After graduating as a Sea Captain, Lilli was facing unemployment – then she turned a temporary job into a whole new career

After earning my degree as a sea captain, Lilli Holopainen was set to work in the maritime industry. However, the challenging job market in the industry forced her to explore a new direction. What began as a temporary job as a postal worker ultimately led to a complete career change, further education, and a leadership position. Holopainen’s story is an inspiring example of how determination and courage can open unexpected doors.

Lilli Holopainen, 40, enjoys peaceful evenings at home, gardening, being on the water, and skiing. These hobbies serve as a good counterbalance for her career, which has been full of bold leaps and fast changes.

In less than 20 years, Holopainen has graduated as both a sea captain and an engineer, changed her career focus from the seas to the roads, and progressed from postal worker to supervisor. Along the way, she has also moved across Finland.

She still follows the same principle she adopted 18 years ago as a newly graduated sea captain: you have to give it your all and show everyone that you are ready to take responsibility.

Discover Lilli Holopainens’ career story through three pivotal moments:

1. From Sea Captain to a Mail Carrier

I graduated as a sea captain in Kotka in 2007. The sea had always fascinated me, and my active background in a Sea Scout troop had strengthened both my leadership skills and my love for being on the water. However, at the time of my graduation, the job market in the maritime industry in Finland was challenging. Many ships were being flagged out of Finnish waters, and jobs were extremely hard to find.

I was young and not ready to move abroad. Instead of landing short-term gigs, I was looking for something more stable. Then, quite unexpectedly, I was offered a nine-month maternity leave substitute position as a mail carrier at Posti in Helsinki. Even though I thought it would just be temporary, I ended up staying.

After just four months, I was offered a permanent position, which I accepted without hesitation. Soon, I found myself taking on more and more responsibility and building a career path that eventually led me into an entirely new field.

2. How working as a Mail Carrier sparked a full career change and new studies

In 2010 my partner got a job in the Pirkanmaa region. This opened up an opportunity for me to transfer to a new location—first to Pirkkala, and later to Lempäälä. I had already worked in Helsinki as a substitute team lead, and with that experience, I transitioned directly into a team lead role in Lempäälä.

I enjoyed working in mail delivery for over a decade, but after my second maternity leave, I felt it was time to grow and move forward. As a mother of two, returning to a career at sea was no longer felt realistic. My years at Posti had given me a lot, but they had also sparked a desire to try something new. In 2019, I decided to begin studying for a degree in logistics engineering—while continuing to work full-time.

Balancing work, studies, and family life was challenging, but credit transfers from my previous studies made the workload more manageable. I studied during evenings and weekends. Fortunately, my employer supported my education. I worked longer days and used flexible hours for studying, which helped me stay on track.

Changing careers requires initiative and perseverance, but Posti’s internal job market made it possible for me to make a major shift within the same organization. Midway through my studies, I transitioned to Posti’s terminal in Pirkkala to work in heavy transport—and my career took another significant leap forward.

3. A bold move into a supervisory role in heavy transport

I had noticed the job posting for a supervisory position in heavy transport, but hesitated at first. My studies weren’t quite finished yet, and the new role felt like a big leap. After getting some encouragement from the people close to me, I decided to apply, and got the job.

I am someone who doesn’t give up easily or leave things unfinished, but this was perhaps the biggest challenge I had ever taken on. I didn’t even fully know what I was getting into. My predecessor trained me before retiring, and at the same time, I trained my own replacement for my previous role in Lempäälä. It was a true crash course in leadership.

Luckily, my previous experience proved extremely valuable. As I had already worked as an acting supervisor in Lempäälä, many things were familiar. On top of that, my own supervisor trusted my skills and potential. I am grateful for the personal and professional growth opportunities that I have gotten.

The transport industry is traditionally male-dominated, but I believe that what matters in any role is competence, not gender. Willingness to step up and take responsibility is important. Opportunities tend to appear once you dare to take on challenges.

Lilli Holopainen lists 5 reasons to choose Posti as an employer:

1. Growth opportunities "Posti is eager to develop and become the leading player in the logistics industry. This creates real opportunities for employees to grow and improve their skills. You are encouraged to develop in your current role and discover new career paths within the company."

2. A caring community "Caring is part of our everyday company culture. Posti treats people the way they wish to be treated. Our work community is built on a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported."

3. Workplace safety "Safety is a top priority at Posti, and we have a strong willingness to learn from our mistakes. Work instructions are updated as needed, tools are improved, and training is provided whenever necessary."

4. Skilled and supportive supervisors "Posti also invests in compassionate leadership: supervisors receive training and are expected to lead with respect and support. This is evident across the organization and helps employees succeed in their roles."

5. Truly meaningful work "Posti’s work genuinely matters to its customers. Logistics professionals ensure that people and businesses receive their deliveries on time, which makes our the work feel meaningful and appreciated."

Career story created in cooperation with Duunitori. Author: Janette Rosi Photographer: Laura Tammisto