Our alum Ida Kuvaja: Education studies open professional doors in many directions

HR management has earned its place at the heart of business

Ida Kuvaja's path from childhood to studies and working life has been unusually straightforward. Even at an early age, Ida knew she wanted to be a teacher. Although her job title has never been teacher, she feels that her work corresponds to her degree.

“Education and human resource management have a lot in common. Both are fundamentally about supporting people's growth and development, and same methods can be used in both,” says Ida.

Education and human resource management have a lot in common. Both are fundamentally about supporting people's growth and development, and same methods can be used in both."

Ida Kuvaja

Ida feels that HR management has gained importance in recent years and found its place in management teams and business strategy work. Ida herself is a member of the management team of her employer, Accountor Group. The reason behind the increased prestige, she believes, is the fact that people now recognise human resources as a key competitive factor for companies.

“In Finland, this holds especially true in export companies, as they export Finnish expertise. Excellent educational opportunities are Finland's strong asset. Developing staff, skills and management is really important in today's world,” says Ida.

Educator: unleash your full potential

Ida likes to talk about the broader context of education studies. In her view, a degree in education should not label graduates in a specific way. They should also not automatically limit themselves by only walking down the teacher path. Instead, she encourages exploring different possibilities with an open mind and seeing the many doors that education studies open.

Ida also roots for network building during studies. She reminisces about her own studies with gratitude, as in addition to study contents taught by brilliant professors, they also taught people skills. The studies were highly versatile and included a lot of work in small groups. This way, you really got to know your fellow students.

“I strongly encourage networking at university. In a way, it is the last place where you get to grow a broad professional network in your own field for the future,” says Ida.

I strongly encourage networking at university. In a way, it is the last place where you get to grow a broad professional network in your own field for the future."

Ida Kuvaja

For Ida, the impact and purpose of work is important. She believes that the same holds true for young people who are currently considering their career options.

“In this work, if anywhere, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives – whether you work as a class teacher, an education planner, a researcher or a human resources manager. The best feedback comes from looking at the people around you and seeing them develop,” Ida says with a smile.

Text: Tiina Leivo