Chamith, an international student with a background in medical marketing, chose Karelia University of Applied Sciences to pursue Industrial Management. His decision was driven by more than academics- it was his interest in engineering for a long time and OfCourse it was also about finding a place that felt perfect match.
“Karelia UAS and Joensuu felt more comfortable and supportive, I had other options too, but Karelia UAS was best match for me.”
”If your priority is only to earn quick money or find a job, then this may not be the right path. Getting education in Finland is the best thing you can do for your future. If you show commitment, your teachers will recognize your efforts. The system will support you, and doors will open.”
From Classroom to Industry: Learning That Works
Chamith values Karelia UAS for its practical approach to education. The university’s hands-on workshops, advanced labs, and structured learning process have helped him build real-world skills.
“Karelia UAS is well-equipped with practical knowledge, which makes the learning environment much richer. Whenever we ask a question, teachers provide detailed answers without hesitation.”
He praises the staff members of the faculty for their deep industry experience and their readiness to support students with detailed tuition.
Bridging Study and Work Life
He admires the fact that being surrounded by companies like John Deere, Mantsinen, and UPM, Karelia UAS offers students direct exposure to Finland’s manufacturing ecosystem. Despite facing challenges, he finds academic and practical resources strong and valuable.
-We are surrounded by many unique companies which give best surroundings for students to learn in practicality. Through this programme, I’ve gained valuable knowledge in areas such as automation, Lean and Green Belt methodologies, robotics, quality assurance, quality management systems, and project planning.
A case study with Finnish company Kesla gave Chamith a hands-on experience in Value Stream Mapping and machine component design.
-We applied Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and worked on machine component design for factory elements. This hands-on experience was incredibly useful. It gave us a practical understanding of industrial operations and Kesla was also satisfied with our project that we delivered.”
Chamith’s Technical Insights through Learning
Chamith’s transition from pharmaceutical marketing to industrial management has been nothing short of transformative. He finds it amazing that his degree programme is a fusion of engineering and management, tailored to meet the demands of a globalized industry.
– I always felt drawn to engineering, and this programme gave me the opportunity to explore that interest. We’ve learned a lot from the lecturers, especially in areas like robotics, automation, Lean Six Sigma, and various international standards, topics we rarely get to explore in practice back home.
He desires a specialized internship to deepen his expertise and apply his learned skills in a practical setting.
Navigating Finnish Work Life and Embracing Global Opportunities
Karelia’s “Living and Working in Finland” course helped Chamith gain a deeper understanding of Finnish regulations, work culture, and legal frameworks. He appreciates that this course has prepared him for a multicultural workplace.
– It’s been a valuable resource for understanding professional life in Finland.
Learning Finnish has been challenging but Chamith remains optimistic about his future. He believes in his commitment to building a career in Finland and beyond through his expertise and skills.
– Many international companies value talent, attitude, and experience over just language skills”
Advice for Future Students
Chamith encourages students to prioritize education over quick gains. He believes in the value of long-term learning and skill development, emphasizing that true success comes from dedication, not shortcuts.
– If your priority is only to earn quick money or find a job, then this may not be the right path. Getting education in Finland is the best thing you can do for your future. If you show commitment, your teachers will recognize your efforts. The system will support you, and doors will open.