Growing up surrounded by forests, Juuso Laajalehto wanted to study something multidisciplinary that connects business and the environment. Today, he is in his second year of the Master’s Degree Programme in Forestry (Transatlantic Forestry) at the University of Eastern Finland.
“I’ve been surrounded by forests since childhood and wanted to study something multidisciplinary that connects business and the environment. Forest sciences is so diverse, you can look at the machine/human/ecosystem interactions, focus on forest products, combine IT skills with GIS and remote sensing, or take a deep dive into ecosystems from a bio/geo/climatic perspective. It’s deeply tied to Finland’s economy, which made it a natural choice for me,” Juuso explains.
He chose UEF for its reputation and opportunities. “I applied to UEF because Joensuu is known as the forest capital of Europe and the university has one of the strongest ecosystems around bioeconomy. It offered national and international opportunities that few other places could match, and I’ve never regretted that choice.”
I applied to UEF because Joensuu is known as the forest capital of Europe and the university has one of the strongest ecosystems around bioeconomy.
Juuso Laajalehto
Student of Master's degree programme in Forestry
Blending student life with real‑world experience
Juuso’s favorite part of his studies has been the combination of student life and real-world experience. “I’ve been able to participate in a number of interesting projects with the private sector, which has allowed me to gain experience and start building my professional career while still studying.”
One of his most memorable moments was during his bachelor’s degree. “The field courses were a great way to connect with others, especially at a time when COVID was limiting most social interactions.”
Adapting to the Finnish academic system required some adjustment. “It took me a while to get used to the fact that motivation largely comes from yourself, and there isn’t a system pushing you to attend classes. I've found it tempting to skip lectures, but afterwards realized that attending them (not mandatory) is one of the best ways to absorb the material, compared to studying entirely on my own.”
Juuso enjoys Joensuu’s vibrant atmosphere. “One of the best things about Joensuu is that it’s such a lively student city. With easily the highest student-to-population ratio in Finland, it has an energetic and welcoming vibe.”
His advice to future students? “Make the most of the social side of university. It’s easy to just focus on studies and keep to yourself, but building a network, developing social skills, and having fun are, in my opinion, some of the most valuable things university can offer.”
Looking ahead, Juuso plans to work in the forest industry to gain practical experience. “Once I’ve built some professional experience, I may return for doctoral studies.”
