Open-minded thinking is helpful in a career transition
Maija Turpeinen’s academic journey at the University of Jyväskylä began in 2017, when she started studying Adult Education at the Open University of the University of Jyväskylä.
Gradually, she also completed courses in Education and Computer Science, and her role as a paramedic gave way to that of a first-aid trainer.
Finally, in the autumn of 2021, Maija began a Master’s programme in Educational Technology, from which she graduated four years later.
Working as a paramedic, I learnt very quickly that continuous professional development is an essential part of a fulfilling career. I realised that I wanted to develop both myself and my work community.
What has stuck with Maija from her studies in Educational Technology are the practical assignments.
“At its simplest, I created individual teaching materials, but I also had the opportunity to design and implement larger training programmes in a more varied way, for example for online courses,” Maija explains.
For me, the modules in Mathematical Information Technology were the most challenging part of my studies, but ultimately they proved to be extremely necessary and rewarding.
Practical application and networks add value to one’s expertise
In her role as a first-aid trainer, Maija was able to apply and deepen her new skills in real-life situations even whilst she was still studying. She feels that her studies have particularly supported her in applying the potential of Educational Technology to develop skills within work communities.
My employer particularly valued my fresh skills.
During the Educational Technology programme, skills are developed in both pedagogy and technology. At the same time, students develop the ability to design and deliver training programmes tailored to different needs.
“By working together with experts from different fields, we can design just about anything!” says Maija. The people she got to know whilst studying have also remained valuable to her since graduation:
The networks she built with fellow students and staff during her university studies have opened up new opportunities for collaboration and important contacts in her professional life.
Looking to the future with confidence
Studies in Educational Technology open doors in many different directions. Maija, however, has a clear vision of how she wants to combine her pedagogical and technological expertise in the future:
“My aim is to play a part in promoting the professional development of current and future employees in the emergency services and social and healthcare sectors.”
Maija is currently carrying out this work as a training instructor at the Rescue Department of Central Finland.
An exchange programme in Canada also helped Maija to develop her international skills and language proficiency. The experience of living and studying abroad has lowered the barrier to pursuing an international career path.
I’ve gained the confidence to start planning a career, possibly abroad. So I look forward to what the future holds – who knows what else my career might bring!
Finally, Maija encourages people from all walks of life to take up studies in Educational Technology. Learning is part of every aspect of working life, so experts in this field are needed outside educational institutions as well.
“I strongly encourage people to study this field, even if they already have a professional background in another sector. A better future is built on the knowledge and skills of experts who transcend sector-specific boundaries.”
