Gaining Real-World Experience: My Journey in the Digital and International Skills Development Service
As part of my journey in the Digital and International Skills Development Service, I also had the opportunity to engage with related programs that share similar goals. One of these was MIOPIA, a side event of SOHJO, an influential business and technology event held in Joensuu.
SOHJO 2025, held on March 14, 2025, was an exciting gathering of ICT professionals, creative industry experts, regional developers, and visionary entrepreneurs. The event tackled the intersection of technology, business, and innovation, offering keynote speeches, expert panel discussions, and hands-on workshops.
About MIOPIA 2025: A Bridge between Technology, Business, and Students
On March 12, 2025, just before SOHJO, the MIOPIA event was held in Metria UEF in Joensuu as an official SOHJO side event. Unlike the larger SOHJO conference, MIOPIA focused specifically on three key themes: Technology, Digital Customers, and Students.
MIOPIA served as a crucial meeting point for ICT professionals, startups, retail industry leaders, and students, strengthening Joensuu’s position as a growing digital and innovation hub. The event featured a company stand area, where businesses connected directly with students and recent graduates. It offered potential career opportunities and insights into emerging digital trends. Additionally, a networking session provided a space for companies to engage with local and international talents, which emphasized the importance of a skilled, diverse workforce for regional growth.
As part of the MIOPIA program, Project Coordinator Veikko Miettinen and I had the opportunity to give a talk, where we shared our experiences in Cultural Knowledge and Digital Skills in Globalizing Working Life (CUDIS) project (ESF+). During our talk, we highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in today’s job market and how CUDIS equips students and job seekers with both technical and cultural skills to navigate the evolving workplace. We also spoke about my time at Arbonaut, a company that played a pivotal role in expanding my professional network. My experience at Arbonaut connected me with more people in the field, providing me with valuable opportunities and insights into the job market. Networking has proven to be a key element in successfully finding a job in Finland, and my time at Arbonaut highlighted the significance of making those connections to advance in my career.
By participating in MIOPIA, I gained deeper insights into the role of digital transformation, customer engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration in modern business. These events reinforced the importance of bridging the gap between students and companies, ensuring that future professionals are equipped with the skills and networks needed for success.
Sharing My Experience in the Digital and International Skills Development Service
I also had the chance to give a talk and share my experience in the CUDIS program at the opening session of the Digital and International Skills Development Service, which is planned to run from March 17 to May 30, 2025. Being involved in this program last spring, I felt I had made the right decision, and I truly got what I hoped for out of it.
During the session, I spoke to new students who are about to embark on the course, sharing with them how impactful the program can be in building rapport with professionals and how it can open doors for future career opportunities. The program emphasizes the importance of networking, offering students hands-on experience and exposure to real-world business environments.
The Digital and International Skills Development Service specifically focuses on students from both humanities and computer science fields; it creates a diverse, interdisciplinary approach. This combination has added immense value to the program, bringing together students from varied backgrounds to collaborate and exchange knowledge. It’s an opportunity to not only enhance your skills but also build connections that can help pave the way for a successful career in a globalized world.
Looking Ahead: Join the Journey of Growth and Connection
As I reflect on my experiences in both the Digital and International Skills Development Service and related events like MIOPIA, I am excited about the opportunities they offer for students, recent graduates, and businesses alike. These initiatives are not just about learning; they are about growing, networking, and building bridges between academic knowledge and real-world application.
If you’re looking to connect with professionals, gain hands-on experience, or shape the future of your career, I highly encourage you to get involved in these programs. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or jobseeker, these experiences can make a significant impact on your journey. The future of work is interdisciplinary, digital, and global—so take the opportunity to be part of it. Join us and build the skills and networks that will open new doors and lead to exciting career paths.
Event Links:
https://blogs.uef.fi/cudis/
https://vesko.fi/events
https://businessjoensuu.fi/sohjo2025
Writer: Reza Saberi, Spring 2025