Our alum Juha Metsälä: Construction industry affects society as a whole

Ask and listen

Founder, Group Chairman and President of Pohjola Rakennus Group PRG Oy Juha Metsälä says that his career so far has been eventful and that it has also included many difficult moments. In the early days of the company, all his property had been pledged, and the first ten years were very challenging.

“Entrepreneurship in the construction industry has required a lot of patience. With big loans and big liabilities, you have to tolerate a constant state of discomfort. I think that my own resilience comes from my upbringing and childhood in the countryside, on the one hand, and my academic education on the other. This has been a combination of two good perspectives,” Juha says.

Juha talks about his work as a life-long project, a builder's marathon, which has evolved slowly with small improvements every day. When asked about the most interesting and inspiring aspect of his work, Juha has a quick and clear answer.

“People, of course. Construction is a diverse industry which affects society as a whole and gives you the opportunity to work with various people. It is great to be part of it.”

Construction is a diverse industry which affects society as a whole and gives you the opportunity to work with various people. It is great to be part of it.”

Juha Metsälä

As President, Juha's work is steered by the legal framework, and day-to-day business must be handled according to the Limited Liability Companies Act. Aiming at good leadership has also been a constant theme throughout.

“As a company grows, so does its management. My job is to get others to do their work well and to keep motivation high. I like to combine a systematic management style with informal practices. The key thing is to ask and listen,” says Juha.

Studies at Tampere University prepare you for demanding construction work 

Juha Metsälä had been an entrepreneur for a long time before he got his academic education. He began his university studies with an eMBA degree for business management, first offered at Tampere University that year, in 1999. The application requirements mentioned an academic background, but Juha decided to apply anyway – and was admitted.

“I think I did well in my studies, although they required a bit more backbone from me than my course mates. While others mainly chose advanced courses, I took maths and other basic studies,” Juha recalls with a smile.

Some years after graduating with an eMBA degree, Juha started studying for a master's degree, majoring in construction management and economics. Currently, he is working towards a doctoral degree in industrial engineering and management as well as knowledge management.

Juha has a clear message for current and future construction students: mind your study schedules and get your degrees out as quickly as possible – even in a poor economic cycle. Employers will not ask about your grades, as they know that the bar is set high enough.

Tampere University provides truly valuable education. It gives you a very strong foundation for demanding construction work while helping you understand the big picture. This is exceptional both in Finland and on a global scale. Graduates from Tampere University can choose their jobs in this industry.”

Juha Metsälä

“Tampere University provides truly valuable education. It gives you a very strong foundation for demanding construction work while helping you understand the big picture. This is exceptional both in Finland and on a global scale. Graduates from Tampere University can choose their jobs in this industry.”

University enabled goal achievement, now it is time to give back

Juha Metsälä's connection with the university has remained close, both through his studies and various alum roles. He is a member of the university’s Advisory Board for Relations with Working Life and he has contributed to several professorships.

“It has been an honour to be asked to take on such positions. I think highly of the fact that I am a Tampere University alum. I feel that I would not have achieved my own goals without the education. Now I want to give back,” Juha says.

Juha's relationship with Tampere has also remained very warm, even though he has lived in several locations during his life.

“If a coin is upright, it always tilts towards Tampere.”

Text: Tiina Leivo