EMBA Turku experiences
Author: Timo Oksanen
I had the chance to interview eMBA Turku alumnus Tuomas Vasama about his experiences in the programme. He is the CFO in Auramarine Ltd and graduated as an Executive Master of Business Administration in June 2014.
Tuomas came to the programme expecting to learn things like strategic planning, strategic thinking, change management, innovation management and corporate finance. In the end he felt that his expectations were not only met, but also exceeded. On top of all the expected facts and knowledge, the eMBA studies started an on-going personal growth process, which he believes will lift him to a totally new level as a person and as a leader.
“I understood the importance of my personal development and how important it is to be in balance with yourself and to know yourself to be a good leader”, says Tuomas.
Most rewarding aspects of the studies
- eMBA provided a very good way to learn, as academic theory was combined with practical things from day-to-day business and also from participants’ own work experience.
- Personal growth – something Tuomas had not paid attention to before
- Student network – group was very diverse and there were a lot of inspiring individuals who gave Tuomas a lot and will continue to be an asset in the future as well
Most challenging aspect of the studies
The only challenging aspect Tuomas was able to name was time management. Two of his tree children were born during the studies, which gave him a lot of challenges and sometimes very little sleep at night. On the other hand, these challenges made him use his time a lot more efficiently and work in a lot more organized way.
Benefits of the programme
When talking about the benefits of the programme, Tuomas gave a very concrete example about the benefits to his company. As part of his final thesis, he planned and facilitated a strategy process, which was beforehand done by outside consultants.
The eMBA studies cost a lot less than the fees of the external consultants, so Tuomas feels that the thesis alone ”paid the bill”.
”In my case the investment payback is easy to show – which of course is nice for a CFO.” Tuomas says with a big smile.
Tuomas feels that everything he learned during the programme made him a lot more visionary leader. He’s better able to see the overall picture from different points of view. As a result of the personal growth process, which started during the studies, he has become more human and more balanced as a leader – and his own quality of life has improved.
“Leadership is all about people – not about figures and organization charts. You have to be in balance with yourself in order to be able to lead others.”