More and more professionals are pursuing a degree alongside their work, and at Mipro this is seen as a natural part of working life. Degree students are not a separate group for us, but part of an expert community where competence is built over time. They bring fresh knowledge, new perspectives and a strong drive to develop, but just as importantly their studies are closely connected to practical work. This is reflected in everyday discussions, insights and in the way we look at our work from slightly different angles.
Combining work and studies requires a great deal. Time needs to be prioritised and at times the workload inevitably increases. This is why studying cannot be left to the individual alone. We support it as part of working life through flexible arrangements, the possibility to adapt tasks to different stages of studies and the support of line managers in planning day to day work. When this support works well, studying does not remain separate but becomes a natural part of growing as an expert.
From an organisational perspective, employees who study bring continuous renewal. Models, theories and ways of thinking encountered in their studies are quickly applied in practice and often challenge established ways of working. At the same time, persistence and the ability to structure complex matters develop, both of which are essential skills in expert work.
International degree students are an important part of our community. They bring expertise, language skills and cultural understanding that enrich our work and broaden perspectives. At the same time, the employer has a responsibility to ensure that everyday work runs smoothly. Clear communication, an open atmosphere and the possibility to use both Finnish and English in daily work support integration into the workplace. Often even small actions, such as being included in conversations or having time set aside to go through things properly, make a significant difference.
When learning is supported in everyday work, it creates a community where knowledge is shared and new ideas are put into practice. Degree students are not only future experts but active contributors today who shape how work is done right now.
For us, this is not a separate development initiative but a way of working. We want to build an environment where expertise develops through work and alongside it. This is why we are constantly looking for new professionals who want to grow, learn and contribute to what we do together.
Writer
Saila Liukkonen
HR Business Partner
Mipro Oy
Saila has done a long career as a supervisor in her home region of Etelä-Savo, South East Finland. At Mipro Saila started in 2018 and moved to an HR position in 2021. Saila is responsible for recruitment at Mipro, as well as for competence development as the Principal of MyAcademy, a Mipro internal education academy.