Role Model Blog: Elina Johnston, Konecranes
Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:44:18 +0000
It’s never too late to try something new. You might end up loving it, and if not, you can always change it again. Nothing is set in stone.
About me
I am Elina Johnston. I’m currently working as an IT Solutions Specialist at Konecranes, where I’ve been for over two years. I started at the company as a trainee while I was studying. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business IT, with a focus on cybersecurity, which I got last spring.
My Unexpected Path into Tech
I must say that the IT field wasn’t something I originally envisioned myself going into. In my early 20s, I studied women’s clothing as a seamstress, so I was originally in the clothing and fashion sector. It’s quite a different field compared to where I am now. But the job market for that kind of work hasn’t been great in Finland, so I ended up working as a dry cleaner—still with clothes, but in a very different way. I quickly discovered that the role wasn’t a good fit for me.
After that, I moved in a completely different direction and became a medical secretary in a hospital orthopaedic department. That was quite a big shift. While I was working there, I started my studies in Business IT, and eventually I applied for a trainee position at Konecranes. I worked throughout the rest of my studies, and now I’m in a permanent role doing similar work but with more responsibilities.
Elina Johnston, IT Solutions Specialist, Konecranes
Growing Through Learning
As a trainee, my manager made sure I got a solid overview of her daily tasks rather than just assigning the simplest work. She gave me pieces of her own workload, walked through them with me, and helped whenever I ran into trouble. Those early months were filled with learning sessions, questions, and a lot of support. Little by little, I began tackling more on my own, and over time, the work started to feel more natural. That steady guidance made all the difference as I grew into the role.
Even with all the support, the first six months were tough. I often questioned whether I was in the right place or if I knew enough to be doing this job. But little by little, things started to make more sense. It’s still challenging at times, and I certainly don’t know everything, but I’ve learned that that’s okay. Continuous learning is part of the journey.
Working at Konecranes
I really enjoy working at Konecranes. My team is fantastic, and the company culture is low-hierarchical. One thing I really appreciate is that Konecranes recognizes that people work in different ways.
The flexibility they offer makes a huge difference for me. For example, even though I’m based in Finland, my team is spread across different parts of Europe, so I work mostly from home. Going into the office would mean spending most of the day in phone booths on Teams calls, which isn’t exactly inspiring. Instead, I’m trusted to work remotely, and that freedom is something I value deeply.
One of the best parts of my job, though, is my team, especially my manager. She’s truly wonderful, and I’m grateful for everything she’s taught me. Her support, guidance, and overall kindness have made a huge impact on my growth.
What I Do Today
In my current role, I support the configuration of our applications, test different functionalities, and produce related documentation. We don’t code in my team, but we’re responsible for adjusting and configuring the platform so that it provides accurate information and is easier for end users to navigate.
Creative Skills That Translate Into IT
My creative background has given me skills that turned out to be incredibly valuable in IT. It has made me adaptable and helped me communicate well, which has helped me tremendously while learning new tools and processes.
I’ve discovered that I don’t get stuck and focus on just one thing at a time; I can manage several tasks without losing track of them. I also have a good eye for detail, which makes it easier to spot patterns, understand new concepts, and troubleshoot unfamiliar problems. Often, I can figure out something completely new simply by drawing on past experiences, both from this job and the work I did before. Those creative roots still help me think outside the box when I need it most.
Building a Creative Mind
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been creating art. I still paint regularly, especially in oils, and it’s a practice that has stayed with me throughout my life. My parents encouraged my creativity early on. I took extra art classes alongside my regular schoolwork when I was a child. Looking back, that early support made a huge difference; it shaped how I see the world and continues to influence the way I approach challenges today.
AI as a Helpful Assistant
I do use AI, but I try not to rely on it too heavily. For example, I use it for transcribing meetings and taking notes, which is something that used to take a lot of time and split my focus on taking notes at the same time as listening to the meeting. Also, sometimes, when something tiny isn’t working and I can’t spot the issue, it’s incredibly helpful to ask an AI tool to review it. Often, it quickly points out the small detail I missed. I’ve come to see AI as more of an assistant than anything else.
At the same time, because of its environmental impact, I avoid using AI for tasks I can easily handle myself, like simple searches or information I know I can find on Google. I think it’s important to challenge myself to solve as much as I can on my own and use AI as a tool rather than a crutch.
If You are Afraid of Changing Careers, Read This
If there’s one message I want to send to anyone reading this blog post, it’s to stay curious and open to change. You never really know where life will take you, and being willing to adapt makes each transition, even the unexpected ones, a little easier. When I look back at my own path, I wouldn’t change any of it. I’ve moved through different careers, and every experience has given me skills, insights, and confidence that shape how I work today. I’m grateful for all of it and excited to see where things go next.
If sharing my story can serve as a role model for someone, I hope it encourages you to explore, experiment, and trust that change is possible. Whether you are struggling where you are or simply craving something different, you can try something new. And if it turns out not to be your path, you can always return to what you were doing — or find something else entirely. The important thing is giving yourself permission to try.
The post Role Model Blog: Elina Johnston, Konecranes first appeared on Women in Tech Finland.
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