LAB gave her the confidence to try – now Salla Lehtomäki is building her career at OP

Originally from Helsinki but now living in Lahti, Salla Lehtomäki graduated in spring 2025 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from LAB University of Applied Sciences, specialising in marketing. “My studies at LAB were inspiring and community-oriented. The projects were especially memorable because they allowed us to apply what we learned in real company assignments, putting theory into practice,” Lehtomäki explains.

Through project-based learning and collaboration with companies, Lehtomäki was also able to develop a more customer-oriented approach. At the same time, essential professional skills such as teamwork, resilience and project management were strengthened.

From Labtic to working life – applying skills in practice

The training provided by LAB gave Lehtomäki a solid foundation for developing as a marketing professional. Through Labtic, LAB’s student-run marketing agency, she gained her first experience in the field and was able to apply her skills immediately after graduation. “The work-oriented study model and cooperation with companies gave a concrete connection to working life already during my studies. I dare say it has had a major impact on my competence and employment,” Lehtomäki summarises.

Today, Lehtomäki works as a Marketing Specialist at OP Ylä-Uusimaa, responsible for planning and implementing the bank’s marketing. In her work she collaborates closely with different business units and handles a wide range of tasks in marketing, communications, sustainability and events.

Although Lehtomäki’s career path is still in its early stages, she already feels she has had the opportunity to work on diverse projects involving creativity, strategic thinking and teamwork across different teams. Each step has taught her something new and supported her professional growth. “It is important to be able to challenge yourself and experience new things during your studies. It builds confidence and genuinely develops your skills,” she reflects.

Networks and continuous development

According to Lehtomäki, success in working life is not based solely on knowledge learned in class, but on the ability to apply, communicate and grow together with others. The learning approach at LAB University of Applied Sciences provided excellent conditions for this and helped her understand the diverse career paths within her field.

LAB also offered her a strong professional foundation and the opportunity to collaborate with experts from different backgrounds. The studies brought valuable networks and friendships, which continue to enrich her life even after graduation. “Networking with fellow students and teachers opens doors to new directions and provides support both during studies and afterwards,” Lehtomäki says.

Courage and a learning mindset go a long way

During her studies, Lehtomäki learned to approach her work with curiosity, courage and a solution-oriented mindset. She believes that this attitude — the willingness to learn and continuously develop — has helped her seize new opportunities and advance in her career. “LAB gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and to trust that I will learn everything I need as long as I dare to try. Attitude and active engagement are not only required during studies but they are essential strengths in working life as well,” Lehtomäki concludes.

Lehtomäki’s story illustrates how LAB’s practical learning approach and its strong cooperation with companies build a bridge from studies to working life — helping students grow into confident professionals in their field.