Guest Column: From the Village of Oripää to the Pulse of Turku – and Becoming a BBA

Hello BBA Community!

My name is Hannah Nurmi, I’m 26 years old from Turku, and this summer I graduated from Turku University of Applied Sciences with a BBA degree specializing in marketing. Last year was special even before graduation, as I had the honor of receiving the 2024 BBA Student of the Year recognition from the Union. That moment made me pause in gratitude and reminded me what this community truly means, and how far it carries you together with your own activity.

My path here hasn’t been the most straightforward. I originally come from the small village of Oripää, where my home was surrounded by forests and fields rather than neighbors and shops. I went to high school in Loimaa and also worked about four years in the restaurant industry. Back then I didn’t know where life would take me, but one thing was clear: Turku it is.

After my gap year I first applied to study social work, but wasn’t accepted. At the time it was disappointing, but now I know it was meant to be. On my second try, I applied both to the University of Turku for business studies and to Turku UAS for a business degree. The university route started to feel very distant from my way of learning. I listened to my heart, skipped the university entrance exam, and accepted a place at Turku UAS. Now I can honestly say this was the best decision. The practical approach to learning, diverse learning environments, and opportunities to study in teams and real company projects made UAS studies feel right for me.

Studying for a BBA at Turku UAS gave me much more than just a degree. The studies taught me courage, decision-making skills, and built a network around me that has carried me through both my student years and now in working life. Especially the MyyntiAkatemia learning environment and serving on the board of the student association Trade ry left a lasting impression. They allowed me to grow as a marketing professional, and to learn project management and organizational skills. On top of that, I developed alongside people who were just as motivated to grow hands-on. These experiences helped me realize that I thrive best as part of a team and community.

Today, I work at the marketing agency Nitro as a Sales Coordinator. I first joined as a project manager trainee, and later moved into sales. In my role, I develop sales processes, support sales, and work at the interface between sales and marketing as a project manager. In my free time, I do CrossFit and serve as Vice Chair of the Board and Student & School Collaboration Coordinator at Turun seudun tradenomit ry. It’s rewarding to build a bridge between students and graduates. This is exactly what the Tradenomi community is all about: being together, growing, and creating future opportunities.

I believe the role of universities of applied sciences and BBA studies in our society is significant. UAS education produces professionals who not only understand theories but also know how to apply them in practice. At the same time, it is a place where we grow as individuals, as friends, and as future colleagues. But why exactly BBA studies? I encourage everyone—whether considering, currently pursuing, or already graduated from BBA studies—to pause and reflect on that question.

For me, “BBA” is not just a degree title, but more of an attitude. It means courage to find your own path, willingness to develop, and being part of a community as your authentic self. In my view, BBA studies don’t close doors—they open them. The flexibility and versatility of the degree make BBAs valuable in working life, across different fields and roles, and it also serves as a strong springboard for further studies.

The BBA community has been extremely important to me throughout my studies. It is not just a group of students and graduates, but a network that supports, encourages, and provides opportunities. Personally, I have gained courage from this community to take on new challenges and believe in my own abilities.

Finally, I want to share a few pieces of advice: take advantage of all the opportunities your studies and the community offer. Join events, projects, and associations, and network bravely. Don’t isolate yourself—many others share the same challenges or thoughts as you. And above all, enjoy your student years and dare to make the most of them.

I am proud to be a BBA. I am proud to be part of this community that is constantly growing and developing. And most of all, I am proud that through our actions we show why we matter—not just as individual professionals, but as a collective force that influences and builds society. You should be proud of yourself too!

– Hannah Nurmi