Our students will be employed: Building a Career with Robots
Ganesh Goutham moved from India to Finland to study Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence at SAMK. He explains what made him choose Finland, what studying in a practical environment is like, and what his dreams for the future are.
Writer:
Matleena Niskanen
Photographer:
Ganesh Goutham photo album
From India to peaceful Finland
Ganesh Goutham arrived in Finland at just 17 years old from southern India. What began as a bold and uncertain decision to study abroad has since grown into a fulfilling life and career in engineering.
– Moving so far away from my parents at such a young age was difficult. I came with a student loan and a lot of hope that everything would work out, he recalls.
When choosing where to study, Ganesh considered several countries, but Finland quickly stood out.
– It was one of the more affordable options, it’s known as one of the happiest countries in the world, and most importantly, I was looking for peace. Coming from India, I really needed a calm and focused environment.
Discovering mechatronics and artificial intelligence at SAMK
Among Finnish universities, SAMK caught his attention for a clear reason: it offered both Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence.
– I had always been interested in technology and programming, but I didn’t want my code to stay only on a computer screen. I wanted to see it come to life and be useful in the real world. Mechatronics was the perfect choice.
When Ganesh started his studies, Mechatronics was still a relatively new field — and a new degree at SAMK. At first, that raised some concerns, but they quickly disappeared. What he appreciated most was SAMK’s practical approach. Instead of focusing only on exams and theory, the studies revolved around projects, real-time systems, and hands-on work.
– I never found studying difficult, because this was something I was genuinely interested in. I spent most of my time in laboratories working with robots instead of sitting at classroom desks. That was the biggest advantage of SAMK for me.
The teachers played a key role in shaping his confidence and professional identity.
Ganesh is especially grateful to teachers for their guidance and support. He also highlights the importance of courses beyond pure engineering.
– At first, I didn’t think courses on business and workplace skills would be useful, but later I realized how important they were. I was showed the reality of work life beyond core engineering.
He describes the learning environment at SAMK as open and genuinely student-focused.
– Whenever I needed help, I always received it. The professors were approachable, supportive, and invested in our success. We even gave feedback on courses and saw improvements happening in real time.
We worked with international teams under time pressure on different projects. These were incredibly valuable experiences Students should really take advantage of everything SAMK has to offer.
From studies to industry
With strong support from his professors, Ganesh completed a four-year degree in less than two and a half years.
–I wanted to start working as soon as possible. Graduating early helped me significantly.
In the summer of 2025, he began his first internship at FP Kotaja, where he also completed his thesis. The project turned out to be a defining moment.
– Together with my friends, I worked on building and commissioning a real system on an actual factory line. Seeing something I designed and programmed working in a Finnish factory was unforgettable.
That experience became the foundation of his professional career. Just a few months later, job offers began to arrive, and today Ganesh works as a Robot Application Engineer at Vertek Oy in Uusikaupunki. Vertek is a professional in the electrical and telecommunications sector, offering comprehensive, high-quality services ranging from network contracting to smaller maintenance tasks.
– This is exactly the kind of job I was aiming for. I work directly with robots, programming and commissioning them on real factory lines. I’m a permanent employee, and I genuinely enjoy my work life in Finland.
Looking ahead
Ganesh’s goals for the future are clear and grounded.
– I want to continue building on what I’ve started — commissioning more robots in Finland, growing as an engineer, and living a peaceful life. I came here with a purpose, and I feel that purpose is being fulfilled.
Advice for future students from Ganesh
Getting a job is not easy in Finland — but it’s not easy anywhere. Success depends on dedication, consistency, and effort.
Don’t be discouraged by negative stories online. “The internet often highlights bad experiences. Every journey is different. Trust yourself and your skills.”
The beginning will be hard. Don’t expect results immediately. Focus on your work, join projects, use your time wisely, and keep improving. When things get tough, work even harder.
The joint and separate application periods for international programmes starting in autumn 2026 run from 7 to 21 January 2026. At SAMK, you can apply to eight English-taught bachelor’s degree programmes and two master’s degree programmes.
Last summer, SAMK, the City of Pori and the University of Turku signed a letter of intent to develop education, research and innovation activities utilizing space technology in Satakunta.
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) took an important step toward strengthening its innovation and collaboration ecosystem with the successful informal opening session of the Venture Science Center (VSC).
