How did you end up as a custodian at Väre and what are your responsibilities?
My previous job was as a project manager in the events sector. I started at Arabia, Media Centre Lume in 2011. In the beginning, I worked as a rehearsal manager, which meant building performance stages, grandstands, black box events and helping students with TV productions and rehearsal films. For example, I worked with artist Tero Vesterinen on studio stages and events. Our students are fun.
I moved to Otaniemi together with the Department of Film (ELO). I first worked at Otakaari 7 and I was helping to build exhibitions. The film studio is now in Otakaari 5, the TV studio is in Roihupelto and there will be a small cinema in the new Marsio. The spaces are scattered.
Now, as Väre's custodian, I'm a bit like a janitor: taking care of mailings, fixing things, and doing exhibitions from end to end. When people don't know who's in charge of something, they ask the janitor. In the end, it's the janitor who takes care of things.
What do you particularly like about your job?
I am an enabler. I like to engage with people and help others so they can shine. It's a chance to chat, interact and help. Solving problems is fun. For example, if I solve IT problems in classes, people might come back afterwards to thank me. It gives me a good feeling.
When I came to Väre, there was no dedicated space for staff. Even though I like students, I wanted my own space. Getting that is one of my achievements.