Career path to UX designer - LAB studies led Sylvie Vu to Visma Finland

Sylvie Vu, who graduated from LAB University of Applied Sciences in 2024, is originally from Vietnam. Before moving to Finland, she had already completed a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and worked in both business roles and visual communication. An increasing interest in technology sparked her desire to develop new skills and explore a different career direction, which brought her to Finland. 

Vu began her Business Information Technology studies at LAB in 2022. Her decision was influenced by the opportunity to start through a pathway programme in Vietnam, reasonable tuition fees, and the campus location near the Helsinki metropolitan area. However, the most important factor was the programme’s flexible and versatile curriculum, which aligned closely with her career goals. 

“I was interested in the tech field and wanted to better understand how digital services are built. At the beginning of my studies, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to specialize in front-end development or UX design, but I believed the degree would support both paths,” Vu says. 

Although her direction wasn’t entirely clear at first, the programme provided a strong foundation for growth and helped her move steadily toward her goals. 

Modern campus and supportive teaching staff 

LAB’s modern campus in Lahti and its versatile facilities supported different learning styles and made a strong impression on Vu. The approachable and supportive teaching staff also played a key role in her experience. 

“The teachers were approachable and genuinely willing to help. My tutor teacher, in particular, was an important support when planning my studies,” Vu explains. 

When the curriculum included more coding than she had initially expected, the situation was resolved through open discussion. 

“I shared my goals and career plans with my tutor teacher, and together we found a solution that worked for me. I was able to replace some courses with ones that better supported my goals. This flexibility and trust in students was one of LAB’s greatest strengths, and it helped me graduate on schedule,” Vu says. 

Courses in HTML and CSS, as well as service design, proved especially valuable for her future career. 

“During my studies, I worked on website projects and prototypes that I could include in my portfolio. I quickly realized how important these concrete projects are when applying for jobs,” Vu notes. 

Collaboration was a core part of studying at LAB, helping develop teamwork and communication skills essential for working life. Toward the end of her studies, Vu started an internship at Visma Finland. The internship lasted nearly eight months and eventually led to a full-time position. She now works as a UX Designer with a particular focus on design systems. 

“Many of the things I learned at LAB are directly relevant in my work: service design, user-centred thinking, and the ability to learn independently,” Vu says. 

LAB as a foundation for an international career 

The international study environment at LAB prepared Vu well for working in a multicultural setting, although the Finnish job market also brought some surprises. 

“Working life is not always as international as the study environment. Fortunately, LAB gave me the tools to adapt and grow,” Vu reflects. 

She encourages current and future students to stay active and proactive throughout their studies. 

“Plan your studies early, ask for help when you need it, and make the most of the flexibility LAB offers. It provides solid tools, but also the freedom to shape your studies according to your own goals. Take responsibility for your learning, seize opportunities to work on real projects, and build your portfolio already during your studies,” Vu concludes.

Text: Sara Jalonen, Faculty of Business and Hospitality Management