Information and Communications Technology degree programme opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities

Minttu Kauppi has always been interested in science and technology. Her interest in information security and programming sparked in high school and led her to study information and communications technology at Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Fourth-year engineering student Minttu Kauppi applied to the field because of her interest in science and technology.

Text and photos by Minna Salakari

An Information and Communications Technology degree programme provides students with a broad knowledge base and career readiness for many sectors of the IT industry. Studies include both theoretical and practical components. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of programming, security and software solutions.

Minttu Kauppi, a fourth-year student, says she got into the field because of her interest in science and technology.

I’ve always been curious and liked mathematics and science in general. In high school, I became interested in computer science, especially ethical hacking and coding, so I started studying them on my own.

However, entry was not straightforward: in the first round of applications, a place of study at the university was not available, but instead of a gap year, a pathway to a university of applied sciences was offered. Kauppi feels that her decision proved to be the right one, and her motivation for the field has grown even more as her studies have progressed.

Programming and information security work in real-life projects

Kauppi feels that during engineering education, students learn many practical skills that are needed in the working world. The studies are varied and include software development, reporting and the management of different technical tools.

“Courses in information security and programming have been of particular interest. The Information Security Testing and Assessment course provided an in-depth understanding of information security testing and the ways in which attackers can break into systems – including the ways in which systems can be protected”, Kauppi says.

He says that practical projects add value to learning. For example, in one course project, students carried out a security audit for a real company. The project included risk assessment, reporting and the development of concrete recommendations for improvement.

“This assignment provided valuable practical experience of how security work is done in real life.”

Engineering education can lead to a wide range of jobs

Although Information and Communications Technology degree programme is a popular choice for many, it is not without its challenges. For example, studying physics has proved difficult for those who do not have a strong background in the subject.

At first I felt I had forgotten the basics, but in a short time I learned a lot and became even more interested in physics.

The IT sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, and graduates have many options for direction. Many students are interested in cybersecurity and programming, which offer constantly evolving and challenging jobs.

“I would like to work in cybersecurity myself, protecting organisations and systems from cyber threats. I am also interested in programming because it offers opportunities for creativity and professional development,” Kauppi says.

Modern tools and teamwork support learning

Minttu Kauppi has been pleased that the rapid development of technology has been well taken into account in the content of the training: students get to learn about current topics, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and how to use modern tools.

The studies also focus on developing interpersonal skills, as teamwork and projects require teamwork.

He encourages applicants to start their studies with an open mind:

“Although studying can sometimes be challenging, with the right attitude and a willingness to learn, you can do anything – and help is always available.”