Student’s career and work-life services

The Personal Study Plan (PSP) is one tool for student’s career planning. PSP made by the student guides the student along the study path. The PSP discussion with the tutor teacher plays an important part in student career guidance. The PSP covers the entire study period and also includes career planning. As studies progress and the student’s life situations change, the personal study plan is updated to reflect the current situation.

During the third year, the final PSP discussion takes place, which aims to coach the student to move toward working life. The discussion will specify the student’s career opportunities and how the student will utilize their expertise in future working life.

First year

During the first year, a student’s career guidance focuses especially on strengthening their studying skills and study ability. The Orientation to Studies course (tutor classes) for first-year students introduces what university studies include from different perspectives. The student also gets acquainted with the learning objectives and practical instructions of the practical training in his/her field.

Students also develop their own study skills, including teamwork skills, and learn to identify their own resources. The PSP discussion with the tutor teacher is an important part of the student’s career guidance. The PSP discussion will take place during the first, second and third years of studies. The student will discuss the different options of professional studies in the PSP discussion.

Second year

During the second year, the student focuses on professional studies. In the second year’s PSP discussion, the key topics are the progress of the studies and a deeper peak and comprehension of the study field. In addition, the student gets acquainted with and completes professional practical training in the student’s own field. The PSP discussion covers the student’s interests and career aspirations, as well as possible challenges to which the student is encouraged to find suitable solutions. 

Students are encouraged to network actively with working life. Centria organises several events during the academic year that provide an excellent opportunity to meet representatives of working life. Early networking helps students gain a broad view of job opportunities in their field, facilitates access to work placement in the desired company/workplace, and provides ideas for the final thesis. 

Professional practical training (10 ECTS) is recommended to be completed in the summer of the second year. The goals of the practical training are specified by the practical training supervisor. Multi-modal part-time students specify the objectives of practical training and how to complete it with the teacher tutor.

Third and fourth year

In the third year, the final PSP discussion will take place with the objective of preparing the student for working life. The discussion elaborates on the student’s career opportunities and how the student can utilise and articulate his or her skills in working life.

The student completes the professional practical training period at the latest during the third year of studies. The objective of practical training is to be able to apply gained theoretical knowledge in practical work tasks in one’s own field. We heavily recommend also looking at the work community in terms of possible thesis topics and to consider the possibilities of linking the thesis to the development needs of the employer. 

Tutors welcome and guide new degree students as they begin their studies at Centria. Their role focuses on helping newcomers understand university practices, get to know other students, and feel comfortable in their new environment.

Tutoring positions are open to all Centria degree students, preferably those who have completed at least one semester. The application period usually opens in early January, followed by interviews in February and training in March. Tutors typically commit for one academic year, with most activities concentrated in the autumn semester.

Main responsibilities:

• Assisting new students during orientation week
• Offering advice on courses, systems, and everyday practicalities
• Acting as a peer support contact
• Helping new students integrate socially

Who is this role for?
Students who enjoy helping others and want a structured but not overly demanding responsibility.

Mentors help international students adjust to life in Finland by offering cultural understanding, everyday guidance, and academic support. This role requires commitment and empathy. Mentors work for one academic year, with contracts typically made per semester. The role requires about eight hours of work per month, not including time spent on planning.

Main responsibilities:

• Supporting mentees with daily life in Finland
• Providing realistic guidance on studying and living
• Organising small activities
• Encouraging integration and personal growth

Who is this role for?
Students interested in intercultural interaction and willing to support others more deeply. Mentor positions are open to all degree students, preferably those who have completed at least one semester.

Student ambassadors play an important role in Centria’s applicant marketing. They represent the university at events, create content, and share their personal study experiences with prospective students. The position is flexible and participation is voluntary.

Ambassador positions are open to all Centria degree students. Applications usually take place in spring and autumn. Working hours are not fixed and students select tasks according to their schedules and interests. Read all the details here.

Main responsibilities:

• Sharing real student experiences with applicants
• Participating in school visits and events
• Creating social media content
• Guiding campus tours
• Speaking at webinars or info sessions

Who is this role for?
Students who are confident, communicative, and enjoy public interaction. Finnish skills are useful but not mandatory.

We provide students with diverse opportunities to engage in research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities right from the early stages of their studies. Participation in RDI environments helps strengthen professional skills, supports career development, and fosters valuable networking.

As a student in RDI activities, you can, for example, work as an RDI Assistant.

RDI Assistants work in Centria’s research, development, and innovation projects, gaining hands‑on experience relevant to their field of study.

These roles are available to Centria students (typically 2nd – 4th year) and are provided based on project requirements. Applications usually take place in autumn and spring. The positions will last around four months with maximum work load of 75 hours per month.

Main responsibilities:

• Supporting research and development tasks
• Data collection, communication, software development, or field‑specific work

Who is this role for?
Students (typically 2nd–4th year) looking for project-based professional experience and industry-relevant skills.

The positions are published on Centria’s career page. Follow the page for updates.

The Centria Trainee Program offers paid internship opportunities inside the university’s units. The work is carried out in tandem pairs (often a Finnish and an international student) and is therefore an ideal setting for low-threshold language learning.

The program is open to all degree students, especially final-year students. Applications usually open in spring and autumn. The internship lasts three months with a workload of 30 hours per week.

Main responsibilities:

• Handling unit-specific assignments, such as supporting events, communication, administration, and project tasks.

Who is this role for?
Students, often in later study stages, who want structured work experience and can commit to regular weekly hours.

The positions are published on Centria’s career page. Follow the page for updates.

All workshops are open to Finnish and international students. Pre-registration is not required.

Career services’ workshops

Walk-in Career Guidance: Ask About Summer Jobs, Applications & Finnish Worklife

• Wed 25.3. at 15–16 Online, Instructor: Career Counselor Anni-Maija Viitasaari
• Wed 1.4. at 14–15 Classroom 253A, Kokkola campus, Instructor: Career Counselor Anni-Maija Viitasaari
• Thu 2.4. at 15–16 Online, Instructor: Career Counselor Anni-Maija Viitasaari
• Tue 7.4. at 11.30–12.30 Stand in the Kokkola campus main lobby, Instructor: Career Counselor Anni-Maija Viitasaari
• Fri 10.4. at 12–13 Online, Instructor: Career Counselor Anni-Maija Viitasaari
• Thu 16.4. at 12–13 Classroom 252, Kokkola campus, Instructor: Career Counselor Anni-Maija Viitasaari

Job-seeking related AIMlearning project workshops

Possible AIMlearning workshops will be updated here.

The AIMlearning project is co-funded by the European Union and will be implemented between February 1, 2024, and April 30, 2027.

Optimum

Webinars and career-related events in English coming up in the autumn of 2025 again! All the services are free of charge.

Startup Refugees

Startup Refugees offers a variety of entrepreneurship programs for newcomers in Finland 

Jobmarket

Jobmarket is a digital service platform provided by the Finnish government that acts as a meeting point for jobseekers, employers and service providers.

• Jobmarket

Place: Vingenkatu 15 A, Kokkola

Examples of different portfolios can be found here.