Master of Business Administration degree is highly respected proof of your professional skills and on top of the qualification you will meet interesting people while studying and widen your network.
I did my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree twenty years ago and had already couple of years planned upgrading my degree to next level. Since my BBA I have worked in several positions in finance in international companies. Currently I’m on study leave from my work as an Accounting Manager.
Why did you choose a Masters Degree in International Business management at Xamk?
Although most of my career I have worked in finance, I also have experience from sales and marketing as I worked couple of years as a demand manager and business analyst reporting to Sales Manager Finland. In addition my responsibilities as a Business Controller in Sales and Supply have provided me a deep knowledge about challenges in business, from production to sales. Considering my work history it was natural to apply to Xamk International Business Management studies in order to deepen my business knowledge even more.
How did you manage to fit studies around your day to day life?
The first half year of the studies was quite challenging as there was so much new to learn. You could compare it to the situation where you start in new position in international company and all your co-workers are also new. You have to get to know your responsibilities, co-workers, tools and practices but it’s definitely worth it! I have learnt a lot, got new friends all over the world, improved my English skills and had fun.
As studying while working is sometimes challenging, at the beginning of my studies I decided to take some study leave for the second year. I started the discussion with my superior in September in order to give my employer enough time for recruitment. At the beginning of May, I started my study leave for half year and I’m currently writing my thesis. Study leave has been a good solution for me and I highly recommend it for people who have long work history and would like to get some new thoughts and ideas and same time upgrade their degree.
Have your studies improved your career, or developed your current role? If so what?
I’m now in the middle of my studies doing my thesis. As my thesis is international in its nature and I’m doing it for my employer, I have already widened my network inside my company. I have interviewed professionals from Germany, Spain, Sweden and Finland for my thesis and gained a lot of support from them. In the future it will be easier to contact them also in work related matters and who knows if my work will, after my graduation, be even more international than today.
Why should you study for a Masters degree?
Master of Business Administration degree is highly respected proof of your professional skills and on top of the qualification you will meet interesting people while studying and widen your network.
Has studying in English benefitted you or your career in any way?
By doing my Master’s in English, I have improved my English skills a lot and it has made it possible for me to widen my international network both at work and among Xamk students. Sure, in the future after I have graduated, I believe international assignments are also easier to apply for.
What advice would you give someone considering studying for a Masters Degree in English?
Don’t hesitate anymore and apply now!
Katja Lassila-Hyypiä, student of the Master´s Degree Programme in International Business Management