A data scientist with a passion for mathematical thinking in the deep end of generative AI

After transitioning to Nitor from Finnair, Tuukka's first steps as a Digital Engineer were taken via shorter assignments before settling into his current long-term role. Having previously worked on pricing algorithms and modeling, it didn't take long for Tuukka to find out he would have ample opportunities to broaden his skill set at Nitor.

“In the beginning, I had to evolve both professionally and personally pretty quickly. You had to be ready to grasp the essentials of a new client’s business model and the tools they used swiftly. Often, that meant delving into business-critical fundamentals to ensure the solutions we were working on would deliver significant value to the client’s operations,” Tuukka explains.

Tuukka's current client aims to utilise artificial intelligence to make everyday shopping easier for consumers. This has given Tuukka the opportunity to dive deep into the world of generative AI. The end goal is to provide a faster, more versatile, and personalised shopping experience for each individual user.

Although this deep dive into generative AI has imbued Tuukka with fresh insight into the potential of AI tools, it has also served to put things into clearer perspective:

“The AI solution we’re developing simply wouldn’t work without all the background systems we’ve previously built. We’ve collected, stored, and analysed data meticulously, which has enabled us to pursue development beyond simply relying on language models. A lot of work has also gone into the user interface to make it as accessible and intuitive as possible for the end user.”

Motivation from knowledge and challenge

The fact that Tuukka’s current assignment is long-term has proven rewarding. The extended timeframe has allowed Tuukka to immerse himself in the client’s business practices and corporate culture. The ability to see the big picture from the business area to stakeholder relations to ongoing challenges has helped shape a more cohesive view of what technical solutions will serve their purpose in the best possible way.

On the other hand, hopping from one project to another early in his career also helped Tuukka sharpen his ability to adapt quickly, although it required patience:

“A big part of my learning journey in a consulting role has entailed developing a more keen understanding of what it means to be an advisory expert. I’m quite ambitious, so naturally I wanted to master everything right away. Thankfully, I’ve also come to realise that consultants are human too – learning takes time,” Tuukka says with a smile.

Mastery requires hands on deck

Tuukka says that his prime motivators are a thirst for knowledge and a desire to challenge himself, which have carried over from his studies to his daily life as a data scientist. At university, Tuukka purposefully applied to a demanding program – partly to test himself, and partly because of the versatility mathematics and physics had to offer. Similarly, what propels Tuukka forward in working life is a desire to grow, improve, and stay curious:

“I would say the greatest motivation comes from professional pride. I don’t want to work half-heartedly – I want to excel at what I do. It’s inspiring to be able to follow a project through the entire production pipeline and eventually see it creating value for the client and benefitting the end user. That’s truly motivating.”

Tuukka adds that persistence is often key when learning something new: at first, treading unfamiliar ground may prove even frustrating – but then you roll up your sleeves, plant your feet, and start your trek up the mountain. The realisation that your wisdom has grown along the way is usually hindsight.

“I’ve earned all sorts of certifications across different domains, but at the end of the day, that’s just theory. True pearls of wisdom are harvested only when you get your hands dirty,” Tuukka concludes.

The article series highlights the experiences of Nitoreans in continuous learning as part of their daily customer work. At Nitor, professional growth builds on training, collaborative learning, mentoring, Nitor Core time, and interesting customer projects. This article series stems from a desire to show appreciation for learning while working, the fundamental pillar of everyday professional development.

Want to grow as a data scientist in client projects that challenge and inspire? Check out our open positions and apply today!