Went to my first meeting and unfortunately, I can not indulge in what the meeting was about, but it was quite interesting. I had to travel to Lauttasaari where Hanna works at – Stonesoft (only like around the block to be exact where I was) so I was able to commute with Hanna. Met many new people in this meeting and took as much notes as I could. I was, at first, just going to the begining of the meeting, but then was selected by my superiors Hannu and Kalle, to be invovled with this project and to come back in the afternoon to continue with the meeting. So I learned quickly how to get to my office in Tapiola from Lauttasaari and back. And all the while it is very very cold. Like avg temp is below 20’F.

The next morning came into the office to meet my other co worker Maarit K. she also will be involve in our project and I learned my first duties and created a budget plan for this project. It was quite interesting and very exciting to create something from scratch. Though it was stressfull, I managed with lots of help from many people in getting information, along with Maarit, we were able to finish up our proposal for Hannu and Kalle for a meeting the next day. I stayed late in the evening finishing up the last minute revision of the proposal and went home to finish up the presentation.

more to come soon…

Ah, yes. My first day at Nokia.
It was quite nice and met many new people, which by the way, I am so happy we all wear name badges 8w/security keys) or I would forget who is who.
Got my new toys, a moble phone (Nokia 9110i communicator) and a IBM ThinkPad T20 700mhz pIII laptop. Kinda kewl if you ask me.
I just kinda hung out in my new office and found out that my tutor / buddy is also my co worker and secratary too.
I just felt obligated to do something instead of just doing nothing for 8 hours. So I learned as much as I could about Nokia and what they are really about.
So, my coworkers names are Vladimir, Maarit V., Maarit K., Kalle, Hannu, and Jussi.
I am sure I will be meeting more people as the days wear on.

more to come soon..

Got in touch with Kalle, my superior, to find out what time to start on Monday the 12th. Also getting myself mapped out on the bus route and to find out what time I have to be at the bus stop in Kampi (another area in Helsinki). Enjoying my time here in Finland so far and also now really looking forward to starting my first day at Nokia.

Learned a few finnish words since I arrive here in Finland. Seutu Lippu, which is a regional ticket so that you can travel throughout the Helsinki area (Vantaa, Espoo, Helsinki) on either local trains, Metro, buses, or trams. I also purchased a Monthly Pass (which runs around 350 FIM = $52) Not too bad considerding there are a total of at least 20 mandays or workdays in a month. (another new word I learned)
I went to go to see my HR Representative at Nokia in Leeppävaara in Espoo. It was quite a day for me as I get up at 6am. Leave the house at 7:45 to go and get kaksi (2) seutu lippu (all area transport tickets), which are only good for one hour after you date/time stamp them. Got on the Metro for the first time, which I thought is very well maintained and is on a strict timetable. I have notice that everything here is always on a time and is prompt.(give or take a minute or so) I go on the metro to Central Railway Station, go the train station to catch the 8:18 E Train to Leppävaara. Get off at the station in Leppävaara and I got lost for the first time and had really know idea where I was. I really felt helpless, and I really know where BFE is…here in Finland when you are lost. he he he
I get to the location finally at Upseerinkatu, making it there with a few minutes to spare to meet with the HR consultant to sign my working contract with Nokia and to get other paper work signed for payroll purposes and etc. I get home around 1:30 in the afternoon and slept as I really felt tired after my journey. Getting around is starting to get easier for me as I learn where things are at and I am starting to remember also.