Computer science student Quazi Shahidul Islam is currently doing his master's thesis and working at the speaker manufacturer Genelec. How an electrical engineer from Bangladesh ended up in Iisalmi is an eventful story featuring both tigers and famous personalities.
- Text Tiina Weman | Photo Genelec
Quazi Shahidul Islam's eyes light up as he talks about his homeland and its unique historical landmarks. Separately, he mentions the Royal Bengal Tiger, a majestic animal that can reach a length of about three meters and weigh a couple hundred kilograms. Homeland is clearly very dear. How did he end up thousands of miles north?
Trained in radio frequency and broadcast technology, Quazi worked for years for leading broadcasting companies in Bangladesh. His duties were related to audiovisual production and broadcasting technologies as well as related operations. At times, he travelled to interesting events around the world, of which he mentions especially the meeting with Elon Musk at a Satellite conference in the United States.
Life was good, but the idea of exploring international possibilities was on his mind. Quazi began researching opportunities for further studies abroad, and Finland appeared on the map.
“A good friend of mine was studying at the University of Eastern Finland at the time. I also knew about the high level of Finnish education, especially in terms of data science and artificial intelligence”, Quazi says.
The road to Genelec as a trainee
Quazi started his studies at UEF’s School of Computing in 2022. He heard about traineeship opportunities in companies through the UEF Trainee programme. Quazi had used Genelec speakers in his previous jobs, and when he saw the advertisement for a traineeship at the company, he didn’t have to think twice about applying. The application led to an interview and that, in turn, to a traineeship.
“UEF’s international relations coordinators helped me in many different ways. The university can be proud of their contribution”, he says.
He considers practical training in the company to be of paramount importance for the continuation of his career.
“It’s a must. Now I get to know Finnish working life and gain practical experience in research and product development, design, and production.“
Practical training is important for students in general so that they gain experience in real working life and see how skills are applied at the workplace. Traineeships are even more crucial for international students because they potentially help them secure a job and find their place in our society.
Aki Mäkivirta
R&D Director, Genelec
Contacts with companies and working life in general are essential for students to find employment, and Quazi hopes that UEF will continue to develop in this regard. His supervisor at Genelec, R&D Director Aki Mäkivirta, shares the same wish.
“Practical training is important for students in general so that they gain experience in real working life and see how skills are applied at the workplace. Traineeships are even more crucial for international students because they potentially help them secure a job and find their place in our society”, Aki emphasizes.
“The matter is also important from the employer’s point of view, as the traineeship provides the employer with information on what practical experience the person has previously acquired and whether they have potential. In addition, applications created in student projects can be extremely significant for a company.”
Quazi’s internship has obviously gone well, and he is full of praise for his employer’s innovative environment and transparent work culture.
“I have an excellent supervisor and very helpful colleagues who are easy to work with. Genelec products are sustainable and of the highest quality for professional, audiovisual, and home applications. I would very much like to be a part of the company also in the future.”
Support for international students' path towards working life
The difficulties faced by international students in finding their place in Eastern Finland have been recognised more widely. The UEF Trainee programme will continue to help students find traineeships, and more extensive support will follow. The educational institutions of Eastern Finland UEF, Savonia, Sakky, Karelia, Riveria and YSAO have joined forces to solve the problem.
The Talent Hub Eastern Finland cooperation aims to ensure that international students arriving in the region find their place, secure employment, and integrate into Eastern Finland. Students are helped concretely to familiarise themselves with Finnish working life, build networks, learn the language and find internships, jobs and business opportunities.
Employers are also supported in identifying the potential of international students and finding a skilled workforce. There will be concrete tools for recruiting, onboarding and learning the language at the workplace, as well as for adapting to the Finnish work culture. The aim is to lower the threshold for hiring international talent and make it a natural part of organisations' everyday operations.
Talent Hub Eastern Finland is a project co-funded by the European Union. You can read more about it on our website. Also, more info on UEF Trainee Programme can be found on website.
