The Future Geo-Expert event stems from the Geosciences Career Orientation course led by university teacher Mia Kotilainen. Now the event is open to all students on both bachelor’s and master’s levels.
At the event the students have the opportunity to make contacts with companies that come to the campus. The programme includes company presentations and personal meetings in speed dating sessions. Students have also prepared presentation posters.
"Employers have been really impressed with the posters where students talk about themselves and their skills," says Kotilainen.
The Future Geo-Expert event has met expectations. It's not difficult to attract companies. On the contrary. Various fields were represented, such as rock construction, asbestos and hazardous material analytics, mineral exploration and mining, water and environmental protection, as well as state research institutes and consulting firms.
"When word gets out that a competitor has been there, others want to join," says Kotilainen.
Tracing Gold Veins in the Wilderness of Lapland
Geology master's student Karoliina Hiltunen met her future employer at the Future Geo-Expert event's speed dating session. The mining company FinEx Metals, specializing in gold exploration, seemed interesting, and Hiltunen asked project manager Eetu Jokela more about how to apply for jobs.
Previously working as a shift manager at a fast-food place, Hiltunen has also worked as a course assistant at the university. The summer job in mineral exploration in Lapland was her first job in the field of geology.
"The tasks were varied, and a plus was that the employer was flexible with hobbies," says Hiltunen.
Hiltunen had the opportunity to compete with her team in the cheer dance championships in the summer. For Hiltunen, who enjoys hiking, the summer in Lapland was an attractive option.
Karoliina Hiltunen became interested in geology during a career day at school and is going back to her former school in Kouvola to talk about geology studies and the diverse career opportunities not only in mining but also in water, environment, and geophysics fields.
The mandatory internship for her master's studies is now completed with the summer job. After graduation, Hiltunen wants to continue researching petrology and is applying for funding for her doctoral dissertation.
The Event Makes Job Searching Easier
Simo Mönkkönen also ended up in the same summer job.
Although Mönkkönen has long work experience in electronics and IT, his first job in geology was found through the Future Geo-Expert event.
Job searching became easier when companies came to the campus.
Mönkkönen talked with interesting employers. He introduced himself and asked about the kind of summer jobs the company offers.
"I took contact details and sent job applications right after the event, either directly as informal emails or through the company's recruitment service. I also called some employers afterward and received several interview invitations," says Mönkkönen.
Even though he received job offers from several companies, Mönkkönen chose the summer job at FinEx Metals.
"I liked the atmosphere of a smaller company and wanted to do a variety of tasks and take on responsibilities, which helps to get a better understanding of the mineral exploration process," he says.
The Field Still Feels Like the Right Choice
The summer was largely spent in the wilderness of Lapland with another intern, Karoliina Hiltunen. Occasionally, permanent employees of the company were also present.
The analysis of the collected samples is starting, and a thesis is being developed around them.
"The thesis is intended to be done under the guidance of Professor Petri Peltonen and university lecturer Henrik Kalliomäki," says Mönkkönen.
The summer job strengthened his understanding of the field, and it still feels like the right choice.
An interest in rocks and minerals drove Simo Mönkkönen to retrain in a new field.
The versatility of geology has surprised the career changer. During studies, one can focus on environmental issues, water bodies, climate, bedrock, or even pathways. Future job tasks can be office work at a computer, laboratory work, or outdoor fieldwork, describes Mönkkönen.