As our team continues to grow across Europe, new opportunities emerge to help employees expand their skill sets and advance their careers. Collaboration and worksharing have become key aspects of Jensen Hughes' approach, offering team members exposure to diverse projects and colleagues across the region. This not only enhances professional development but also strengthens connections within our expanding network.
With 22 offices across Europe — including Finland, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Italy and Denmark — Jensen Hughes has embraced intercompany collaboration and leveraged worksharing across its locations.
Starting Point + Background
First launched in 2021, the secondment program has enabled teams to collaborate on hundreds of projects across different countries. I had the opportunity to be part of this initiative, joining the program in 2023 as one of its early participants. My journey began with a move from the Helsinki office to Dublin, Ireland, where I spent approximately a year until spring 2024.
I hold a Bachelor of Engineering, Fire Officer degree from Savonia University of Applied Sciences – Emergency Services College. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in the building industry, including hands-on work at construction sites.
Being on a Secondment
Working as a fire engineer and relocating to Dublin came with its challenges, but they were quickly overcome with the support of an experienced team. I adapted to new work culture, gained exposure to client meetings and deepened my knowledge of design standards while navigating different regulations. Although I had prior experience in Finland, the learning curve was steep, requiring me to quickly familiarize myself with local design standards and codes. Finnish methods, scheduling rhythms and established best practices often didn't directly translate into the new context. This experience significantly accelerated my professional growth and broadened my expertise.
Compared to Finland, presenting tailored engineering solutions is more complex due to detailed and prescriptive local regulations. Nonetheless, core fire engineering principles share common goals such as ensuring safety, meeting regulatory requirements and achieving practical outcomes. Over time, the ability to leverage my Finnish expertise helped bridge initial gaps. In Finland, there is greater flexibility and a stronger emphasis on performance-based design solutions, whereas the UKI team relies more on clearly defined regulatory frameworks. This distinction influences how solutions are developed and presented.
Key Takeaways from the Experience
This secondment was a great opportunity to stretch my skills, pick up some new tricks and learn how to adapt quickly when things didn't go exactly as planned. It also gave me a fresh perspective on international projects, setting me up nicely for whatever comes next.
I encourage professionals to embrace the initial challenges that come with any new experience, including this program. Maintaining an open mind, committing to continuous learning and applying existing skills with confidence are essential for growth. Actively engaging with local colleagues and immersing oneself in both the professional and cultural environment can offer invaluable development opportunities and lasting personal and professional benefits.