The first Norrin Academy program concluded in early summer. Now we have six new permanent team members working across different roles, ready to take on client projects. We needed our own way of building expertise — a Norrin approach — to support career growth and help new talent get involved in client projects, especially in fields where demand outpaces the supply of skilled professionals. This led to the creation of the Norrin Academy.
Norrin Academy aims to help new talent grow into their roles, develop the practical skills they need, and move smoothly into client work. Learning centres on personal learning paths, mentoring, and hands-on work on real projects. Participants build their expertise based on their own interests and backgrounds. In the first Academy, all participants delved into the Data Engineer track and built their expertise around Microsoft Fabric. This also provides the skills needed for AI and analytics work, which some participants pursued based on their prior experience and client projects.
For our experienced professionals, Academy is a path towards architect roles. As they mentor new talent, they develop coaching skills, accountability, and technical leadership. Mentors also gain experience in roles where sharing expertise and supporting others play a central part.
Two Academy participants, Kaisu Paukkeri and Edris Hakimi, share how the journey looked from a participant's perspective.
A personal learning path drew them in
Kaisu Paukkeri had just finished her thesis and was looking for a place where she could apply what she had learned in practice.
“After completing my thesis for my IT business degree, I wanted to put what I’d learned into practice. Norrin Academy caught my interest because it promised hands-on project experience right from the start. Plus, the learning path was tailored just for me. What also mattered was knowing I had found a place where I could be myself, where the right attitude and support from others would let me grow far.”
Edris Hakimi found the Academy on Norrin’s website.
“When I saw the information about the Academy, I was immediately excited. I wanted to get into consulting and grow. Norrin's Academy seemed like the perfect way to start. Norrin's reputation and the chance to learn on real client projects really appealed to me.”
Involved in client projects from the very beginning
The Norrin Academy is a training program where learning happens through a real client projects alongside expert teams.
Kaisu was in client work from the start.
“I was in a project from week one. I learned a lot from my teammates. I would recommend Academy if you want to jump into data work straight away and learn the real things that matter, at the right pace,” she says.
Edris had a similar experience. He got learning materials and support immediately, but was also right in the real work.
“At Norrin Academy, you actually get to learn things. If you are curious and want to grow, Norrin Academy is the right place,” he explains.
Learning through mentoring, exercises, and labs
The Academy’s goal is to strengthen the entire organization’s expertise. At Norrin Academy, more experienced professionals serve as mentors on the same client projects. Mentors give and receive real feedback, develop into architect roles themselves, and build leadership skills. Guiding new talent prepares them for more responsible roles.
“I got to develop my own skills right away and learn how things work in the consulting world. At Norrin, people are truly valued and supported in their development, which is very motivating,” Edris says.
Learning takes place through a variety of methods. Beyond client projects, the programme includes shared labs and exercises, self-study, and certifications. The certifications support practical project work and help build expertise systematically. For example, Kaisu earned three Microsoft certifications during the Academy. The idea is to find the right combination of support and hands-on experience for everyone.
What comes after the Academy?
Learning continues in permanent employment. Kaisu works as a Junior Data Engineer.
“I’m now a permanent employee at Norrin,” she says. “I plan to earn more certifications and take on an even wider range of project work.”
Edris continued at Norrin in the role of Junior Data Scientist, focusing on AI work.
“Even though the Academy is now over, my next goal is to take my expertise to the next level,” he says.
Are you interested in a career in data, integrations, analytics, or AI solutions?
Keep an eye on our open positions and the next Norrin Academy application round. The Academy offers the chance to learn alongside experienced professionals, build practical skills, and launch your career on project work.
