Meet Shavindya Kariyawasam, a current master's student at the University of Turku and an UTUambassador 2025-2026!
"I’m Shavindya Kariyawasam from Sri Lanka, and I’m a second-year master’s student in Software Engineering at the University of Turku.
In 2019, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering and began my career as an IT professional. Since then, I’ve had the chance to lead cross-functional teams, work with international colleagues, and gain experience in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Product Management.
I’m passionate about becoming an innovation leader, helping companies around the world create user-centric products that stand out in the competitive global market. Joining the Master’s programme in ICT at UTU felt like the perfect opportunity to bring that vision to life! This programme offers an impressive combination of studies focusing on software engineering, quality assurance, UX, security, and business, and more. Moreover, as a student of UTU, you will not be limited to these studies. You will have the freedom to select studies from other departments as well, and that’s what I admire the most about our university. For example, I’m completing most of my minor studies at the School of Economics, where I’ve taken courses such as International Business, Enterprise Architecture, and Information Technology and Ethics.
In today’s fast-changing, technology-driven world, IT professionals need to adapt to new technologies and trends while building skills across different areas. The variety of courses in this programme, along with UTU’s flexibility, prepares students to become well-rounded IT experts who can successfully bridge the gap between business and technology.
Apart from my studies and career in Software Engineering I’m also a singer and a songwriter. In addition, I’m part of the University Choir and ESN, and I absolutely love connecting with people from around the world and making great memories along the way!"
Let’s connect!
Shavi's study experience:
In the IT industry, it’s no longer just about knowing how to code. Even as a developer, you need knowledge across various areas and the ability to bridge the gap between business and technology. For this very reason, the ICT programme offered by UTU was exactly what I was looking for. I was impressed by the programme’s content, which covers all aspects of the software development process, including software design, UI design, knowledge management, quality assurance, and more. I also loved that we have the opportunity to choose courses from any department within the university.
I really enjoy having the opportunity to select courses from other departments. It feels more like building a customized degree for myself! I’m majoring in Software Engineering while minoring in Information Systems Management. This allows me to create a unique profile that prepares me for the ever-evolving IT industry, and that’s what I love most about my study experience at UTU.
I have always been passionate about software product management, and I hope to continue working as a product manager for global IT companies, building interesting, user-centric products. However, I also hope to pursue my career as a musician.
I mostly spend my free time singing with my guitar and writing songs. I also enjoy reading self-help books, and I’m on a book hunt these days! Other than that, I love traveling and exploring nature. One of my favorite experiences since coming to Finland was when my friends and I went to Lieto to chase meteors! It was super cold, but the view was magical, and I will cherish that moment forever.