A Detour Can Be a Brilliant Opportunity – Sinja Kantanen’s Experience as a Project Worker in Xamk’s Stakeholder Services

Back on Campus via a Detour

Life doesn’t always follow the most direct route – and in many ways, that’s a good thing. In autumn 2025, I decided to look for a job alongside my communication studies, and the outcome surprised me completely. After a long job‑hunting process, I received an invitation to interview at Xamk. I was stunned. I remembered Xamk mainly from years earlier, when I had applied to study business administration but didn’t end up pursuing that path. I never thought I’d return to the campus where I once nervously sat an entrance exam. But life had other plans, and I found myself back in Kouvola’s Kasarminmäki by way of a detour – this time as a Project Assistant in Stakeholder Services.

A Leap into Something New and Unknown

The beginning was exciting. New terminology and remote work were unfamiliar, but my eagerness to learn carried me forward. I had previously worked in fast‑paced, physical shift work, so the contrast to remote work done from home was significant. Learning to work remotely was challenging at first, but with good routines it soon became a very enjoyable way to work. My new role and its responsibilities felt like a dream come true: I could structure my days flexibly and continue progressing with my university studies at the same time.

Everyday Life and Lessons as a Project Assistant

My daily life changed completely with this job. I spent my days working on the 2025 Key Partnership Report, which included, among other things, valuable conversations with our key partners. I developed significantly in conducting interviews, gaining more confidence in my work. I also had the opportunity to follow the completion of Kymen Seudun Osuuskauppa dedicated classroom – an inspiring example of the importance of collaboration. Alongside everything I learned, I received excellent support and advice from my wonderful colleagues, for which I am truly grateful. Thanks to this encouraging work community, I even chose to focus my bachelor’s thesis on the world of stakeholder collaboration.

I firmly believe that curiosity takes us far, and the same applies to our careers. If I could say something to my past self, who was anxious about stepping into the unknown, I would say: everything will turn out well. I believe the same applies to you if your career path is leading you towards something new and unfamiliar. So be brave enough to follow your path.

Advice for Those Starting Their Careers

I’d like to end with a few pieces of advice that I’ve found important in working life: be yourself, ask questions proactively, stay open to learning new things and simply do your best – that is enough. No one is a master from the start, nor do you need to be. You learn by practising, and who knows how far that might take you on the path we call life.

Read more about Xamk’s stakeholder services here: Sidosryhmäpalvelut – Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu