Last modified 15.3.2011 at 13:24

Multicultural opportunities

Text: Anni Jyrinki Photo: Henrietta Hako-Rita

Studying in the Degree Programme in Information Technology offers students a multicultural and practical opportunity to become, for example, a software analyst, designer, programmer or something totally different.

Henrietta Hako-Rita graduated from the Degree Programme in Information Technology in 2008. The degree programme offered everything she was looking for.

Henrietta Hako-Rita finished her studies a couple of years ago. In February 2008 she graduated from the Degree Programme in Information Technology. Henrietta always knew she wanted to study in English. This degree programme offered just this and everything else she was looking for.

– I went to senior high school in Germany. This is why I did not want to study only in Finnish. Afterwards, I am not sure if information technology was the most suitable option for me, because my resent job has much more to do with industrial management.

– Well, anyway, understanding of information technology and computer systems is useful in any career nowadays, Henrietta considers.

More than nice memories from Raahe

Oulu UAS offers the Degree Programme in Information Technology in Raahe, which is a beautiful and small town 75 kilometers south of Oulu. Like the whole town, the campus area in Raahe is a combination of modern and traditional architecture. The computer classrooms and laboratories are equipped with the latest technology.

– And for those, who will graduate soon, I would like to say that work hard and be precise. These are the qualities the employers value.

Henrietta says she enjoyed the years she spent in Raahe. The place was at the same time small and big enough.

– Of course, I sometimes claimed that there should be more nightlife and restaurants in Raahe. But I really have to say that getting to know the city and people was very simple. In addition, the education and tuition were both really professional!

The Degree Programme in Information Technology is an international and multicultural opportunity. It is intended for both Finnish and international students. Henrietta remembers how for the first two years her class was full of students from many different countries.

– Sadly, later on our class changed, and nearly all foreign students left. Only us Finns were left. However, we continued studying in English and used English at school for all communication.

– At this point I must say that I highly recommend international degree programmes for Finnish students! You do not have to speak fluent English to be able to take part in the studies, and any inhibitions to use foreign language will definitely vanish!

Hectic and busy life feels right

Henrietta has never really worked as a computer engineer. She completed her practical training periods in Rautaruukki plc, the biggest steel producer in Finland. In Rautaruukki, Henrietta started to feel that working with industry and sales was the right way for her.

– I managed to get a permanent job from Rautaruukki immediately after graduating. I worked there about a year before moving to Hyvinkää, and getting a job from Konecranes. Henrietta now works as a customer service representative in Konecranes.

– We sell many kinds of spare parts for construction machines to all over the world. The work is quite hectic and we have to react to orders and questions very quickly. It is full-time customer service and I really enjoy it! In our unit, I am also responsible for quality. I handle all complaints with our product specialists, Henrietta continues about her current job.

Henrietta has been really lucky with her career as she has not been unemployed at all. For those, who are now applying, she wants to say the following:

– Time goes so fast! Try to live in the moment. As a student you normally do not have a lot of money and you are eager to get a job, but still, try to enjoy your student days. That is the time you never get back.