The security sector was a conscious choice for Suvi Lankinen at a young age. She wanted a job where she could help others and do something meaningful. This motivated Suvi to complete the Vocational qualification in Safety and Security, which was her first contact with the sector. Her first jobs were related to event security and lobby security.
In 2013, Lankinen started her Vocational qualification in Safety and Security at a university of applied sciences. Student exchange in Australia and the Netherlands broadened her worldview and helped her gain international experience.
The airport as a traineeship place was eye-opening and opened doors
Lankinen ended up at Finavia while looking for a traineeship place for her studies. There was no suitable place available, but she ended up contacting Helsinki Airport’s security unit through a contact she made at a course.
"It’s worth it to be active and determined. That can open all kinds of doors," she encourages.
Approximately six months after the traineeship and the thesis she wrote for Finavia, Lankinen got a temporary position at Finavia's security services. She was also asked to participate in a project to develop the security control point for passengers at Helsinki Airport. Working under the guidance of an experienced project manager became one of the most important learning experiences of her career.
Later, the temporary position became a permanent job as a Security Specialist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lankinen also completed a Master of Business Administration degree in Security Management. The studies deepened her expertise in security management, quality management, business and strategy work in particular. Through the training offered by Finavia, she has also acquired qualifications in quality management and as a lead auditor.
"Finavia supports the development of its employees in an exemplary manner. Here you get opportunities, as long as you are willing to take them on and take responsibility. New responsibilities may seem challenging at first, but at the same time, there is strong confidence in the employee’s expertise and abilities," she says.
Security comes from continuous development
Currently, Suvi Lankinen works as a Security Manager in Finavia Group's security unit and leads the unit’s quality management team. Her workdays include a lot of meetings and preparing documents, as well as various projects and development projects. Lankinen looks at the operations from the perspective of quality management: how processes can be continuously improved and how to ensure that Finavia’s operations meet the requirements set for them. The work also includes auditing operators providing services in the airport area.
"A lot happens at the airport, and everything is connected in one way or another. At the beginning of my career, I wouldn't have thought that you could do such a wide range of tasks in the security sector."
It feels good going to work every day
The meaningfulness of work is important to Lankinen, but equally important are the workplace community and the opportunity to combine work and leisure. She feels that her colleagues are always ready to help even on busy days, and she feels good going to work.
In addition, she gives a tip on personnel clubs where you get to meet other Finavia employees. That way, you can expand your networks both at work and in everyday life.
"I exercise a lot and like running, among other things. I recently participated in an event in Tampere with four other Finavia employees and ran a total of 42 kilometres in a day. We used Airport sunglasses as a baton, and they were needed. We got to enjoy the sun, good company and amazing performances. The highlight of the day was that our team ranked third in its own category," says Lankinen.
Suvi Lankinen, who is at the beginning of her career, encourages others to trust themselves and take on challenges.
"Believe in yourself and what you want. Be prepared to work towards your goals and remember that mistakes are opportunities to learn."
