Freeha Hussain

Why did you choose the University of Vaasa? 

I was looking for a management programme that focuses on internationalisation, sustainability, and digital business. I liked that the master’s degree programme in International Business covers new topics in business in addition to the core subjects of management. 

I first learned about the University of Vaasa from my professors while studying in Pakistan. I received a global student scholarship and started my studies at the university in 2020.

What are your favourite memories from your studies and your time at the university?

During my studies, most courses were online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I remember how the staff, teachers and fellow students were very cooperative and made an effort to make online studies productive. I got support from the university whenever I reached out.

On many courses, we did great projects together with other students, and those are my best memories. The best feeling is when you work hard, and in the end, it pays off in terms of good results.

What is your job like, and what is the best part of it?

During my studies, I was happy to get employed as a HR trainee at a local company in Vaasa. After graduation, I moved to the role of HR Specialist. 

In 2023, I took a step forward in my career and started to work at Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) in Helsinki as an Associate HR Specialist. NIB is an international financial institution, and it’s great to work with a diverse group of people. I am very much a people person. Human resources have always been my passion, and I am happy that I’ve been able to pursue a career of my choice in Finland.

The best thing about working in HR is that you can make a difference in people's work lives through the right support and a positive employee experience. I also enjoy working on improving HR processes.  

The highlight of my career so far is getting scholarships for my higher education because it supported me to progress ahead in my career. Moreover, continuous self-development and growing as a valuable professional in my field is an achievement that I am proud of.

What are your key learnings from the university? Why would you recommend the university to others?

Studying in multicultural groups helped me get to know different cultures and develop cultural intelligence. That is a huge benefit in professional life, especially when you come to a new country.

I would recommend the University of Vaasa for its high-quality education, but most importantly for its people and environment. Getting support makes a big difference in the journey of international students. Also, there are many useful opportunities. You can choose courses of your interest, develop your study plan and work on personal development. 

What advice would you give to students considering their future careers?

Study hard, believe in your ideas, and don’t be afraid to try out new things. Ask for help from professionals if you need to. Participate in support programmes, such as coaching, mentoring, and other Talent Boost initiatives, to increase your awareness, develop yourself, and gain new professional skills. You will thank yourself later for all the extra time you put in.