I have a Master's degree in Law and have worked in the legal field for over 15 years, the last eight as Senior Legal Counsel at Veikkaus Oy. Although my work has been varied and rewarding, I started to long for a new perspective. I wanted to develop myself, broaden my understanding of the business as a whole and gain the tools to grow in my role as an expert. The HELBUS MBA programme offered the perfect opportunity to do just that.
I was immediately impressed by the quality of the degree and the way it was delivered. The HELBUS programme is based on a degree from the University of Northampton in the UK, which gave it international standing and academic weight. Moreover, the flexibility to study alongside work was a crucial factor for a professional like me who juggles a full-time job with a busy phase of my life. My employer also appreciated the structure and quality of the degree and agreed to support my studies financially and by accommodating my working hours.
The impact of my MBA studies has been particularly evident in my mindset. I have gained the courage to participate in discussions outside my role as an expert, to look at things more strategically and to bring forward views that support the business as a whole. Not only did the studies develop my skills, but they also strengthened my professional confidence. I feel that I am now able to add more value to both my team and the organisation.
I wanted to make sure that my employer would also benefit from this investment, and I did my final thesis as part of an internal development project at Veikkaus. The final project provided development ideas that could be used in the organisation at a practical level. I was therefore able to bring tangible benefits to the organisation and have received positive feedback on the value of my final project.
Networking was also an important part of the experience. Our cohort consisted of professionals from different industries - entrepreneurs, experts, and students at different stages of their careers. The discussions, small group work and peer support created a rich learning environment that gave me more than I expected. I would highly recommend the HELBUS MBA programme to all experienced professionals who want to develop, broaden their thinking and build a new direction for their career. This was not just a degree, it was also a step forward in developing my own professional thinking and approach. I am grateful that I took this opportunity when I did, while I still have a long career ahead of me. It was the right choice at the right time - for me, and for my employer.
