Elisa joined Cambridge Spark's commercial team in Cambridge to help our students and those interested in data science realise their dreams by helping them get started on our Applied Data Science and Introduction to Python bootcamps.

Read more about her first impressions of the company and about her experiences so far.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background

I was born in Finland, but spent a large chunk of my childhood moving around; living in countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore to name a few.

After completing my high school degree in Finland, I went travelling in various parts of Asia and Australia, before finally heading off to University in Edinburgh, Scotland. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Management, which included a year abroad in Joplin, Missouri.

After graduating in 2016, I moved to Cambridge and have been living here ever since.

Before landing this job at Cambridge Spark I worked for Spotify, Cambridge Technology Group and Darktrace, in various customer facing and sales roles.

In my free time, I play football for a local team in my area called the Burwell Tigers. I also like to take part in various fitness classes and spend time with family and friends.

...I was also looking for a company that was innovative and always looking at ways to improve everything they do. It became clear to me that this was exactly the type of company that Cambridge Spark is...

What made you decide to join the Cambridge Spark team?

I was looking for a new challenge in my career after discovering my passion for sales at Darktrace. I came across Cambridge Spark on LinkedIn and thought the company and job sounded super interesting.

After speaking to the Commercial manager, Tony, and Talent Manager, Jules, on the phone, and after doing some further research on the company and what they do, I was very excited for my interview. The interview solidified my desire to work for the company after I got to speak to four different members of the team. Everyone was passionate about the work they do and the company they worked for, which I thought was amazing and made me want to be part of the team as well.

Other than everyone's attitude towards their job, I was also looking for a company that was innovative and always looking at ways to improve everything they do. It became clear to me that this was exactly the type of company that Cambridge Spark is, and this finalised my decision in joining the Cambridge Spark family.

“It was great to meet like-minded individuals who are not afraid to work hard but also know how to have a good time.”

What were your first impressions on joining the commercial team in Cambridge?

My first impressions of the commercial team were that everyone was super friendly and welcoming. I got the best welcome pack ever, so the first day was amazing, as I could brag to my friends and family about the company I had just joined

It was great to meet like-minded individuals who are not afraid to work hard but also know how to have a good time.

We're delighted to welcome our first Account Executive, Elisa Heinamaa, to the Cambridge Spark team! Elisa will help us grow and deliver our best-in-class experience for students and clients. We wish you the best of luck on your first week, Elisa! #CambridgeSparkCareers pic.twitter.com/SpFd5Jul49

— Cambridge Spark (@CambridgeSpark) 18 March 2019

What did your first week look like?

In my first week at Cambridge Spark, I started off with going through the basic health & safety and HR stuff (as you do with any new job). Then I met with each member of the team to have a quick chat and find out what they do, which was good in getting to know everyone and figuring out my points of contact, for different aspects of the job.

I also spent the week shadowing my colleagues and familiarising myself with the new systems and processes as well as all our different products. The first week was also a chance for me to figure out exactly what my job would entail.

Three words to describe your journey with Cambridge Spark so far and why you chose them?

Challenging - I’ve worked with colleagues across different areas of the business - helping to make a direct impact to the business as part of a couple of project-focused teams. It’s been challenging but I’ve really enjoyed every project I’ve managed to work on so far!

Exciting - being such a fast-paced company, I find no day or week is the same at Cambridge Spark. That’s what makes it such an exciting place to work.

Refreshing - I found having the opportunity to make impactful change across the business, and come up with and drive my own initiatives have been a crucial part of my self and professional development.

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