Harriet Okumu-Nisula is VAMKs Alumnus of the Year

The annual alumni event of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, held for the fourth time on October 23, 2024, culminated in the awarding of the 2024 Alumnus of the Year. The title was awarded to Harriet Okumu-Nisula, originally from Uganda, who graduated from the Bachelor’s level International Business programme in 2022. Since graduating, Okumu-Nisula has worked to improve the retention of international students in the Vaasa region through the Vaasa International Talents program. She has also participated in international student recruitment, serving as the face of VAMK's marketing, and has been actively involved in VAMK's alumni network activities.

At the moment Okumu-Nisula is pursuing Master’s Degree in Strategic Business Development at the University of Vaasa while working as Management Assistant in Health4Travel.

“This is very humbling to say the least - my warmest appreciation to all who have entrusted me with the title! I am proud to be part of the Alumni Network,” says delighted and surprised Okumu-Nisula upon receiving the honor, adding that she intends to continue promoting internationalisation in her professional life, studies, and free time.

Okumu-Nisula encourages current VAMK students to boldly seize the various opportunities that come their way.

“You never know how seemingly small things can have a significant impact on your career development,” she continues.

VAMK's management team selects the Alumnus of the Year based on nominations from external and internal stakeholders. The award can be given to an individual who has graduated from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and who, through their own example, highlights the importance of higher education and VAMK’s values. The Alumnus of the Year engages in active alumni collaboration with VAMK and maintains connections with its current and future alumni, or actively fosters interaction between VAMK, society and working life.

”Warm congratulations to Harriet, who is a great example of perseverance in building a career that reflects her individuality. She also serves as an excellent role model for other international students regarding the career-building opportunities available in Vaasa after graduation,” says VAMK’s CEO, President Hannu Vahtera.

Previous Alumni of the Year include: Hanna Yli-Yrjänäinen, Hennamari Hietala and Lukumanu Iddrisu.

Enriching career development

This year's alumni event focused on internationalisation and collaboration. In the spirit of partnership, the event was held for the first time outside of the Palosaari campus, at VAMK's Key Partner Ilkka's premises on Hietasaarenkatu in Vaasa.

Career and recruitment specialist Pia Back emphasises that close cooperation with the working life supports the career development of both students and alumni, while also providing VAMK with valuable insights for improving education.

“Through collaboration, we ensure that our education meets the needs of the working life now and in the future. A big thank you to Ilkka for their support in organising the alumni event—I look forward to future collaboration opportunities," rejoices Back.

On the topic of internationalisation, Jani Torkko, Hub Europe Business Development Manager at Key Partner ABB, gave a thought-provoking presentation. Torkko discussed the importance of internationalisation in the workplace, sharing his own experiences working abroad and in Finland within international teams.

In addition to the engaging presentations, the alumni had the opportunity to network with one another over good food and drinks throughout the evening.

An active alumni network

VAMK alumni include everyone who have studied or worked at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences or its predecessor institutions. The alumni network enables regular contact between the alumni and VAMK, and fosters connections among alumni. VAMK's alumni activities are coordinated by the Career and Recruitment Specialist and Talent Coach.

“Through the alumni network, we offer our alumni the opportunity for lifelong learning and broad networking. The experiences and career updates of our alumni are valuable resources both for our current students and for the development of VAMK's operations,” tells Back who coordinates VAMK’s alumni network.

The new alumnus of the year Okumu-Nisula has been actively involved in the alumni network after graduation. She also keeps regular contact with old classmates.

”To sum up, it’s a great network!” laughs Okumu-Nisula.