Entrepreneurship communities helped her find her path: Veronika Sulak's journey from LAB to France
Originally from Hungary, Veronika Sulak began her International Business studies at LAB University of Applied Sciences in 2024 with the goal of gaining international experience and developing her expertise. However, at the start of the studies, the career direction of the future was not yet entirely clear. It was her involvement in entrepreneurship communities that ultimately opened doors to international experiences, a thesis project, and a double degree programme in France.
"At the beginning of my studies, I wasn't completely sure what interested me most. I believed the programme would give me the opportunity to explore different subjects and help me discover my own interests," Sulak explains.
The location of the campus and the studying atmosphere were among the main reasons why she chose LAB. She wanted to study close to Helsinki while still enjoying life in a smaller city.
"Lahti seemed like a pleasant option, and the LAB campus seemed a modern and attractive place to study based on marketing," she says.
During her studies, Finland became a place where she could grow both as a student and as an international professional. She describes her study experience as smooth, supportive, and community-oriented.
Entrepreneurship communities opened new career opportunities
Entrepreneurship was not originally one of Sulak's main interests. However, the first entrepreneurship-related events she attended quickly changed her perception of what entrepreneurship could be.
“One of the first events I attended was an event organised by the Hera community, which focuses on empowering female entrepreneurs and non-binary entrepreneurs. I was particularly impressed by the openness of the community and the way people responded to challenges and opportunities,” Sulak recalls.
Her growing interest soon turned into active involvement. Sulak joined both Hera and Lahti Entrepreneurship Society (LahtiES), a student-led entrepreneurship community, and later became a member of its board.
"The entrepreneurship communities allowed me to learn new skills, gain experience, and meet like-minded people. What fascinated me most was that people genuinely wanted to help each other grow."
Over time, entrepreneurship came to represent much more than building a business. For Sulak, it became a gateway to collaboration, continuous learning, and creating new opportunities.
Courses and lecturers created international opportunities
According to Sulak, one of LAB's strengths is the flexibility to shape studies around personal interests. Courses focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, strategy, and leadership led to valuable experiences beyond the classroom.
"One of the courses prepared us for the Nordic Case competition in Iceland. Through the competition, I met students from across the Nordic countries and had the chance to apply what I had learned in practice, strengthening my interest in entrepreneurship and networking," Sulak sums up.
She also highlights the impact of LAB's lecturers. In particular, Jonathan Bradshaw stands out as an encouraging mentor.
"Jonathan was involved in both competition-related courses. He constantly encouraged us, believed in us, and helped us see new possibilities."
Thesis reinforced the importance of networks
Sulak's involvement in entrepreneurship communities eventually inspired the topic of her thesis. In her thesis, Strengthening Collaboration Between Entrepreneurship Societies in Finland, she examined how entrepreneurship societies collaborate and share knowledge across Finland. One of the key findings was that these communities have a great deal to learn from one another.
"I was surprised by how much impact even a small conversation can have. Sometimes simply knowing that someone else faces similar challenges can help you find solutions," Sulak explains.
For Sulak, the most important lesson has been simple: some of the most valuable learning experiences happen in communities where people openly share their knowledge and experiences. Learning does not take place only in the classroom. The research also reinforced her own experiences about the value of networks.
"As my network expanded beyond the university, new opportunities began to emerge in entirely different ways."
From LAB to France
Today, Sulak is studying in Bordeaux, France, as part of LAB's double degree programme. The international experience has made her appreciate even more the freedom and flexibility LAB offers students to build their studies around their own goals. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree and build a career within entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem in Finland.
"I would like to be involved in building something I truly believe in, something that can have a positive impact on people's lives," she says.
Looking back on her journey so far, one piece of advice stands above all others:
"Stay open to new experiences and be brave enough to join different communities, projects, and events. Often the best opportunities come from places where you never expected to find them."
Text: Sara Jalonen, LAB School of Business