Jaakko Gummerus is a coder working in Pinja’s Kempele office, who started after a rather unusual career path. Jaakko previously worked as a full-time trumpet player on the Kuopio City Orchestra. In his current job as a coder, he particularly likes problem solving and reasoning, and the combination of creativity and technology.
When Jaakko Gummerus started working at Pinja at the turn of the year 2021, he started as a coder, or software developer. Since then, the focus has shifted to project management, and currently Jaakko works as a project manager in Timber by Pinja product launch projects. In addition to Finnish clients, many of Jaakko’s projects are currently focused abroad, especially in Sweden and the Baltic countries.
Jaakko’s educational background is quite interesting and relatively exceptional for a coder. Jaakko, who holds a Master’s degree from Sibelius Academy, has also studied engineering at Aalto University.
- I have always had a broad interest in technology. At Aalto University, I started out studying civil engineering, but as I became more and more interested in coding, I decided to study computer science as well, Jaakko says.
There are currently several career-changers working at Pinja, and some have even previously worked in bars. For those considering a career change, there is Pinja DW Academy, through which you can become a data warehouse specialist at Pinja. We also formulate personal pathways towards a job at Pinja.
The switch to coding went smoothly
Jaakko Gummerus has an impressive record in Finnish orchestral music. In addition to his seven years with the Kuopio City Orchestra, he has played with the Finnish National Opera, Helsinki City Orchestra, Radio Symphony Orchestra and Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra. All in all, it can be said that he went as far in this area as is practically possible in Finland.
In a way, even coding is creative work. There are many different ways of doing the same thing, which is both good and challenging at the same time.
Perhaps that’s why the change from professional musician to coder came relatively naturally for Jaakko. It was something he had already had in mind, and the Coronavirus-ridden spring of 2020 was a catalyst for the process – performing arts had long been in a difficult situation. Once the decision to change direction was made, Jaakko started to work on it, and did a lot of independent studies.
After being selected as a coder for Pinja, Jaakko felt that he was able to get down to practical work in a gratifyingly short time.
- I thought it was a good thing that I could get pretty directly into the coding side of things and the practical work. I didn’t have to go through a week’s worth of PowerPoint slides, I could pretty much see straight away what the code contained, Jaakko recalls.
The role of music in Jaakko’s everyday life has now changed from work to more of a hobby.
. Perhaps the current situation could be described as semi-professional, Jaakko says with a smile.Coders also get to think creatively
Jaakko’s diverse background provides a nice mirror to the deepest essence of coding. A layman might think of coding as a mainly technical and relatively mechanical task, but Jaakko feels differently: there is also creativity and emotion involved.
- In a way, even coding is creative work. There are many different ways of doing the same thing, which is both good and challenging at the same time. A lot of the work is problem solving and logical reasoning, which is something I like. Sometimes you do get a bit nervous when you can’t get something right at once. It’s part of the job. You just have to take a step back and find a new approach, says Jaakko.
Comparing the work of a musician and a coder, Jaakko finds many similarities and differences. One difference that has had a significant impact on everyday life is that becoming a coder has allowed Jaakko to have a more stable work rhythm. Especially for a family, weekends off are very welcome.
What they have in common, for example, are the deadlines that guide the work – performance dates for musicians and project deadlines for coders. In orchestral work, long-term work is more focused on a particular moment, while the work of a coder is steadier and more long-term.
The job descriptions also have a combination of independent work and collaboration in common. In orchestral work, you rehearse your performance independently, but in rehearsals and performances, up to 100 people come together to work in the same space. The atmosphere is often quite intense. Coders also work both independently and co-operatively.
- Sometimes I put on my noise cancelling headphones and immerse myself in working in peace and quiet. On the other hand, you also need to be active and cooperative, asking others about unclear issues and thus taking advantage of the team’s expertise. Nowadays, I also do a lot of client work and project coordination, says Jaakko.
The opportunities for development and career progression have been one of the best things about Pinja for Jaakko. He also appreciates the open atmosphere and the approachable management.
- Even though Pinja is a big house, I have never felt like being just a small cog in a big machine. You can genuinely influence what you do, says Jaakko.Apply now:
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