For Vella Viertola, the journey began a couple of years ago, when her teacher, Sara Kfouri Koskinen, arranged a visit by CERN representatives to SAMK. Their welcoming approach and the topics they presented left a lasting impression. SAMK also hosted the CERN Spring Campus in 2025, giving students further opportunities to learn about CERN and connect with its experts.
– At the time, I didn’t think working at CERN would be a realistic possibility for me, but the visit stayed with me, Vella recalls.
– I decided to give it a chance and applied for a couple of programmes.
That decision has now led to an exciting opportunity to put her learning into practice in an international working environment.
An unexpected second chance
Vella’s application process was far from straightforward. She applied in February and was not initially selected. Then, in September, CERN contacted her after reviewing some of the applications again.
Once she confirmed that she was still interested, she was invited to book an interview. From there, everything moved quickly.
– I had just one interview, which really surprised me! I had expected there to be several rounds.
Her experience is an encouraging reminder that an initial rejection does not always mark the end of an opportunity.
Data engineering skills caught the team’s attention
One of the most encouraging moments came when Vella asked what had made her application stand out.
At the time she applied, her CV mainly highlighted skills gained during her studies. Her practical training and thesis work, which began later, were not yet included.
The team explained that while many applicants mentioned AI, fewer specifically highlighted data engineering and data analysis. Those skills had caught their attention.
– It was encouraging to hear that the skills I had gained through my studies were relevant to their work, Vella says.
Her experience highlights the value of recognising and clearly communicating the technical skills students develop throughout their education – even before they have extensive professional experience.
Learning, connections and a new country
Vella will join the data engineering team in CERN’s FAP-BC group. Although her exact tasks have not yet been decided, discussions about her work at TVO and her thesis topic revealed connections with the team’s interests.
She will move at the end of February, ahead of her six-month internship beginning in March.
Alongside the professional experience, Vella is looking forward to the personal discoveries that come with living abroad.
– I’m really looking forward to learning more through practical work and from the people around me. I’m also excited about meeting new people, exploring new places and experiencing life in a different country.
– I think I’ll learn a lot about myself along the way, too.
“Give yourself a chance”
For other students considering an international opportunity, Vella’s message is clear.
– Go for it! Don’t count yourself out before you’ve even applied.
She also encourages students to approach interviews with honesty and confidence in their willingness to learn.
– Be yourself, be honest about what you know and show that you’re willing to learn. You don’t have to pretend to know everything already.
