Based on my previous education and work experience, I was looking for programmes that can integrate both business and technology. That’s how I ended up studying in the Master’s Degree Programme in Information Systems at the Ģֱ.
“Making a big life change is pretty scary. But you know what’s even scarier? Regret.”
This is a famous quote by the American author and motivational speaker Zig Zaglar. This quote has a profound connection to my life so far. From a humble background in India to a full-time student at the Ģֱ in Finland, I don’t have any regrets looking back at how my life has changed after starting my studies at the Ģֱ.
I come from Kerala which is one of the southernmost parts of India. There, I worked with a leading state-owned bank before taking a mid-career break to pursue higher education in Finland. My work experience in India spans over 12 years, which was predominantly into banking, business development, sales & marketing, and customer relationship management.
Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work on various technology platforms for solving day to day business problems. I was always curious about technology and the transformative power it had on businesses and that ignited a spark in contemplating about pursuing a master’s programme that combined business and technology.
Flexibility and work life connections: Studying at JYU is a fulfilling experience
Having a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in business administration didn’t stop me from pursuing another degree programme. A study gap of 13 years meant that I had to step out of my comfort zone, and it didn’t bother me either.
I chose Finland for the world-renowned quality of education and emphasis on innovation. Based on my previous education and work experience, I looked for programmes that can integrate business and technology. That’s how I ended up studying master’s degree programme in Information Systems at the Ģֱ.
I looked for programmes that can integrate business and technology. That’s how I ended up studying master’s degree in Information Systems.
I chose the Information Systems programme after diving deep into the courses offered. The courses are very relevant to the current industry practices. There is a lot of flexibility in choosing the courses as well. Students have the flexibility to choose courses from different faculties, Open University courses or from the local University of Applied Sciences.
The Information Systems programme is jointly run by the Faculty of Information Technology and of Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics. The professors are competent and have years of industry experience under their belt. They can guide the students in career decisions as well. I find the programme a fulfilling experience.
The City and the University enable effortless student life
The day I reached Jyväskylä, I understood that this is the place my soul belongs to. The first thing that drew me in was the sheer natural beauty of the place. Nature is a part of the city, and I was able to feel the beautiful scent of fresh air tickling my senses.
As I reached much earlier than the start of the study programme, I was able to secure a studio apartment. The student housing company run by the student union of the University offered me the apartment at a much-subsidized cost. The apartment was located near the student village where most of the University students lived. The student village offered a plethora of amenities like restaurant, gym, sauna, study rooms and more specifically an international atmosphere.
The city is very compact and can be covered by foot. The public transportation is also very good. I use the monthly bus pass bought at a student price which can be used for travelling unlimited number of times in a month. But most of the students here use a cycle as a mode of transport.
Several student restaurants are available throughout the campus where student-priced meals are available. These discounts make the lives of students easier as they can save a good amount of money.
The Local Friendship Programme connects students to Finnish culture
The University offers Finnish language courses as part of the degree programme, and I found it as a great way to master the language. The pedagogy used by the University is rather practical compared to conventional language courses.
Local Friendship programme is another innovative programme aimed at international students to understand the nitty-gritties of living in Finland and learning about the Finnish culture. The programme brings together local families and international students. The programme gave me some lasting friendships and I am forever indebted to the University.
Jyväskylä is known as the sports capital of Finland and the Ģֱ offers a good number of facilities for sports enthusiasts. Academic sports sticker is a great initiative for students to participate in sports and fitness activities at a subsidized cost. Even though I haven’t purchased an academic sports sticker, many of my friends are using it and are fully satisfied with the benefits it provides.
The Ģֱ achieves a balance between education and social life by developing into a hub of intellectual and social pursuits. Thanks to the range of opportunities on and off campus where students can study and maintain their social lives.
Sony Jacob Tharian
Master's degree student
Information Systems
Faculty of Information Technology
