Students' View

OLLI  |  SLAWOMIR  |  KATRI

COMBINING WORK EXPERIENCE AND STUDIES IS REWARDING

After working in programming and programme design, also as a supervisor, in the IT field, Olli Routio decided to go out and look for new challenges. Having completed Bachelor’s degrees in Business Information Technology and Business Administration, Olli did not hesitate to join the BME programme.

– As a SAMK alumni, I received an advertisement concerning the BME programme and decided to take the offer, because it felt natural to update my knowhow.

When applying to the training, Olli knew from experience that studying requires a lot of work. Focusing on his own area in the IT field has left Olli with less knowledge of world economy. BME training helps one grasp the general state of global economy.

– It has been rewarding to be able to combine my working experience with new knowledge from my studies into practical models that can be applied to working life.

Olli thinks practicality in studying concretises in finding examples of working solutions in working life, instead of theories. Theories are in the background of the solutions, but one needs to know how to apply them into practice.

– The information content of the various courses has of course added to my knowhow, but most of all I have learned self-discipline and received experience of functioning in different kinds of virtual teams and supervising subordinates.

Taking advantage of prior working experience and building on it have increased studying motivation. A very international degree programme and a functioning educational environment support learning. Regarding studying as the most important hobby helps one succeed.

– Studying is very independent and succeeding requires the right attitude and commitment. As a whole, mature students can get along quite well with common sense, an active approach to working and a positive attitude.

OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP NEW SKILLS

In August 2009 Slawomir Stolarski received a job offer from UPM Kymmene. He didn’t think for long before accepting the position and moving to Tampere. It was a big change. Not only moving from Poland but also moving from the third sector to business. After moving to Finland, Slawomir decided to pursue his career in international business.

– I was considering two or three programmes. SAMK was a solid option. From the course selection I could see that the entrepreneurial aspect is really strong, which was important to me.

The whole studying environment is really supportive. Slawomir says that this enables him to focus on gathering new knowledge and learning new skills without worrying about learning materials or other technical issues.

– Everything is accessible with the staff ready to support you on the way. I was really enjoying my Skype consultation with one of the lecturers – I felt like a businessman consulting with a professional adviser.

Slawomir can fully recommend the programme. It gives a good opportunity to develop new skills, acquire new knowledge and meet interesting people.

–The deal is fair – good education based on your own contribution. The more effort you put into it, the more you benefit from it.

CHALLENGING STUDIES ARE REWARDING

A desire to develop her know-how and start a new career made Katri Kemppainen return to Rauma to study in the Business Management and Entrepreneurship (BME) degree programme. She believes she can now apply to different kinds of jobs than before receiving the education.

– The education I’ve received has expanded my know-how and views. I hope that the BME studies open up new career possibilities.

Katri thinks studying in English is challenging and rewarding. Her language skills have improved significantly and given her more confidence to use them. Katri was especially interested in International Marketing Communication, Innovation and Change as well as Leadership studies.

– I am interested in marketing and I think I’ve received lots of new education. All in all, the studies have developed my know-how and I’ve found out new things about myself.

Katri intends to complete her studies with a more intensive pace and focus on finding a job afterwards. She is happy with her studies at SAMK.

– The studying atmosphere is excellent, my fellow students are supporting and the teachers are approachable. Most of the lessons are interesting and the lecturers inspiring. I can recommend this education to everybody who wants to expand/develop their know-how.

"As an engineer I joined BME because I wanted an economic degree to broaden up my perspective. I chose it because of its location, free tuition and because I can study and work at the same time. It also helps me to gain English language skills and it is good for networking." Harri, Finland, NMC (http://www.cellfoam.fi/)

"This programme helps me to broaden my views. I like having foreign lecturers." Pasi, Finland, Polartherm (http://www.polartherm.fi/)

"Life long learning has always been my goal. I chose this programme also because it is free and I because I can study and work at the same time." Jane, Kenya, Areva NP (http://www.areva-np.com)

"I find these studies more like a hobby and I hope they will affect my career – that they will help me to get a better job." Marja, Finland, Nokia (http://www.nokia.fi)

"I have chosen this programme for a hobby and self fulfilment. I really like meeting other participants and share ideas with them." Sonja, Finland, Eniro (http://www.eniro.fi/)

"I chose this programme because it is in English and because of its location – it is not in Helsinki so it is easier to get in." Niko, Denmark, Digital Chocolate (http://www.digitalchocolate.com/)

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