Saana Lehtinen, 21, is not used to being interviewed. As a student of Journalism and Communication, she tends to be the one asking the questions.
Two years ago Saana began undergraduate studies at University of Tampere majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication. Now she’s back in her hometown Helsinki, studying Media and Communication in The Faculty of Social Sciences.
What made you interested in communication studies?
“I am interested in everything! I guess in that sense I am a prototype of a student of communication. I like to write, and journalism gives me the opportunity to explore different fields. I’m interested in social sciences in general, I don’t want to dedicate myself to one particular subject, like ‘only’ politics. I find social sciences important and educative, and the field of communication especially is versatile and demands creativity. The journalism studies in Tampere were surprisingly pragmatic for an academic degree, for example learning how to write different articles and interview people. One of the reasons why I wanted to apply to the Media and Communication degree programme in Helsinki is that the studies cover a wider range of topics.”
In Tampere Saana specialized in social sciences and her ‘interest in everything’ shows in her range of minors: psychology, history, political science, gender studies, social psychology, sosiology, social politics and information studies. Now she is tempted to try something completely new, like industrial engineering, business or documentary film in Aalto University under the flexible study right agreement (JOO). “Maybe. Not sure yet,” she contemplates.
Saana still has some issues concerning her majors, as she needs to apply for credit transfer. Her plans for the following term depend on how well the courses she took in Tampere correspond in content with her compulsory courses: “I might write my BA-thesis this year. We’ll see.”
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
“No idea! I can picture myself in very different positions, in the corporate world and in printed media. I’m under the impression that the majority of students of communication get employed by different business organizations, although some pursue careers in more ‘traditional’ media. I wish I find a job in communications as soon as possible, hopefully by next summer. No matter how menial, as long as it’s in my own field of study.”