Samin fiilistelyt: Thoughts of a graduating engineer
It is a sunny day when I receive a fresh, hard covered copy of my thesis work. Later I walk towards the Fabriikki building, in order to hand the thesis to the dean for the final check. Years of preparation for this moment have included different phases. I cannot help myself of thinking the experiences at the Vaasa University.
I began my Master's studies on January 2006. At this time I had completed a Bachelor's degree in the polytechnic. In University I have carried out highly theoretical courses, with small amount of ‘hands in work' experience. Personally, when looking back to the courses I am almost sure that a bit more practical approach would have been helpful for understanding the things to be learned better.
Somewhere during the first year I had to face the fact, that gaining the Master's degree will not be an easy task. During my studies I was constantly confused about the study control system of the Technical Faculty. I mean the simple process of some official person checking the proceeding of the studies at least every second year. I understand the self-responsibility of university studies, but since the university sets the personal study plans, I would expect them also to take responsibility. I felt that people did not have clear understanding about the study programs.
As an example, once I was handed the print of the accomplished courses and was asked about my opinion. This was confusing for me, since I was going there to ask person's opinion about my studies.
My studies took about one year longer than expected. This is due to the small size of the telecommunication student group at the Vaasa University. Some courses are organized only every second year. Of course the solution for this would be to study courses independently. However, I am afraid that in my case this would have not resulted in passing the courses related to mathematical theories and calculations. Rather, I would have wasted time and resources from the other courses.
In my case Libya's unstable situation caused excitement at the final phase of the thesis writing. The supervisor of the thesis was the professor of the Telecommunication Department of Vaasa University. He is originally from Libya and was visiting his home country at the time of the uprising. This caused delay on his returning schedule, which caused me extra heartbeats on finishing the thesis. Eventually, because of the graduation schedule the evaluator of the thesis was changed.
In general what comes to the process of thesis writing at university level, I have witnessed many cases when thesis is left aside waiting for a more convenient time for finishing, due to a job opportunity. As much as this is a tempting option, compared to government's student benefits, personally I was able to avoid the temptation.
I made myself clear right from the beginning not to search for a serious work, but put all my efforts to the thesis. As a price to pay from this, there might be an unemployment period, but at least I am able to show the completed diploma.
The University of Vaasa is an international campus. This is already clear when looking at the rising numbers of exchange students every year. Also the four international study programs are bringing foreign students to study to the university. During my studies I have spent lots of time in the international circles by taking the roles of an international tutor and a board member of Erasmus Student Network. I have also studied and worked abroad during my studies. All this has led to thinking that maybe working career international as well.
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