307 new talents graduated from VAMK – over 88% finds employment within a year from graduation

The highlight of the spring semester at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences was the warm-hearted graduation ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. The event celebrated all new talents who graduated during spring. From all the graduates, 224 had completed a Bachelor’s degree and 83 a Master’s degree. 14% of the graduates were international students who paid a tuition fee for their studies.

CEO, President Hannu Vahtera congratulates all graduates:

”Congratulations, you have done a wonderful job! I wish you success in the future. Even though your paths now lead in different directions, as alumni of VAMK, you remain an important part of our higher education community and our calling card to the world. I hope that the connection remains and that our collaboration can continue in many different ways in the future as well.”

Work-oriented studies promote employment

According to VAMK’s strategy, the studies are work-oriented, and students are supported in various ways to facilitate integration into the labour market. The studies include work-life projects and internships, which introduce students to different employers in the region and facilitate employment after graduation. Almost 70% of VAMK graduates find employment on the West Coast.

Graduates from VAMK are employed exceptionally well on average. Of those who graduated in 2021, over 88% had a job within a year after graduation. Nearly 95% of graduates from the Health Care and Social Sevices sector found employment within a year. Engineers also find employment successfully, particularly in companies within the Vaasa region's energy cluster. In 2021, over 90% of engineering graduates found a job in their field within a year of graduation.

One of the brand new experts who has found employment during studies is Arsi Ollila, a mechanical engineering student at VAMK who will graduate in the spring semester. Ollila did the internships included in the studies in ABB in Vaasa. First, he worked in production and then moved into purchasing. Currently, he works as a sales engineer.

“I have learned a lot in my various roles and have been able to apply what I learned in school in practice. I now believe I am ready for the adult world and working life,” says Ollila.

UAS degree enables various opportunities for further studies

Ollila, originally from Vähäkyrö in South Ostrobothnia, began his studies at VAMK in the fall of 2021. He was drawn to mechanical engineering because of the field’s versatility. Ollila’s personal interest in robotics and design played a significant role in his choice of study program.

“What I liked most about my studies was the practical approach and the opportunity to see the results of my own work in action,” Ollila tells.

In the future, Ollila’s plan is to work for a while and gain more experience. At some point, he is interested in pursuing a Master's degree at a university of applied sciences or apply for a university Master's program.

“Before that, however, it's time to rest after a long period of studying. My summer will include some vacation time and relaxing with my car hobby,” reveals Ollila.