Supporting Talent Boost is a very important part of the VAMK's recruitment strategy: VAMK's aim is to recruit prospective international students who are willing to study, live and stay as future workforce in Finland. Talent Coach service is a vital part of this strategy.

– It has always been my dream to help people, especially the international people in Vaasa because I have seen the struggle that a lot of foreigners go through, says Francis Oyeyiola.

Using his own experience as a lesson

Talent Coach helps VAMK’s students to shift from student life to working life. Students can get guidance, for instance, in writing a good CV and a cover letter. Francis’ services also include preparing the students for the job interview. Along with guidance in working life related matters Francis looks after the students’ mental well-being. 

– If the students have issues with their mental well-being it affects their ability to concentrate in classes, as well. 

From IT professional to Talent Coach 

In 2004, Francis Oyeyiola moved to Finland from Ghana and started studying Information Technology in VAMK. After completing his studies in VAMK Francis educated himself more and accomplished his Master’s Degree in University of Vaasa. After that he decided to do something completely different.

– I went to TAMK (Tampere University of Applied Sciences) to do my Professional Teacher Degree. I started studying more trying to move away from IT industry and doing something different. 

Before coming to VAMK Oyeyiola was working for Yrkesakademin as a Job Coach. When the Talent Coach’s position at VAMK opened up, Oyeyiola thought that it was something he had always dreamed of. 

As an alumnus of VAMK Oyeyiola has faced same kind of challenges as VAMK’s students.

–  Coming back to VAMK and sharing my story with the students shows them that everything is possible. Seeing the students’ progress makes me happy,