Career Stories | Tero Pikkarainen, Associate, M&A

What has your career at Hannes Snellman been like?

I first joined the M&A Team at Hannes Snellman as an associate trainee in 2017. In 2018, after completing my student exchange abroad, I returned to Hannes first as a thesis trainee and then as an associate. I’ve worked with various types of M&A transactions and advised clients on corporate and contract law related issues. I’ve also completed an external secondment at Verkkokauppa.com and been on study leave to pursue my studies at business school.

What do you like the most about working in the M&A Team?

I like that M&A allows you to combine both legal and commercial thinking. You get to learn a lot about different types of clients and their industries. You’re also exposed to various areas of the law and get to work with experts from different fields. M&A also usually involves managing various workstreams and it’s rewarding to see them come together as the deal progresses. I also like that there is quite a lot of variation in my work as each deal has its own characteristics and issues to consider.

Can you describe the Hannes Snellman culture?

I think the Hannes Snellman culture is characterised by everyone’s shared dedication to high-quality service. There is also a lot of emphasis on personal development and the well-being of our employees. Everyone is also very friendly and collaborative.

What is the best advice you have received when it comes to your career?

From my experience it’s good to focus on your strengths, while also being open to grow and expose yourself to new experiences. I would recommend finding what interests you the most and to start developing a profile that best supports those interests.

One theme that currently stands out in working life discussions is purpose. To conclude this interview, what are the things that keep you going and motivated in work — what is your purpose?

I think it’s rewarding to get to help our clients and to put my skills to good use for them. I also enjoy constantly learning new things and developing myself as a professional.

FAVOURITE | Way of Commuting – Tram Book – Hard to say. One recent favourite would be “Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson. Lunch – Salad Podcast – “The Daily” by the New York Times. Work Equipment – My trusty laptop of course Afternoon Routine – Coffee Mobile Application – Spotify Relaxation Method – Gym, running, meeting up with friends Work Outfit – Something comfortable Power Song – Keeps changing Website – hs.fi Social Media Channel – I’m not very active on social media but I enjoy browsing Twitter Drink – Coffee Weekday – Saturday Leisure Activity Travelling & good food