Uka Cyprian from Bende, South Eastern Nigeria completed the Strategic Management (Masters level) 5 ECTS course in XAMK Pulse, Open University of Applied Sciences. The course has helped him to improve his organization’s efficiency. Now he tells us more about himself and the studies.
What is your educational background?
I studied Fine and Applied Arts at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State and graduated with Higher National Diploma (HND). I have certificates in logistics and Transport, Data Protection and Artificial Intelligence.
What has been the most useful thing you have learned on the course?
The course of Strategic Management has helped me to improve my organizations efficiency, it brought proactiveness in my daily tasks as a Graphic Artist. It has made me to live up to my responsibilities of being in charge of situations as well as having sense of collaboration. With this course, I have equally improved my staff and customer satisfaction and retention.
How are you going to put your learned knowledge to use?
Presently, the acquired knowledge is what I am using in running my Printing and Art shops. When I Started this course with XAMK in 2019, the idea was to use it in my operational duties as a staff in a financial institution where I work then. But at the end of the course everything changed. The course inspired me to open my own business. Today, I have established one of the best and profitable arts and graphic shop (creative harvest gallery) in a state capital here in north central Nigeria. Thanks to my Education Coordinator and my Supervisor for their professional support and encouragements.
How did you find studying in Xamk?
Studying here was one of the best experiences I have ever had since my sojourn in Academics and learning. The courses are of high standards, the lecturers are handy to help where necessary, they are supportive and coordinated. The management organized lectures for easy access and for better understanding. The general administration of courses are super. In fact, you are the best.
Did you have any challenges? were you happy with the services?
Yes, I had challenges initially ranging from the difficulties in uploading my weekly assignments to language conversion from Finnish to English. But due to the proactiveness of the Coordinator and IT department, the challenges were handled within few hours and I resumed without further hitches. The services were good.
What was the best part of your studies?
The best part of my studies was during the report/project writing. The project template was well arranged, as well as properly drafted. The topic was researchable and educative, the lecturers promptly make corrections where necessary and the submission period allow me reasonable time to investigate the topic.
How have you benefitted from these studies?
The major area this course imparted my life is that it gave me courage/concept of being self-reliant. Today, I am managing a profitable Art and Printing shop in here in Nigeria.
To whom would you recommend the xamk pulse open university?
I will always recommend this great institution to all lovers of quality and reliable education. Finnish universities are good, but XAMK Pulse, Open University of Applied Sciences is the best.
How would you develop xamk?
I recommend that the university improves the admission processes where certain basic requirements will qualify students for some courses and also improvement on quality of certificate they give. The courses are of a high standard and should have standard certificates in return.
What are your future wishes and desire in life?
My first wish is to do a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) and Doctorate programme in Finland through scholarship and the second wish is to be the owner of one of the leading Arts and Graphic firm in the world.