Before starting studies, Oskari focused fully on professional sports. When the career in Mestis ended, he wanted to pursue studies that combine theory with practice. Oskari is still involved in hockey, but now on the coaching side.
– I had decided during my last year as an athlete that after a long break from studying, I would apply to a practical and versatile business-related program. I wanted to find an education where I could also learn through hands-on experience, Oskari explains.
– In the end, Haaga-Helia was the only program I decided to apply for.
Open UAS opened doors
Getting a study place didn’t happen on the first try, so Oskari started studies at Haaga-Helia’s Open University of Applied Sciences.
– When I applied again in the autumn joint application, I got a place at Haaga-Helia. I was able to transfer credits from the first autumn’s Open Path studies, which helped me complete my degree in just 2.5 years.
Studying and teaching at Haaga-Helia were practical – just as Oskari had hoped.
– I especially enjoyed the Creative Agency KREA courses, where we worked on real assignments. KREA’s marketing and communications courses were great examples of what I had originally hoped for.
Finnish champion in university hockey
The final spring semester left a particularly pleasant memory. Oskari helped launch Haaga-Helia’s own HH Rangers hockey team.
– At the end of spring 2024, we won the Finnish university hockey league FCAA championship. Another memorable experience during my studies was a course trip to Munich, where we visited trade fairs and learned about FC Bayern Basketball’s business strategy.
During studies, Oskari worked part-time and completed an internship at a Finnish company while living abroad. The thesis was done for a startup company.
– The only thing I regret afterward is that I rushed unnecessarily to graduate!
A recruiter’s workday
Today, Oskari works as a recruiter at Posti. A typical workday during the Christmas season might look like this:
– In the morning, there might be a group interview at a client’s premises, followed by a meeting about recruitment and production planning. After returning to the office, I review the applicant flow and prepare invitation lists for interviews. The day often includes job offer and rejection calls, as well as communication about my own recruitments.
In the afternoon, Oskari might conduct Teams interviews for Christmas card sorting positions. Recruitment at Posti is highly seasonal: in spring, the focus is on summer jobs, and in autumn, preparations for the Christmas season begin. Before Christmas, the need for workforce is at its peak.
– The recruiter role suits someone who can take responsibility for their own work and decisions. Amid the rush, a recruiter must remain humane toward applicants and communicate clearly and sufficiently.
A perfect match
Oskari says that working in a large organization has been eye-opening. At Posti, you constantly notice different opportunities and get to explore various business areas. Career paths are always visible, and internal growth is genuinely possible.
– In my current job, I’m very visible, work independently as well as in a great team, and know how to report on my work. Looking back, I better understand why I was chosen for this role. Haaga-Helia’s diverse course selection, study methods, and my work history have been a perfect match for my current position.
– I’m not in a hurry to get a new title, but I observe my environment with curiosity. A large organization is a great place to explore career opportunities that interest me.
Greetings to current or future students
One tip Oskari shares for those planning their studies is to choose courses that genuinely interest you.
– This foundation will certainly help you find interesting tasks in working life as well. It’s often worth applying for positions that don’t perfectly match your field. In my team, there are many professionals who have been allowed to grow into roles at Posti based on their interests. A bachelor’s degree in business administration also offers clear opportunities for further studies.
