Studying while working offers new perspective

Hansel is an expert organisation, and our competent employees are our most important resource. We also regularly receive praise for the expertise of our specialists from our stakeholders. However, expertise cannot be retained by doing nothing: it requires active development.

In addition to our own Hansel Academy and various types of professional training, we support our specialists in studying alongside their work. The employees have seized this opportunity with welcome enthusiasm.

Three employees are currently studying for a master’s degree in a university of applied sciences: sales coordinator Jaana’s studies focus on sustainable business development, procurement specialist Eeva delves more deeply into public procurement and service manager Tiina focuses on knowledge-based management. Nantte, who works as a tendering consultant, is studying in the English-language supply management master’s programme of LUT University, and systems specialist Jonne obtained a bachelor’s degree in business information technology last autumn. Despite their different fields of study, the five agree on both the good and bad aspects of studying.

“Networking and discussions with new people are absolutely the best. Being able to expand my thinking and perspectives is great,” Eeva says as the others nod.

Support from colleagues for studies

Working life is reflected in the studies in many ways. The students get to apply new ideas to their work in a tangible way and learn to see the big picture. Colleagues often become sparring partners to achieve new perspectives.

“I’m currently on study leave, which sadly means I’m missing the opportunity to try new things with my colleagues. On the other hand, the study leave offers a completely different kind of flexibility to my daily life and gives me time to think,” says Tiina.

Free time – do students who simultaneously work actually have any? Everybody admits that planning and scheduling are of the utmost importance.

“Fortunately, online studies are pretty easy to plan around your work cycles. When I know that I’ll be a little busier at work for a while, I take fewer courses, and vice versa,” Nantte says.

The students praise the support given by the employer and colleagues. Help and tips are always available, and ideas for thesis topics and other support are also given. While daily life can be busy at times, the students agree that the experience is still clearly positive.

“I’ve gained more from studying than I could ever have imagined,” Jaana sums it up.

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