Eeva, who lives in Malmö, Sweden, has worked as a flight attendant for several different airlines. At present, she is based in Copenhagen, and with her Master's degree, she dreams of an international career in sustainable aviation. Learning new things has been very rewarding, and her studies have given her a lot of new motivation for the future.
Why did you decide to study sustainable aviation?
– I wanted to advance my career. I had been thinking about aviation emissions for a long time, and I want to be able to influence this in the future. After graduation, I see myself working for an airline in a sustainable aviation and environmental team. My dream is to have an international career.
– Secondly, I love the aviation industry, its dynamics, and my colleagues. In my opinion, flying is always interesting. I hope that future generations will also be able to enjoy it, which is why aviation must also become more sustainable.
Why did you choose Haaga-Helia, and what has studying been like?
– I had only heard good things about the school and its flexible study models, as a few of my friends had studied at Haaga-Helia before. I applied to Haaga-Helia in the fall 2024 admissions round and was accepted on my first try. I officially started my studies in January, but I had already taken some open university courses the previous fall.
– Studying has proven to be very rewarding. There is a wide range of courses to choose from, and you can select courses based on your own interests. And especially when living abroad, virtual studies have been a lifesaver!
Was studying what you expected?
– My studies are not time-bound, so I can do them whenever I want. It's nice that I can flexibly combine school with work, as I'm working full-time at the same time. I've been surprised by how well the virtual studies have been implemented and how diverse the study modules are. The learning materials are also very up-to-date and interesting.
What kind of studies have you completed so far?
– At this point, I have completed almost all of my specialized studies. For example, I found the Urban Air Mobility course particularly interesting. In this course, we learned about the use of drones in different situations, such as food delivery, as well as electric aircraft and related regulations. The Responsible Business and Sharing Economy course was also interesting, as was Artificial Intelligence in Modern Business, which focused on artificial intelligence.
– All of these courses are very different, but they are united by their diverse implementation and inspiring content. For example, the Responsible Business course combined group exams, group assignments, and independent assignments. I particularly remember a group assignment in which we delved into chocolate production and its problems, such as child labor. This course gave me a lot to think about in relation to my own work.
Is there anything that particularly stands out in your mind?
– Haaga-Helia offers excellent opportunities for internationalization. I participated in the Ulysseus university network's EntreCamp in Seville. The intensive week was also my first live encounter with other students. The week-long project was very rewarding, and we also got to know the local culture.
What would you say to those who are considering studying sustainable aviation?
– The program provides a very broad theoretical foundation for sustainable aviation, covering topics such as emission reduction methods and targets, as well as various innovations such as electric aircraft and emission-reducing airport infrastructure. If you are interested in a career in this field, you should definitely apply for the sustainable aviation program. The program is very timely, as aviation emission targets are becoming more stringent by 2030. New innovations and strategies are needed to achieve these targets.
