Strike whilst the iron is hot. What seemed to be the end of my career in the Philippines has now become a fresh start for me here in Finland. Despite various obstacles, I got the opportunity to study in the Master's Degree Programme in Digital Marketing and Corporate Communication at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. The acceptance letter was my ticket to a new challenge that I was yearning for.
My name is Bel, a second-year Digital Marketing and Corporate Communication in the Jyväskylä School of Business and Economics. I got the opportunity to study here in Finland – and I grabbed it.
When I was in grade school, I was an overachiever: excelling in academics and extra-curricular activities alike. But that changed during my high school years when I learned that you can also learn things outside of the four corners of the classroom. Recollecting my thoughts now, I know I always love challenges and new things. When college came, I did not think twice about going to the big city to pursue my undergraduate degree. And so, I did.
It took me seven years to finish my undergraduate degree due to bipolar mood disorder. What seemed easy when I was younger becomes harder as I grow older. The energy is not the same anymore, or rather, the consistency is not as good anymore.
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Following that hurdle, I obtained an excellent grade for my undergraduate thesis which was quite unexpected. In spite of that, I knew that I was not going to become a filmmaker.
I wanted something else. I wanted to get to know people’s stories. Then I pursued my dream career: to become a TV reporter. I enjoyed this so much but only to last for two years since the pay was not enough. I know that I still want a career in communication, so I took the challenge of joining the corporate ladder. From one company to another, I was able to learn the hoops and loops in marketing communication. It was not easy but more than rewarding.
From events to projects to advertising and content development, I did these things with the hope of, one day, being able to serve the community through teaching. I tried applying to various schools with experience as my arms but to no avail. They needed someone who has a master’s degree and not just anyone who has rich experience and passion for teaching and learning.
And that is how I considered taking up a master’s degree. I once told my grandmother that if a scholarship knocked at my door, I would immediately grab it. It is just one to two years. What else could go wrong?
A new chance to pursue a career in marketing and communication
The Iron Was Hot. Fast forward to the pandemic years, everyone was into remote work. I was not spared from that. Life became monotonous but there was not much that I could do. I have already accepted the fact that I will be spending my years in my hometown. Until my friend told me about Finland and Jyväskylä. It started as a joke when she told me that maybe I could try applying. After all, my career has been about marketing and communication. I thought, what harm can it do? I will just try.
One requirement after the other. One step after the other. I got closer and closer to the acceptance letter. And in the first week of April 2022, I received an email that said I got accepted – who am I to turn this opportunity down? It was a chance from a European university in the field that I have been familiar with for over a decade. I grabbed the opportunity. This is my ticket to a new challenge that I have been yearning for.
Jyväskylä: New beginnings, inspiring opportunities
One year into the degree, it is still hot.
There are a lot of things to learn and experience. Different activities are made available for international students like me: from a tutor who would welcome you as part of your integration, to Career Fairs and Talent Boost programs. They always wanted to ensure that we were included in all events. Also, I appreciate the fact that the Finnish language is offered for beginners like us to survive our first year. Gaining knowledge from fellow international students and top-caliber teachers is something that you cannot take for granted.
It is not a blissful walk in the park. What seemed to be the end of my career in the Philippines has now become a fresh start for me here in Finland. It is still hot. I am still molded into the sword that I would eventually become. Flexibility, resiliency, and teachability have been the humble values I am learning to date.
I will be forever thankful to Jyväskylä for giving me this chance to learn new things and giving me a rebirth in the land of a hundred thousand lakes.
Kiitos paljon, Finland!
Anne Christabel de Leon
Master's degree student
Digital Marketing and Corporate Communication
School of Business and Economics
Read more: Master's Degree Programme in Digital Marketing and Corporate Communication
