Career story: “At Planmeca, talent and potential are recognised”

Who:
Saila Parmes, M.Sc. (Tech.)
Product Manager, Digital Imaging and Applications division
Planmeca Oy

Saila Parmes has worked at Planmeca for nearly a decade. During this time, she has worked as a Software Testing Engineer, a Software Product Specialist, and now as a Product Manager in the Digital Imaging and Applications division. She is responsible for the Planmeca Romexis® software platform.

According to Saila, what she loves most about her work is its diversity, the challenge it gives her, and the constant learning involved. In her free time, Saila usually enjoys meeting friends and travelling. During the past couple of years, however, her three young children have kept her very busy.

How did you end up working at Planmeca?

“I originally applied to Planmeca for a completely different job than what I actually ended up doing – and that's a good thing! There are so many different kinds of positions available at Planmeca that it was difficult to wrap your head around it. There’s something for everyone who’s interested in technology. At Planmeca, talent and potential are recognised, and they’re ready to suggest suitable positions to match your talent. I’m happy this happened to me, too!

I was already familiar with Planmeca during my studies – I studied bioadaptive technology at Aalto University – so I was mainly interested in the company because of its connections to my studies. I was also fascinated by the fast pace of developing state-of-the-art technology, especially in the field of healthcare technology. Planmeca seemed like a company that doesn’t get set in its ways. We're constantly getting new information and developing new technological solutions and applications.”

What is the best part of your job?

“During my ten years of working here, I’ve changed positions within the Digital Imaging and Applications division from Software Testing Engineer to Software Product Specialist and finally to Product Manager. I've been given more responsibility and I've been able to challenge myself. I’ve learned a lot over the years.

As a Product Manager, I’m responsible for the Planmeca Romexis® software platform, and particularly the implant planning and surgical guide design modules. It’s really interesting to witness the development in the field and to be part of it alongside industry experts. For example, our implant design module allows us to create 3D printed implant guides that help surgeons provide better care for their patients as virtual 3D planning increases the accuracy of surgical procedures and improves treatment results. Aesthetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, and with our software, we want to provide dentists with a tool that facilitates open communication with their patients to make sure the expectations match the end result.

I also love the international nature of my work and the chance to speak foreign languages. Planmeca is a family company but it’s also very international, so I get to use my language skills. I speak English every day and I also get to speak Spanish and French surprisingly often. I’m also glad I get to challenge myself and improve my presentation skills.”

What would you say to someone thinking about applying for a job at Planmeca?

Planmeca Group does everything from production to exports and from product development to distribution. There’s a great number of different jobs that require different strengths and different kinds of people. I definitely recommend applying. I wasn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last person to be recruited for something completely different than what they applied for in the first place. As long as you have the interest, the enthusiasm, the courage and the attitude, there are plenty of opportunities available! If you show initiative, you get to try, do and see all kinds of fascinating projects.”

Text: Reija Oksanen
Image: Noora Kyöstilä