New Roadie Arrivals 1/24

Welcome to the new Roadies: Tomi and Walter!

Tomi Hämäri

Consultant, Development

Hi Tomi, How did you get good at what you do?

Curiosity and gaming combined. 

As a child, I always enjoyed taking things apart, trying to figure out what makes them tick. Later in life, I found a less destructive way of satisfying my curiosity through programming. Especially when I figured out that a server for a multiplayer mod I used to play was made up of resources that I could probe and see what changes in the code did what.

 
After a couple of years of work in a different field, I realised I could combine my interests and studies and ventured off to Jyväskylä to study IT.

 
While most of my learning has been through work, I enjoy learning new technologies through my own side projects whenever I get a good idea I want to follow through with. Like when a friend in Jyväskylä mentioned how tedious it was to look through multiple apps to find the closest electric scooter. I thought, “How hard can it be?” and made one that combined different companies into one Android application with React Native in a couple of weeks despite never having used it before.

Why Columbia Road?

When I decided it was time to move back to Helsinki and look for a new job opportunity here, I initially only had two companies in mind, one of them being Futurice. Later on, I came across Columbia Road’s LinkedIn job application and realised it is a part of the Futurice Family, which interested me as I’d heard great things about them. Doing my research on Columbia Road through what I could find on the Culture Code and other places sealed the deal for me.

The people and culture at Columbia Road are definitely a big part of what makes us great! From day one, people have been very welcoming and helpful, and the culture so far has been amazing. While flat hierarchy might seem slightly intimidating at first, it is definitely one of the things that make Columbia Road stand out, along with the extremely professional and friendly community!

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

Besides spending time with my family and friends or spending time in front of a PC watching movies or gaming, I enjoy learning new things. Whether it be through going down a YouTube rabbit hole or just scouring the internet for answers.

Walter Kousa

Consultant, MarTech

Hi Walter, How did you get good at what you do?

Being proactive and curious, along with a can-do attitude, has truly made a difference. However, nothing would be possible without having the privilege of working alongside brilliant individuals in international organisations, which significantly shaped my career in digital marketing and marketing automation. 

Moreover, my five-year study of Marketing at Hanken School of Economics has been instrumental in my journey toward becoming a marketing professional.

Why Columbia Road?

Columbia Road's distinct culture and dynamic professionals captured my attention already during the interview phase. As someone new to the consulting field, I have long viewed it as my next career path. Since joining, I am increasingly convinced that Columbia Road offers the resources and opportunities for my professional development together with awesome colleagues.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

All kinds of sports! In the winter, I mostly enjoy playing ice hockey and snowboarding. During the summertime, I like padel and running. 

Moreover, I am eager to try out different types of activities to enhance my creative self. For example, last year, I was part of an amateur theatre club and participated in an official play! 

On the other hand, my free time mainly consists of chilling with friends and family, cooking (and eating) good food, working out at the gym and enjoying time at the cottage!