Katariina Styrman’s present work duties don’t have much to do with the University but she still keeps in touch with her old student mates. Styrman became active in the University of Helsinki Alumni Association in 2015. For her, being an alumna means constant communication with the University.

“Students who have already graduated have a lot to give to new students, but the University also has much to give to the alumni, or at least the University should make it possible to happen.”

The Alumni Association aims to put these things into practice. She mentions a couple of projects she is involved in. The first is aimed at contacting alumni through student organisations and the second is meant to invite alumni who are in working life to work as mentors to students.

Styrman thinks that mentoring is a great way to support students who are faced with career choices.

“Discussing plans together with alumni, and encouraging students to keep going, boosts their self-confidence. The student also gets the chance to explore various options and perhaps the mentor also gains new insight into his or her work. Mentoring helps students to get into working life even during their studies and maybe shape their studies according to their own will and working life requirements.”

Styrman sees the University as a community and emphasises the importance of the study years in later life. The alumni aren’t expected to be intensively involved but Styrman would like to take the alumni on a cruise to Stockholm one day to catch up and reminisce about the old times, maybe even sing some karaoke.

“The most enduring friendships are often formed during the study years. When you have had the chance to be part of a community that is really shaping a new world, why would you not want to be a part of it after graduation?”