Developing career skills while studying

What drew Phuc Quach to LAB was the degree programme. Back in high school, friends of his who were also looking at universities told him the courses looked really interesting. The chance to gain work experience while studying appealed to him.

“I wanted experience with real projects and local companies. I had already done project work before and really enjoyed it, so LAB seemed like a good fit. That made me decide to apply,” he says.

Coming from Vietnam, the move to Finland was a big change for Quach. Suddenly, he was surrounded by a very different environment from what he was used to. Adjusting to cultural differences wasn’t always easy.

“Luckily, I kept an open mind, so I adapted relatively quickly. My fellow students have also been very helpful, making it easier for me to find my footing.”

Building professional confidence through practical learning

Quach is completing the Business Information Systems bachelor’s degree programme, which covers technology, like coding and application development, as well as entrepreneurship and career readiness. He says this combination provides him with skills for several paths, including entrepreneurship.

“The courses themselves are very hands on, and we work a lot with actual companies and real-world cases. You get an understanding of what the work is actually like, and I really like that because you learn by doing.”

The university also helps students network with potential employers through programmes such as Future Talents Lahti, which organises after-work networking events that Quach has found especially useful. They help him meet graduates from the same field and get a clearer picture of possible career paths.

“It’s really helpful to learn from someone who has already gone through the same path – what worked and what didn’t – instead of just guessing what you want to do after graduation.”

Making the most of student life

Quach is also very active in the student organization Linkki ry, where he serves as the event manager and first-year coordinator. This work has taught him how to coordinate, plan, communicate, and improvise – abilities that are all useful in the professional world.
 
“Working in the student organisation, I’ve had to really push myself out of my comfort zone. But it has helped me meet new people, which I think is an important skill, especially for international students.”
 
True to his role as an event manager, Quach encourages new students to take full advantage of events organised by the university, Future Talents Lahti, and the student community itself. He points out that meeting new people is the best way to enjoy the student experience, and getting to know companies helps with networking.

“At the same time, it’ is important to keep a good balance and not try to do everything at once. But if you have the time, I really encourage you to get involved.”