The fact that Aki Hyryläinen applied to study history at the University of Helsinki is thanks to the history and religion teachers at the Kulosaari secondary school. Another strong factor was football, which Hyryläinen has played since the age of five at the Helsinki Football Club.

Aki Hyryläinen had a long career in football, mostly with the Helsinki Football Club (HJK). He played 25 caps for the Finnish national team, one season in Belgium, three seasons in Denmark, and two seasons in Finland with FC Jokerit. There are constant demands placed on the life of a professional athlete. The work is very determined and goal-oriented.

Coincidence led Aki Hyryläinen to work for Mercuri Urval. He applied for a job in an investment and financial management company and the recruitment was handled by Mercuri Urval. – In the interview I was surprised to be greeted by a recruitment consultant who was a former ice hockey coach. During the interview he told me about his own work at Mercuri Urval and explained what kind of work they did as consultants. And after ten diverse and eventful years, I can easily say that it was not a mistake to say ‘yes’ to his proposal.

Aki Hyryläinen’s seven tips for working life: 1. Regardless of educational background or area, it’s always best to consider matters from a broad perspective (...)

The way my studies dragged out because of the football career was a heavy weight to bear, but I did get encouragement from the history department. I still remember Panu Pulma’s advice: “Professional football is age-related. Be a sportsman now for heaven’s sake, while you’re winning. You’ll find time to graduate later on.”

I dream that in sports and working life I would be able to give others something that would take them forward.