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EMMI-LOTTA MANSKINEN

Front Desk shift manager, Lapland Safaris

"This job has grown with me – or maybe I’ve grown into it. The role has really adapted to my needs."

When I applied to work at Lapland Safaris, all I had in mind was that I wanted to be an elf. I read a job ad where they were looking for elves, and it just sounded like the most fun job ever – and it really was! I worked two Christmas seasons as an elf, and then I applied for a project coordinator position. I ended up coordinating charter operations for a British tour operator. On my third year, I wanted to return and do the same again. After that, I worked for a while as a guide and then at the front deskwhich started to interest me more, because I was looking for something a bit calmer for a change. 

The main part of working at the front desk is customer service. We also handle bookings, check-ins for safaris, and answer the customers’ funny questions – like “can you see reindeer even though it’s dark?” I absolutely love solving problems at work – when a customer has a quirky request, I immediately start thinking, “how can I make this happen?” On the best days, it feels like my brain is firing on all cylinders. But truly, the best part of this job is our team. We’re a tight-knit bunch, and it makes every day better – that’s what gives the job its spark. 

When I started as an elf, I was so motivated by storytelling. It was magical to see that sparkle in kids’ eyes when they realized, “oh my gosh, I have my own elf!” As a guide, it was the nature that inspired me. I love that we have all four seasons here. In winter, there’s plenty of snow and it’s easy to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Now that I work in the office, I often think back to our customers’ excitement – for many of them, it’s the first time they’ve ever seen snow, and everything here feels so magical and new. 

This job has grown with me – or maybe I’ve grown into it. The role has really adapted to my needs. When I needed to focus on studies, I was able to work part-time, and when I needed more hours, there were shifts available. 

The absolute best feedback I’ve ever received from a customer was when I was working as an elf. After spending time with the same families, when the moment of departure came – and the kids would cry because they had to say goodbye to their elf... I’m a softie, and it hit me in the heart every time. That’s the best feedback I’ve ever gotten. 

 

 

Emmi-Lotta Manskinen, Front Desk manager, Lapland Safaris Rovaniemi

Emmi-Lotta Uratarinat Lapland Safaris

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Lapland Staff Oy | Yrjö Kokon tie 4 | FI-99300 MUONIO | Tel: +358 400 164 730 | info (@) laplandstaff.fi

Lapland Staff Oy
Yrjö Kokon tie 4 | FI-99300 MUONIO
Tel: +358 400 164 730
info (@) laplandstaff.fi

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