Learning new things is a question of will

When Raikko Kavisto last closed the doors of Turku University of Applied Sciences behind him, he had just graduated as a construction engineer. It was the spring of 2010.

He spent almost a decade in working life. During this time Raikko, who worked as a premises specialist and controller, found out that even though he had competence in the field, he also needed a degree to demonstrate the competence.

– I had a discussion with my supervisor about what my career development could be like in my current job at the City of Turku. The will to return to supervisor tasks and management motivated me for postgraduate studies. When the management in my branch supported the idea, I decided to grasp the challenge, he says.

It was time to reopen the doors to TUAS.

Master gathers experts

The studies in the field of engineering, which Raikko started in autumn 2018, are completed alongside work, as the studies are mainly independent work.

Raikko is especially attracted to challenges. He says that even though the tasks are not too difficult, they require time and self-examination.

– The motivated teachers and visiting lecturers inspire us to focus on the tasks in depth. It requires careful planning of time management to be able to complete everything in time. You cannot leave the tasks to the last minute, because the study modules are extensive, Raikko says.

The independent work of students is supported and instructed with the contact lesson days, which take place a couple of days a month. That’s when you get to meet the teachers and the other Master students.

– Even though we mostly have classes with the civil engineering students, we also share classes with students from other fields, such as sales and environmental technology. Work is done in teams, and it’s interesting to exchange ideas and learn from others, Raikko ponders.

The thesis supports the needs of working life

Raikko considers the Master studies to have an impact on his career path. With the degree, he is one step closer to his goal of achieving management posts, because the Master’s degree completed at a university of applied sciences provides the same qualification for public positions as a Master’s degree completed at a university. 

With the studies, you can also develop your professional field and competence. Raikko, who designs modern learning and work environments, tells that he is doing his thesis for his employer, the City of Turku.

– In new learning environments, opportunities for learning and development are created e.g. with digital solutions. When designing this kind of spaces, you have to be able to see and foresee the future, he describes.

Whether the learning takes place on the job or on spare time, Raikko thinks that the most important learning space is the one between the ears.

– Modern learning environments are not just physical spaces. Learning is mostly a state of mind. If the user is not prepared and has a negative attitude towards doing things in a new way, the opportunity to learn or teach might be lost, he concludes.