Joaquín Mones is preparing to build a meaningful career in the Finnish sports sector. Through his studies in the RESPO programme and especially his internship, he has gained deeper insight into the world of Finnish sports. During his studies, he has also discovered his strengths and acquired all the tools he needs to succeed as a professional. Inspired by his academic journey, he is exploring doctoral studies to continue his academic path.
Studying for my master’s degree has been a life-changing experience. After more than a decade in the workforce, I find myself three quarters of the way through my studies and now starting to plan what comes next. Restarting my professional career on the other side of the world is a great challenge, but one that I have been preparing for since arriving in Finland.
Now I am aware of who I am, what I am capable of, and that I have all the tools I need to succeed as a professional.
My internship in a skiing club increased my understanding of Finnish sports
The sports sector in Finland is very different from that of my home country, where volunteer clubs play a central role, and they do not employ as many people as their counterparts in Uruguay. However, my studies gave me the chance to do an internship, which I am currently completing at Ski Jyväskylä, a cross-country skiing club. Through this experience, I have been able to understand the spirit of Finnish sports from the inside. Even if I sometimes need to wait for the meeting minutes to fully grasp what was discussed in Finnish.
That the Finnish language is challenging is not news to anyone. I am currently studying the B1 course at the university, and I still have a long way to go. Nevertheless, I was not accepted as an intern in the club because of my Finnish skills. It was because, as a foreigner, I brought ideas on how to make the club’s activities more appealing to international residents of Jyväskylä.
Academic education has given me the confidence to advance in my career
Finding my way in the Finnish sports sector will not be easy. But I have never shied away from such endeavours, and my whole life experience and my studies here at JYU have prepared me to adapt and find my foothold. My last degree course is called “Transferring Skills from Academia to Working Life”, and it has been very helpful in identifying my skill set, improving my employability, and thinking critically about the future.
This academic journey, reflecting on my experience as an educator myself, inspires me to seriously consider taking further steps in an academic career, and I have even started exploring doctoral study opportunities.
I took most of my degree courses in my first year to have time to focus on my thesis more calmly during the second year. I am pleased with that choice, as I am now enjoying every step of the process.
Doing academic research is something that was not on my horizon a few years ago, but it is a task that I am very satisfied with. This academic journey, reflecting on my experience as an educator myself, inspires me to seriously consider taking further steps in an academic career, and I have even started exploring doctoral study opportunities.
Coming to Finland was a leap of faith, with great uncertainty about how my future would look. As I approach the end of my studies, I am confident about the path ahead of me. Not because I have more certainties now, but because I am aware of who I am, what I am capable of, and that I have all the tools I need to succeed as a professional.
Read more: Master's Degree Programme in Responsible Management and Business of Sport
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