Interview with a University of Turku employee.
Who are you?
"My name is Jani Hannonen and I started my doctoral studies at the Faculty of Law in January 2022 immediately after graduating with a master's degree. I work at the faculty as a doctoral researcher and my main focus is research on human trafficking.
In addition to research, I also work in the disciplines of criminal law and procedural law. At this point of my career, these teaching assignments include the examination of Master's theses and the preparation and examination of exam questions."
What is your typical work day like?
"After reading the news and having my morning coffee, my day typically starts with writing jobs, which I try to take care of in the morning in refreshed state of mind. A long lunch break is an important period of respite every day. In the afternoon, I read literature, from which I then write the actual text the next morning after the information has been brewing in my head overnight. My philosophy has been that the quality of time spent on work is more important than the amount of time.
In addition to the actual research work, my days include inspiring discussions with colleagues, seminars, meetings, doctoral studies courses and sending various emails. The assignments for disciplines tend to be seasonal as there are big exam rounds once a year. More experienced colleagues also speak, in a cautionary tones, about the May-June graduation floods.
Academic freedom is concretely reflected in the fact that my working place can be the Calonia building of the Faculty of Law, my own home or cottage, or sometimes a nice café. At the moment, though, I am on a research visit to South Korea where I work with my Korean colleagues in the workspace of an institute here.
I spend a lot of time doing things that interest me at my own pace. I enjoy my work so much that the arrival of the weekend surprises me repeatedly."
How did you end up working at the University of Turku?
"The University of Turku has been a close place to me since 2015 when I started as an undergraduate student at the Faculty of Law. During my studies, I became very interested in criminal justice and decided to become a prosecutor. The spark in law really flared up when I was writing my thesis and I decided to do a dissertation at some point in my career, for example in the middle of it. However, my brilliant thesis supervisors encouraged me to continue my studies right after graduation, and I have not regretted that decision for a moment."
What inspires you in you work as a doctoral researcher?
"In research, I like academic freedom, project-oriented work and an inspiring community the most. An interesting research topic drives me forward because I feel that my work is meaningful."
What is your favourite place on the campus?
"My favorite place on campus is the Lex café in the lower lobby of Calonia. While sipping coffee, you can support the Law Students' Association Lex Ry, meet people and at the same time educate yourself with the quality journalism of the subject association's Calonian Sanomat publication.
As a strong second, there is the walking trail between the Turku School of Economics and Calonia where you can enjoy the peace of nature and the swimming pool-like essence of the Calonia building at the end of the road."
Do you recommend the University of Turku as a workplace?
"Yes, I recommend the University of Turku as a workplace because of, for example, the great spirit of getting things done and the excellent opportunities for internationalisation!
Published 28.2.2023
