Autumn semester graduates celebrated at VAMK – over 80% find employment in their field of studies

During the autumn semester of 2024, 429 new professionals graduated from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. They were celebrated in a warm and heartfelt graduation ceremony held on December 13th. Over 80% of VAMK graduates find employment in roles corresponding to their field of study.

Out of all the graduates in the autumn, 328 completed a bachelor’s degree and 101 completed a master’s level degree. Among those who completed a bachelor’s degree, 107 graduated in the field of Technology, 123 in Business Administration and 98 in Health Care and Social Services. Almost 20 % of all the graduates were international professionals who had paid tuition fees for their studies.

Graduates from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences have excellent employment prospects, with over 80% working in fields corresponding to their degree. The CEO, President Hannu Vahtera is delighted about the meaningful career paths of the graduates.

“In addition to our graduates finding employment successfully, I am pleased that nearly 70% find jobs in the Ostrobothnia, Southern Ostrobothnia, and Central Ostrobothnia regions. This highlights our significant role as a regional actor in training a skilled workforce. We also collaborate with the business sector to provide additional and continuing education for those already in the working life”, says Vahtera and congratulates the graduates.

”I wish all the graduates happiness and success in the future!”

An interesting selection of courses made Vaasa an attractive study place

Otto Mäkiniemi, originally from Nousiainen near Turku, will graduate in December with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in International Business. Mäkiniemi chose VAMK specifically because of its interesting curriculum, and in 2021, he began his studies at the largest energy cluster in the Nordic countries.

Mäkiniemi highlights the practical, work-oriented approach as the most interesting aspect of the studies. The Sales Management course during the first year particularly stood out.

“We got to focus on real operational work by carrying out actual projects for companies,” Mäkiniemi explains.

An interesting addition to Mäkiniemi’s studies was his active involvement in the student union VAMOK, where he served as chair of the board for two years.

“I also gained many professional skills through the student union activities. I got to see how planning and decision-making processes work in an organisation like VAMK,” Mäkiniemi reflects.

Like many VAMK graduates, Mäkiniemi already has a job in his field lined up with one of the many international companies operating in the Vaasa region.

“I started as an intern at Wärtsilä during the summer, and in November, I was offered a permanent position. I work in logistics and supply chain management, specifically in Parts Coordination Management (PCM). My tasks align perfectly with my field of study, and it’s great to apply the skills I gained at school in practice,” Mäkiniemi rejoices.

After graduation, Mäkiniemi plans to focus on her career but doesn’t rule out the possibility of pursuing further studies, such as a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences, in the future.

In the picture Otto Mäkiniemi graduated from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences as a Bachelor of Business Administration in December 2024 and directly entered a job corresponding to his field of study.