Interview with a University of Turku Employee
Who are You?
"I'm Paavo Kosonen from the Partnerships and Strategic Engagement Unit and my job is to promote the university's cooperation with companies."
How did you end up working at the University of Turku?
"I am a Licentiate of Technology and have worked in various positions related to microelectronics product development in companies such as Nokia and Ericsson. My responsibilities included preparing collaboration projects with universities and applying for public funding for the projects. When Ericsson decided to stop product development of mobile device modems, I became interested in getting to know more about international business. I took one course and ended up completing my Master's degree in Economics and Business Administration at the University of Turku while also working.
I worked for a couple of years in a project by the University of Oulu, which for my part continued at the University of Turku, first in the Allied ICT Finland project and later in other positions."
What is your typical work day like?
"My working days are usually spent in meetings and phone calls and preparing for them. I help researchers from the faculties of the University of Turku in making applications for Business Finland and, if needed, in finding companies as partners for project consortia. I promote the collaboration of our two strategic partners, Bayer and Wärtsilä, with the different faculties and departments of the University. I am also involved in a project that promotes cooperation between companies from Salo and the University."
What inspires you in your work at the University?
"I'm inspired by the opportunity to get to know the researchers at the University and their expertise. I'm excited to be involved in supporting researchers to start collaborations with companies and other researchers. It is interesting to see what kind of results researchers achieve and how they help society and industry move forward towards a better future."
Why do you recommend the University of Turku as an employer?
"A multi-disciplinary university provides an opportunity to collaborate with researchers from different fields and a positive work environment."
What do you do in your free time?
"Vapaa-aikanani harjoittelen läpi kesäyön kestävään 300 km mittaiseen Saimaa Cycle Tour pyöräilyyn tavoitteena parantaa viime kesän aikaa."
"In my free time, I train for the 300 km Saimaa Cycle Tour. My aim is to improve my time from last summer."
Published 28.2.2023
