Timo, International Career

Timo, who has worked in design and sales roles at Gebwell since 2011, made a significant career move in spring 2024: he moved to Sweden and started working at Gebwell’s subsidiary on June 1st. In his new role as a quotation specialist, Timo’s responsibilities include technical calculations, sizing, CAD drawings, as well as preparing quotes and providing technical sales support.

What does everyday life feel like in a new country – and how has the move gone?

A natural next step in his career

According to Timo, the idea of moving to Sweden had been simmering for a long time. He had already worked for several years providing technical support to the Swedish organization from Finland, and discussions about physically relocating to the Swedish office came up more and more often. “You could say this was the result of years of persuasion. At this stage of my career, it felt like a natural next step. It was the right moment to do something new and bigger,” Timo says.

Settling in went smoothly

According to Timo, the move went surprisingly smoothly.

“The new environment sparks curiosity, and time hasn’t dragged. I also have relatives living nearby, which has certainly made settling in easier,” he says.

Dealing with authorities in Sweden has also gone without any issues – “Even dealing with the police went smoothly,” Timo laughs.

Workdays – familiar work in a new setting

Although the office is in a new country, the content of Timo’s workdays is familiar to him. The most significant change relates to the time zone.

“Now that we’re in the same time zone as our customers and colleagues, the days don’t stretch on unnoticed. Even though the salespeople are physically located in different parts of Sweden and collaboration happens mostly remotely, day-to-day work runs smoothly.”

Cultural differences and learning

Timo also points out one significant cultural difference:

“Sweden has a strong culture of ‘discussing things.’ Matters are planned and talked through together. At first, that can feel slow to a Finn, but you get used to it quickly – and there’s real value in it too.”

A warm welcome and international collaboration

Moving into the new team has gone excellently.

“I was welcomed really well. My colleagues were happy that I finally joined the team, and I’ve had support from the very start,” Timo says with thanks.

He particularly appreciates the international dimension of the work.

“I work closely with both the Finnish and Polish factories. It’s rewarding to be able to use and develop my language skills as part of everyday work.”

Boldly toward new opportunities

Finally, we asked what Timo would say to others considering an international move.

“I’d definitely recommend seizing the opportunity if one comes up. Opening a new door brings a lot of learning and experience – and there’s no need to be afraid of failure.”

Thank you, Timo, and congratulations on your new role! At Gebwell we’re glad that our expertise and our experts move across borders – literally.