
At the speed of digital services
In her current job at Motion Service, Nelli leads a team of project managers, mostly working on global development projects for different service business units.
"As in-house consultants, we reconcile the two worlds: there are many things that need to be taken into account, for example, in the order-to-delivery process from end-to-end, when new and rapidly growing digital services are being adapted to existing solutions and product factory processes. We operate in a start-up spirit at the interface of many parties which are constantly changing as digitalization progresses. The pace is fast and you have to be able to face challenges and see opportunities constantly. But at the same time, you learn a huge number of new things, which is clearly the best thing."
"And as I get older, and also now as a mother, it feels more and more important to work in a company where I can be part of the solution to build a better world," says Nelli when explaining her work on services around drives and energy-efficient motors. "It's really motivating."
Among the good things about the job, Nelli also likes to highlight her colleagues: "My colleagues are so smart and friendly! In my opinion, the skilled people both near and far are one of the best things about my job. And the home care service for sick children provided by ABB makes it easier in peak years when helping hands are needed."
Thriving in a changing world
In terms of work-life skills, Nelli highlights the importance of resilience and taking care of one's own well-being at work, which is also much noticed and highlighted by the employer.
"If anything is permanent, it's the constant change. And the pace of this change only increases as digitalisation progresses. But you can keep up with it if you take care of the basics. You're already on the right track when you realize that even small changes, like taking breaks during the working day, getting enough sleep and exercising, make a difference." Nelli also encourages an open mind about the future. "It's worth staying open to new things and being curious and brave about the future!"
