Company Connections programme
The Company Connections programme offers companies and professionals a practical way to contribute to the development of students’ work-life competencies as part of their degree studies. The programme is a key part of the University of Vaasa's Talent Hub initiative, which aims to strengthen students’ integration into Finnish working life and foster closer collaboration between companies and the university.
How does Company Connections work?
In the Company Connections programme, companies and professionals become involved in students’ learning path from the very beginning of their studies. The collaboration is based on interaction: companies and professionals bring working life themes and challenges into the learning environment, while students contribute knowledge, ideas, and solutions from their studies for the benefit of companies.
University of Vaasa Worklife Fellow
By participating in the programme, you will receive the official University of Vaasa Worklife Fellow status. A Worklife Fellow shares expertise and professional experience with students. Working life perspectives are integrated into learning through discussions, sparring sessions, and real-life cases. No previous mentoring experience is required, and participation does not demand significant time commitment. Fellows can contribute flexibly according to their own schedules.
What do companies and Worklife Fellows gain?
- Official University of Vaasa Worklife Fellow status
- An opportunity to influence the development of future professionals
- Increased visibility and strengthened employer branding
- Direct access to both international and Finnish talent
- Fresh perspectives and ideas from students
- An opportunity to bring your own development needs and business challenges for students to work on
What do students gain?
- A better understanding of working life practices and expectations
- Experience of real company needs and authentic business cases
- Professional networks and valuable company contacts
- Support for career planning and employment opportunities
Practical implementation
The programme will launch in October 2026 in the University of Vaasa’s English-taught Master's programmes in Business Studies and Technology. Students include both international and Finnish participants, and the programme language is English. Collaboration takes place in small groups or discussion-based meetings, typically 2–3 times per semester. Meetings can be arranged online, on-site, or in a hybrid format. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to visit company premises to gain an authentic working life experience. The university is also happy to provide facilities for meetings when needed.