Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) is a leader in advancing copyright, accelerating knowledge, and powering innovation. We provide advanced information management and data integration solutions to organizations globally, and we have an extensive presence in Europe with offices and operations in several European countries; including the Netherlands, the UK, Romania, Spain, Germany, and, most recently, in Finland and Poland. We took the opportunity early in this new year to catch up with the Finland team. This post is a compilation of their responses.
Can you tell our readers a little bit about your professional background and current role with CCC?
Miikka: I work as Senior Director of EMEA Operations at CCC. I am currently based in Helsinki, Finland. Previously, I lived in the UK near London and then on the south coast of England for about five years. Before that, I had the pleasure of working in a few different countries and cities for over 10 years, including Copenhagen, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Madalina: I have been with CCC since August 2021. My current role is Software Client Engagement Manager. Previously, I worked for a few years as a Project Manager in the localization industry and as a Freelance Translator.
Haijian: I am currently a Tech Lead at CCC.
If our readers were to visit Finland, what would you describe as a must-see?
Miikka: Finland has many wonderful places to visit during summer and winter. During Summer visitors should take an opportunity to visit many smaller towns near the capital region, Porvoo for example. While the larger and more well-known cities of course have a lot to see and do, often taking a small trip outside capital cities you get to see the green forests and thousands of lakes we have. During winter, the Finnish Lapland is a must-see place to visit. Snow covered wilderness in the North can be a wonderful experience for anyone seeking thrills or just relaxing in the calmness of nature.
Madalina: I am celebrating a year since I moved to Finland, and I have already visited quite a lot of places. Anywhere you go, you will be surrounded by nature. Even if you visit Helsinki, the capital city, you will notice that nature is just a few minutes away. The winter can indeed be dark and cold but, at the same time, it is incredibly peaceful. And my friends and family from Romania (where I moved from) are always telling me that I am so lucky to have so much snow here, because in other countries it is becoming an exceedingly rare phenomenon. So, I will take that! And I have saved the best for last: the Finnish summer! It is the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. The colors are amazing. You look at the sky and you wonder if that blue is real… and the sun is up until late in the evening, you can admire a gorgeous and very colorful sunset at 10:30 PM. Absolutely amazing. It is difficult to say what is a must-see in Finland, because anywhere you go there is something to see and to do.
What are your observations about Finnish work culture? How would you describe it? What is it like working for CCC within your team?
Miikka: Although we do not have a physical office in Finland, I consider it a wonderful opportunity as it provides us with the flexibility to meet in person across the country in different cities. Our team is relatively new in Finland, and we are spread out across different cities. Therefore, we alternate where we host our in-person meet-ups and events. For example, we have already had an event in Tampere for our yearly Hospice Walk and We Not Me charity day – we even successfully completed an Escape Room challenge together as a team there. I have also personally recently visited Kuopio where one of our team members is based. And we also hosted our latest holiday event here in Helsinki. In addition to these in person meetings, we of course meet regularly online.
Madalina: Finnish work culture is based on fairness, honesty, and trust, and work-life balance is strongly encouraged. While some might think it is weird not to have an office, I would say that is actually one of the many benefits of working for CCC in Finland. Just think about it – you can work from any city in Finland without having to worry about commuting, you can organize your day as you find suitable and, the cherry on top, we have quite a lot of events that are really nice and fun, and that make us a strong and united team. Honestly, back in the day, when I was working in an office, I never participated in so many events as now, when there is no office at all.
Haijian: Finnish work culture encourages work-life balance and offers flexibility. It has been quite nice to collaborate with my colleagues in Finland. They come from different countries, distinct cultures, different hobbies, but one thing in common is that everyone is friendly and ready to help, which makes me really enjoy working at CCC.
If you had one thing to share with a prospective employee, to encourage them to come work with CCC as part of your team, what would it be?
Miikka: One surprising benefit working at CCC in Finland is that our team members often start their days early and it can be only just before our lunch time when other EU teams start to come online. This is a terrific opportunity to dedicate time for work that needs concentration and leave meetings for the afternoon — certainly helps with productivity and with work-life balance.
Madalina: Even if its presence is new in Finland, I would highlight that CCC has a history of over 40 years, and it is the best company for which I have ever worked. The company itself is not a Finnish company, indeed, but it considers the Finnish laws when it comes to Team Finland. Here you will get the support you need, you will get work-life balance, you will be part of a formidable team (yes, even without an office), and you will get really good benefits.
Haijian: When I got the offer from CCC, I was concerned about not having an office at all. I soon realized my concerns were unnecessary. Miikka organizes team events regularly, so that we can still meet colleagues physically. Also, nothing prevents me from contacting my old friends and colleagues. Working fully remote offers more flexibility. For example, I am usually quite busy in the afternoon, but having more free time in the morning, I am able to go to the gym or swimming pool in the morning when there are usually much fewer people. Also, as a father of a first grader, I am really enjoying the benefit of working from home. I never have to worry if my child’s school ends early, and nobody is at home.
CCC is more than a company. It is a community. With a history of innovation and growth in a dynamic market, an enthusiastic and dedicated team, and a deep commitment to building next-generation content and licensing solutions, we offer the stability of an ongoing business in an entrepreneurial culture, all while providing competitive benefits. For a list of current CCC job opportunities around the world, click here.