Rami Hakala
I remember when, toward the end of my studies, I went over the course offerings with my student counsellor to see which ones would best support my career path. During our conversation, the student counsellor noted that I would likely be working in a supervisory role in the future, and based on that, recommended certain courses. About two years later, I was able to recruit my own staff for a store.
What is your current job title, job description, and workplace?
My current title is Customer Success Manager at Pinja Digital Oy. Pinja helps companies leverage artificial intelligence and develop digital solutions that support their business operations. I work in the Digital Commerce unit, where I manage retail clients and collaborate with them to develop e-commerce solutions.
What have you studied and when have you graduated?
I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2017, specializing in team entrepreneurship. Currently (spring 2026), I am studying again at Centria in the English-language MBA program in International Business Management.
What has your career path been like? How did you end up in each of your roles?
I worked at a local hardware store while I was a student, and after graduating, I stayed on as a sales associate. I gained experience in nearly all aspects of the store’s operations, and this, combined with my studies, provided a solid foundation for my next role when I moved to Puuilo to open the Kokkola store in 2019.
I’ve always been interested in business development using digital tools, and I’ve been able to participate in interesting projects with every employer. My most recent move was to my current role, where I get to combine the substantive expertise I’ve gained in the retail sector with technical development.
What is the best part of your current job?
There are so many great things about my current job that it’s hard to pick a favorite. I get to meet with clients both remotely and in person, and working with people is a major factor for me. My role is to act as a proactive partner who shares insights on the direction the industry and technological developments are heading. I get to leverage my interest in commerce and the opportunities presented by its digital evolution—something I would be doing anyway. I’ve had the opportunity to see the business operations of many companies in the retail sector and gained experience in European markets as well as in partner collaborations around the world. Remote work and managing my own schedule are a big plus, allowing me to balance my free time and work very well.
What advice would you give yourself if you were starting your studies now?
Learn to recognize opportunities and seize them boldly. As a student, your own effort has a huge impact on what you get out of your time in school.
What has been the most valuable take-away from your studies from a professional perspective?
Practical projects in collaboration with the professional world, as well as the opportunity to balance school and work so that both support each other. My studies didn’t remain purely theoretical, and through these projects I’ve had the chance to build important networks.
Has anything in your career or professional life surprised you?
It’s surprising how willing people are to help if you just say out loud what you’re aiming for. People are happy to help; it’s just that most people never ask for help or advice. It’s also surprising, time and again, just how big the global market is in relation to Finland.
What is your best or most memorable memory from your student days?
Flexibility in balancing work and studies, as well as support from the staff. I remember when, toward the end of my studies, I went over the course offerings with my student counsellor to see which ones would best support my career path. During our conversation, the student counsellor noted that I would likely be working in a supervisory role in the future, and based on that, recommended certain courses. About two years later, I was able to recruit my own staff for a store. Through project work, I also got to participate in Centria’s marketing tasks, which was really interesting.
What was your biggest insight during your studies?
My biggest realization relates in part to my current studies. How international Centria is and how many opportunities it offers that support my own goals. Elective courses from other universities of applied sciences have also allowed me to tailor my studies into a programme that suits me, and this selection has been a pleasant surprise.
How do you remember your student days? Does anything in particular come to mind when you look back on those years?
My time as a student was quite hectic, as I worked part-time and completed my studies in just over two years. This was possible because I was able to schedule my courses around my own schedule and utilize my work experience as practical training.