Learning and growing: My summer at UPM

My first summer in Finland was one of a kind. I was a first-year master’s student at Aalto University, studying Machine Learning, Data Science, and AI, and I was eager to gain industry experience, so getting a summer job in my domain at UPM felt like the perfect opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world setting.

With numerous AI-driven projects happening across Pulp, I was thrilled to dive in and work with such talented and passionate people. I joined the Pulp Tools & Processes team and worked closely with incredibly smart and talented colleagues. I could not have asked for a better introduction to the industry or a more supportive team!

I got the opportunity to develop an AI agent for the Laboratory team at Fibers Uruguay Operations. This taught me the ins and outs of advanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) methodology and pushed me to apply new skills in a meaningful, real-world context. Additionally, I was an active member of the AI community at UPM, regularly sharing insights and learning from others in the field. One of the highlights of my summer was participating in a hackathon with fellow trainees, which was both challenging and incredibly fun. These experiences underscored UPM’s dynamic environment—there was always something new to explore, or learn, making every day unique.

Looking back, one thing that deeply impressed me was how approachable and collaborative UPM’s work culture was. People here are approachable, generous with their knowledge, and always willing to lend a hand. It is a workplace where you feel supported, where questions are encouraged, and where hierarchy is hardly a barrier. The leadership’s openness to new concepts and approaches fosters a culture of innovation, making it a truly inspiring environment. This level of accessibility not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to make contributions right from the start.

Beyond work, one of the best parts of my summer was building strong connections - with fellow summer trainees, and full-time colleagues. These relationships, both professional and personal, added depth to my experience, showing me the value of working within a team that values openness, inclusivity, and support. I felt part of a community where I could both learn from others and contribute to shared goals.

For me, ‘Feel good about my work’ means knowing that my efforts are meaningful and that I’m part of a team that values my ideas and growth. It’s about finding purpose in my contributions and feeling genuinely welcomed, which UPM provided in abundance.

Reflecting on this experience, I’m grateful for the skills I developed, the knowledge I gained, and the people who made it all possible. My summer at UPM has given me practical skills in AI, a clearer direction for my future, and the confidence to pursue a career where technology drives real impact. This experience has inspired me, looking forward to building on what I’ve learned here.

Learning and growing: My summer at UPM

Anoushka Chaturvedy

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