Tourism and hospitality studies lead directly to real-world challenges

Hospitality Management studies at LAB University of Applied Sciences have offered Alma Pulkkinen, Jesse Ylöstalo and Senja Vilen a versatile pathway to discovering their own direction. Already during their first year, their studies have taken them into real-life events, where they have been able to plan, implement and learn in practice.

“It feels like everything I want to do in my future career comes together in this degree”, Ylöstalo says.

Different backgrounds, shared direction

The students have arrived at Tourism & Hospitality studies through different paths, but they share a common interest in meeting people and creating experiences.

“I started thinking at summer festivals about how events are produced and why they are built the way they are. That sparked my interest in Hospitality studies, and it has only grown during my studies”, Pulkkinen recalls.

Tourism and Hospitality studies at LAB attracted all three students because of the field’s versatility and wide career opportunities. The degree programme combines tourism, customer service, events, marketing and business.

“Before starting my studies, I dreamed of living abroad, so Tourism felt like a natural choice. As my studies progressed, I also became interested in the event industry. Thanks to the diverse studies at LAB, I have been able to combine both interests”, Vilen explains.

Studying at LAB is about doing, not just theory

Studying at LAB University of Applied Sciences is highly practical, and theoretical knowledge is applied directly in real-life situations.

"The best thing about our studies is that you don't just read and write, you actually get to do", Pulkkinen describes. 

The studies include group work, project planning and opportunities to learn according to personal interests. At the same time, students develop teamwork skills that are essential in working life and build valuable networks with industry professionals already at an early stage.

One of the most significant experiences during the first year has been the World of Events course, where students got to work in real events and teams.

“I gained a realistic understanding of how much work producing an event actually requires and how many different aspects need to be considered to create an memorable experience for every visitor”, Vilen says.

Through events, students concretely learn skills such as planning and organisation, marketing, responsibility and problem-solving.

A supportive community and approachable lecturers

Students highlight the strong sense of community as an essential part of their studies.

“There has been a really great atmosphere of working together. The lecturers are also easy to approach, and coming to campus feels like coming home,” Ylöstalo describes.

Lecturers receive special praise for their encouraging and supportive approach. In particular, tutor teacher Hanna-Mari Karhinen is mentioned as an important source of support during the studies.

“Hanna-Mari has been an amazing support throughout our studies, she genuinely cares about the students,” the students say.

Towards meaningful experiences in the future

Through their studies, the students’ career goals have become clearer: each of them wants to create meaningful experiences.

“I want to do events where people experience something meaningful,” Pulkkinen says, as Ylöstalo continues: “It is important for me to create emotional experiences that challenge the stranger himself and leave him a valuable imprint.” 

Find your path at LAB

The students encourage anyone interested in the field to apply to LAB with an open mind.

“It’s worth applying even if you’re only considering it. You will definitely find your own path here, as the possibilities are wide,” Vilen says.

Tourism and Hospitality studies at LAB offer the opportunity to build a personal study path, supported by lecturers and a strong student community.

Text: Sara Jalonen, faculty of business
Photo: Luca Eskelinen