From media to mentorship
"I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy teaching at first, but I ended up loving it,” says media professional Yin Zi, who returned to Haaga-Helia to complete the Professional Teacher Education programme.
Yin Zi began her studies at Haaga-Helia in 2012 in International Business. After graduating in 2015, she continued her studies with master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies in Brussels and returned to Haaga-Helia in 2023 for Professional Teacher Education.
Today, Yin works as an entrepreneur in multiple roles: she manages Chinese social media content for Good News from Finland, leads projects for an international content marketing company, and trains professionals in Chinese language and culture. She also volunteers for CreativeMornings Helsinki.
– I’m a communication professional with experience in TV, print, online and social media. I’ve created content using text, images and video, and I help Western companies localise their marketing for the Chinese market, Yin explains.
– Right now, I’m enjoying my teaching practice through Haaga-Helia’s mentorship programme. I hope to explore more in the field of education.
In her free time, Yin is an avid photographer and videographer who enjoys film, music, art, literature, travel and hiking.
Three applications, one goal
Before applying to the Professional Teacher Education programme, Yin had already been running Chinese language and culture training for professionals in Finnish companies operating in China.
– To be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy teaching at first, but I ended up loving it, she says.
– That’s when I thought: maybe I should study pedagogy. I’ve worked in media for a long time, so perhaps I could also teach communication-related subjects.
The application process wasn’t easy. Yin was rejected twice before finally being accepted.
– After the second rejection, I contacted the school to ask how I could improve. Their advice helped me a lot. I took basic pedagogical courses and strengthened my application. The third time, I got in – even though Haaga-Helia had the highest admission threshold among all similar programmes in Finland that year.
A flexible and inspiring learning environment
Yin describes her studies at Haaga-Helia as flexible and inclusive.
– Compared to other universities I’ve attended, Haaga-Helia offers a more relaxed and equal learning environment. It’s easier to combine studies with work or family life, thanks to Finland’s work-life culture.
She especially values the emphasis on group work.
– It gives students a chance to apply theory in practice and collaborate with people from different cultural and educational backgrounds. That kind of interdisciplinary experience is essential for career development.
Never a dull moment
Having studied in China, the USA, Belgium and Finland, Yin says Haaga-Helia’s Professional Teacher Education programme stands out.
– The curriculum design and methods are excellent. I’ve never felt bored for a second in class. There’s always something engaging going on: discussions, group work, presentations.
She also appreciates the programme’s flexibility in allowing students to explore their own interests and career paths, with supportive and insightful guidance from teachers.
Lifelong learning as a lifestyle
– During the studies, I realized that in terms of teaching methods and learning environment, there is still so much more we could do to encourage personal growth and lifelong learning. The program not only taught me to comprehend the concept of education in a holistic view, but also inspired me with creative pedagogical tools and research materials.
– The teacher education taught me that the best way to learn is to teach. In today’s fast-paced world, lifelong learning isn’t a choice, it’s a lifestyle. This programme supports me both as a teacher and a learner, Yin reflects.
Quoting futurist Alvin Toffler, she adds:
– The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
Advice for future students
Yin encourages anyone interested in education, mentoring or workplace learning to apply.
– Professional Teacher Education is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to develop their pedagogical skills in any field. Even if you’re already teaching but lack formal pedagogical training, it will strengthen your professional skills. And in today’s working life, every organisation needs someone to support a sustainable learning environment.