The Rector’s Lunch brought alumni and LAB leadership around the same table in Lahti

Taking part in the discussion were four Alumni of the Year nominees as well as Minna Suutari, Vice Rector responsible for research, development and innovation at LAB University of Applied Sciences, Janne Roslöf, Director of the Technology Unit, Anne Laakso, alumni coordinator and Luca Eskelinen from the alumni team. The aim of the event was to hear alumni perspectives and pass them on to the institution’s leadership and staff. 

Courage, uncertainty and lifelong learning 

The discussion moved naturally between studies and working life. One theme that strongly emerged was not knowing, which was seen not as a weakness but as a starting point for learning. Studies are increasingly viewed as part of a longer life course built from different life situations and from various directions within working life. 

In terms of working life, the conversation focused especially on the fear of failure and the courage to trust one’s own expertise. One key insight was the idea that career paths do not need to be linear. Young people were encouraged to have the courage to change fields and to combine different study paths. From a broad educational background, wide-ranging competence can develop, and within it, a personal and distinctive “pearl of expertise”. 

The discussion also examined the differences between universities of applied sciences education and academic university degrees, particularly from the perspective of students’ backgrounds. This is emphasized especially from the perspective of entrepreneurship, as new ideas that arise during studies can be utilized directly in one’s own business.  

In alumni contributions, the courage to trust one’s own expertise in both studies and working life was highlighted. 

The alumni network as a platform for shared development 

The importance of developing the alumni network was also raised during the event. At its best, alumni activities were seen as offering an opportunity to get to know a broader group of people together. Open interaction between alumni and LAB was considered important for the development of both education and working life connections. 

The Rector’s Lunch demonstrated how meaningful it is to pause, encounter and listen. The shared discussion generated ideas that can be taken forward in LAB’s development together with alumni. 

Alumni were able to explore the campus on an inspiring tour guided by “campus aunt” Hanna Kopra. 

A campus tour concluded the afternoon 

After lunch, alumni joined a campus tour guided by “campus aunt” Hanna Kopra. The tour offered an opportunity to see the campus from a new perspective. The shared afternoon reinforced the image of LAB as a learning environment where dialogue between students, alumni and staff is seen as valuable.