A career in tech doesn’t always start with a clear plan. For Hanne-Lotta Mäenpää, it began almost by chance – and grew into something she never felt the need to leave. Today, she works as a senior software developer at Visionite Helsinki, driven by curiosity and continuous learning.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into IT?
I’m a senior software developer based in Helsinki, working with building and improving applications.
I actually applied to study computer science partly because there was no required reading for the entrance exam. I didn’t have huge expectations, so getting accepted came as a bit of a surprise.
While I was still studying, I got my first job as an application developer, and from there things just continued. I finished my degree and have worked in different roles and companies since. What’s kept me here is how interesting the field is – there’s always something new to learn, and that never really stops.
What has kept you in tech over the years?
A big part of it is the people. I’ve met so many brilliant and inspiring individuals along the way.
Have you faced any challenges in your career – and how have you handled them?
I’ve actually been quite lucky – most of the challenges I’ve faced have been in my own head.
For me, overcoming that has partly been about getting better at programming and building confidence in what I do. But it’s not always just about technical skills. There have also been situations where I’ve had to learn to stand up for myself, and for other women in the field. That’s something I’ve had quite a lot of practice with over time.
“Programming and software development have been so interesting that I haven’t considered anything else.“
– Hanne-Lotta Mäenpää, senior software developer Visionite, Helsinki
Do you have any role models or sources of inspiration in tech?
Margaret Hamilton. She led the team that developed the software for the Apollo moon landing in 1969, and she was the one who coined the term “software engineering.” I think that’s pretty amazing.
What would you say to someone – especially women – considering a career in tech?
If it interests you, let that be your guiding light. Don’t do it for any other reason. It’s a challenging field, in a good way – and that’s also what makes it worth it. Having that genuine interest is what helps you stay motivated and continue growing over time.
“If it interests you, let that be your guiding light. Don’t do it for any other reason. It is challenging—in a good way—but that’s what makes it worth it.”
What does work-life balance look like for you?
I’m probably not the best example here, since my working style varies quite a bit. Sometimes I work more intensely, and sometimes it’s much lighter. For me, balance is really about having the freedom to follow that natural rhythm rather than forcing a strict structure all the time.
How do you usually spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy reading, going for walks and doing a bit of gardening. And occasionally, I’ll even do some coding in my free time as well. I guess that’s what happens when you genuinely enjoy what you do.
Contakt:
Lovisa From, Marketing Manager
lovisa.from@visionite.se
www.visionite.fi