International talent is drawn to Boden
Boden and our industries are growing, and the municipality’s appeal is now evident on many levels. One of the people behind the figures in the rising in-migration statistics is Emma Pentilä from Finland, a digital marketer who has moved to Boden to join her partner, who serves in the military.
Emma Pentilä is a clear example of the current in-migration to Boden—young, well-educated people choosing Boden for the opportunities it offers in both career and lifestyle.
Emma is a newly arrived digital marketer from Björneborg, Finland. Her partner, Jesper Fredriksson, moved here from Dalarna a few years ago and works in one of our green industries and major growth engines, the Swedish Armed Forces.
Emma has experience from large organizations such as Telia, smaller companies, and freelance work. For the past couple of weeks, she has been employed by Boden Municipality as a digital marketer. Here, she becomes an important piece of the puzzle in the work with the municipality’s digital presence and breadth during a very exciting time.
The communications unit also leads the way as one of the workplaces enriched by having multiple nationalities represented at work, something that brings mutual development and everyday joy when cultures and languages meet.
An easy way in
Emma’s main guide when moving to Boden was, of course, her partner, but she also highlights how easy it has been to settle in as a new resident coming from another country.
A natural entry point was one of the channels she is now becoming part of—the “Move to Boden” website, where all the information a newcomer might need is gathered.
“It’s great that there’s a bilingual website with all the information—it’s clear and works very well. And everyone is so helpful; if you have questions, it’s easy to get answers and support,” says Emma.
She is absorbing Swedish culture, which in many ways is similar to Finnish culture—but also has its own small quirks.
“For example, I’ve noticed that fika here isn’t just about grabbing a quick cup of coffee like in Finland. Here it’s more of a social and important gathering, and I like that.”
"NÄRHETSLIV"
In Boden, we often talk about the "närhetsliv" lifestyle - having everything important in life within easy reach. Emma wholeheartedly agrees.
“I love the närhetsliv! Here in Boden I can take the bus from Björns, where we live, to work—basically door to door. Everything is close. Everything I need is in the town center, and everyday life is both simple and cozy. I enjoy alpine skiing, outdoor activities, and hiking, and there are great opportunities for that here,” Emma sums up.
She is also looking forward to continuing to explore both the slopes at the Storklinten alpine ski resort and other destinations in Boden and Norrbotten.
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Text by: Anna Bergström
Photo by: Patrik Öman
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