The journey is over - at least for the over 800 students who successfully graduated from TAMK during this spring.
One of them is Oana Syrjäläinen, who studied for 4 years in the Degree Programme in Tourism and graduated on June 8th as Bachelor of Hospitality Management.
There are uncountable experiences and impressions to collect during the time as a student and Oana shared some of them with us.
Why did you decide to apply to TAMK in the first place?
Oana: I actually got the idea to apply for TAMK (or PIRAMK at the time)
one day before the application period ended (February 2009). It came as a
surprise even to me that I wanted to apply, as I was not previously
considering going back to school (after having already 2 BA degrees from
Romania). I guess we are not always preparing for the future, but the
future prepares itself for us. Tourism felt like a natural choice, also
from my recently discovered love of travelling and because the programme
was taught in English.
What kind of benefits and opportunities did TAMK give you?
Oana: TAMK
gave me opportunities to work and study abroad, though Erasmus
programmes, which enriched my life through new experiences and the
people I have met while on exchange.
In addition, for me the
practical training was an excellent chance to get to know the
hospitality industry from the worker's point of view also and opened the
path to working life in Finland, something most people might take for
granted but not a given for us, foreign students, who struggle with
language and culture barriers.
Were there any unforgettable moments that need to be mentioned?
Oana: I cannot speak of "unforgettable
moments" but I can speak of unforgettable people: my colleagues are
beautiful people from all over the world and I am happy to have met
every single one of them! I feel that we have learned a lot from each
culture and that we have come together as a small team during these
years.
How was the graduation ceremony?
Oana: It was great that I actually had butterflies while at
the ceremony, it is I guess a unique feeling for me and for the other
nowadays alumni to know that studies are over, new challenges lie ahead
and we no longer have to stress about exams, bachelor thesis and credits
anymore. The ceremony itself was pleasantly concise and the speakers
wittily entertaining, with subtle cross references on previous speeches,
uncommon for these type of events, I think. Clearly a good decision to
be part of it! Bonus for me was that I got to speak to Markku Lahtinen
(President, Managing Director of TAMK) during the coffee-and-cake event,
it was a perfect ending to the studies.
Do you have specific plans for the future?
Oana: I am one of the lucky graduates not to find themselves in front of a
big question mark about the future, as I am already part of the team
that opened in July 2012 Tampere's "youngest" hotel, so I will continue
working in the same place.
Would you recommend applying to TAMK to other students?
Oana: Yes, I would recommend TAMK to
future students. TAMK is young, dynamic and, in addition to wide fields
of study, there is a visible "fun" culture through international events
and club gatherings. Basically, I think there is something for everyone
on offer, no matter how demanding and what is more appealing, anyone can
get involved and be a part of it.
As for studying, tourism is still
one of my favourite topics, so I definitely recommend future students
to take up courses in tourism, it opens up the taste for travelling
beyond imagination. And a piece of advice for all those pondering
whether to go abroad for a semester or not: DO IT, you will become part
of a community that will give you amazing memories and you will meet
people that might change your life!
Oana Syrjäläinen at the graduation ceremony
Text: Oana Syrjäläinen, Bachelor of Hospitality Management; Annika Dillenburger, Trainee, International Services
Photo: Oana Syrjäläinen
The IP participants enjoy the nice weather 
