According to the 2024–2025 feedback survey conducted among thesis partner organizations of Karelia University of Applied Sciences, collaboration with students is considered highly beneficial and smooth. Of the respondents, 80% would recommend the cooperation, and 98% found the thesis results meaningful for their own organizations (NPS 78).
Students were especially praised for their high motivation, independent working style, and professional competence. Respondents also highlighted the flexibility of the collaboration and its practical benefits for their organizations. Thesis projects bring new insights and development ideas—many partners mentioned time savings and the opportunity to utilize fresh research data.
The survey received responses from 117 representatives of commissioning organizations: 46% represented public sector entities, 39% businesses, 9% third-sector actors, and 5% other types of organizations. The largest groups of commissioners came from nursing and public health education, as well as engineering, media, hospitality management, and business studies.
Commissioning organizations expressed a desire for closer collaboration and clearer definition of project scopes in the future. One proposed solution is to hold an initial meeting involving the student, the commissioning organization, and the supervising teacher. Open-ended feedback emphasized satisfaction with the collaboration, appreciation of students’ professionalism, and interest in expanding cooperation to new topic areas.
Thesis collaboration is seen as a significant opportunity for both students’ professional growth and organizational development. Many partners also view it as a potential pathway for future recruitment.