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Industrial engineering and management alumna Nina Tyni says that she learned to think like an engineer already as a child growing up with an automotive engineer as a father.
"My father taught me practical engineering skills from a young age, even in the kitchen. He had cooking down to a science, and I became familiar with things like ratios and calculating circumferences and surface areas," Tyni remembers.
However, there was no particular push from home toward a career in technology, and she initially chose to study optometry in Oulu instead of engineering sciences. The field combined several of her interests and allowed her to apply her skills broadly. Tyni worked as an optometrist in both a small family business and a larger organization before her desire to qualify as an engineer had matured enough to act on.
“As an optometrist, I had the chance to serve customers from start to finish and use the full range of my expertise from customer service to technical details. When we moved to Helsinki, I started working at the HUS Helsinki University Hospital. There, I gained hands-on experience in process thinking and operational development,” she says.
As her enthusiasm for planning and developing various processes grew in her new role, pursuing a master’s degree in industrial engineering began to feel like the natural next step. For Tyni, the digital service production master’s programme LUT University was the best choice, as it also accepts applicants with a background in social services and healthcare.
“At LUT, they understand that diverse educational backgrounds open opportunities to train people with unique skill portfolios. This increases interdisciplinary expertise and enhances the ability to apply knowledge effectively,” she describes.
Tyni currently works as an information and communication technologies (ICT) procurement specialist at the HUS Helsinki University Hospital. The public procurement course she took during her studies inspired her to apply for her current position.
“Our degree programme director, Jouni Koivuniemi, had a clear vision on how our existing skills could be best utilized. During my studies, I felt that my educational background was valued and allowed me to 'specialize' in topics that suited me well,” Tyni says.
The master’s programme Tyni completed focuses on digitalization and servitization, which together form a massive force for change affecting business. Both private and public organizations need specialists like Tyni to keep up with the pace of transformation.
Further education required resilience, but LUT community brought support
Tyni graduated with a Master of Science in Technology degree in 2023. She says that studying as an adult strengthened her existing qualities and enriched her subject knowledge in diverse ways.
“The studies reminded me that you can learn all kinds of new things if you have the right motivation. I learned to independently tackle topics that were completely new to me, and I was able to expand my subject expertise throughout my studies,” she says.
Tyni took software engineering as a minor, so her first semester required a great deal of work and dedication.
“I’ve never studied as hard as I did that first fall. Self-management was essential during the studies and continues to be crucial in my career, as projects are long and complex. There are often also multiple projects running simultaneously,” Tyni emphasizes.
Developing one’s skills and pursuing further education always requires resilience, which is something to take pride in.
“If I had known what a journey the master’s degree would be, I might have hesitated. That’s why I’m especially proud of making it through that first semester with my fellow students,” she analyses.
Tyni was able to weather the challenging times with the support of her classmates, and their bond has endured beyond graduation.
“The university community at LUT is unique. Our group of students was amazing and provided support throughout our studies, but the team spirit and camaraderie continue to this day. We last met at Homecoming Days in the spring, celebrating our Skinnarila years,” she gushes.
Responsibility and sustainability as a goal
Tyni now faces new challenges in her career, but her previous experiences provide a solid foundation on which to build new skills and practical expertise.
“As an optometrist in a small business, you had to consider the big picture right away to ensure all parts functioned and fit together. This smaller scale offered a good foundation for the roles I've taken on since,” she says.
In her current position, Tyni encounters new processes and subject areas, where she can apply and scale the methods and approaches, she has learned.
“Thinking about future outlooks and lifecycle perspectives has carried over strongly from my studies into my career. I also can't stress enough the importance of customer service skills and social competence. We constantly work with other people, so different social situations come up every day,” Tyni sums up.
Her current work in ICT procurement is engrossing. Especially sustainability and environmental concerns inspire her to continue developing and growing.
“In the future, I want to be proud of having made ICT procurement greener,” she emphasizes.
Tyni also wishes to encourage other alumni to pursue further education and update their skills, as studies provide them new ways to approach and perform on their work.
“I recommend studying as an adult to everyone, because it’s completely different than when you were younger. You can draw from your existing work experience to explore topics more deeply, making it easier to compare and connect ideas,” she points out.
Nina Tyni:
- Originally from Raahe, currently living in Helsinki
- Graduated from LUT University with Master of Science in Technology degree in 2023
- Previously studied optometry at Oulu University of Applied Sciences, graduating in 2010 with the degree of Bachelor of Health Care (Optometry)
- Works as an ICT procurement specialist at the HUS
- Previously worked as an optometrist in a family business in Oulu and at the HUS Helsinki University Hospital
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