Experience I wouldn't trade
I am Matti Puromäki and at the moment I work at SOK Real Estate Functions, as a Real Estate Manager managing their real estate portfolio in Finland.
Why did you choose the Degree Programme in Facility Management?
It was a new program when I started and I saw a few great things in it: interesting studies with international atmosphere and growing business sector. It also seemed to match with my willingness to do multifaceted work in the future.
What was best in your studies?
The best in my studies was learning widely things from Facility Management business sectors. When working as a Facility Manager each day is different, and my studies gave me a good ability to manage my duties. I also gained basic knowledge of the branch, so it was easy to continue learning in work life.
Where did you do your practical training?
I did my placement in Amsterdam, at Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Airport. I worked as a Floor Supervisor, taking care of daily cleaning of rooms and maintenance issues in general. The experience was great. I learned a lot of new things about hotel business and working in multicultural environment.
Did you study abroad?
I studied at Hanze University Groningen in the Netherlands for almost six months. The experience had successes and small misfortunes, but all in all it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. The multicultural atmosphere of the country was something new to me. The methods of studying were a little bit different, it was also a new experience and gave a new perspective for studying.
What was your thesis?
I made my thesis for Nokia, Service Center of Finland. My subject was making a quality handbook for the space control, maintenance and office services. Basically my thesis described the quality demands of Nokia for service providers.
What kind of work experience do you have?
After graduation I went back to the Netherlands for a while and worked as a floor supervisor at hotel Radisson SAS Airport. In Finland I have experience from Nokia headquarters as a team leader of maintenance and Newsec as a Facility Manager. At Newsec I worked for several clients with managing facility services round Finland. Besides I have been involved in a few international FM projects i.e. managing moves of international companies in Finland. And as I told before, at the moment I work at SOK Real Estate Functions.
What would you like to say to the future applicants?
Welcome to study and work in a very interesting business! Facility Management is a growing business sector globally and the sector needs professionals in the future. The program gives you diversified education, after which it is good to specialize in future challenges. Good education guarantees you better possibilities to get an interesting work place in the future, so take a chance!
SOK Real Estate Management
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Degree Programme in Facility Management