Usama Nadeem

Usama - Master's student in Digital Design

Meet Usama Nadeem, a current Master's degree student at the University of Turku and an UTUambassador 2023-2024!

"Moi, it's Usama here once again, and I'm excited to be back to share the latest highlights of my journey as a master's engineering student (Mechanical Engineering: Digital Design) in the beautiful city of Turku, Finland. Over the past year, my story has evolved, taking on the roles of an ambassador and a dedicated student at the University of Turku.

As some of you may remember, my experience as a master's engineering student in Turku, Finland, has been truly exciting. I've fully embraced Finnish culture and have found endless inspiration in the captivating beauty of Suomi, or "Funland," as I affectionately call it. While you might say I tend to talk a lot, being a student here has meant embracing every opportunity to live life to the fullest.

And let me share my fascination with snow. My first experience with snow in Finland was pure magic. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale winter wonderland. The pristine snowflakes covering the ground transformed the landscape into a breathtaking sea of white. But it's not just the snow itself; it's the entire atmosphere it creates—the tranquil silence, the sense of purity, and how it seems to slow down time. And I can't forget the breathtaking sunsets I've been lucky to witness in Finland over the past year—truly the most spectacular sunsets of my life.

I'm devoted to pursuing a master's in mechanical engineering with a specialization in digital design, and I'm currently in the final year of my coursework. This path perfectly aligns with my deep passion for design. While I previously admitted that I might not have been "The Designer" I aspire to be, I now have unwavering confidence that this journey will lead me there. The program's student-centered approach has given me the freedom to explore a wide range of courses, allowing me to refine my teamwork and digital design skills. My fellow teammates now recognize my abilities and often refer to me as the top designer on our team. We've undertaken numerous design projects, each one expanding my understanding of the limitless potential in the field. As we enter this year, we're focusing on our thesis, a design project with a significant goal that I'll keep as a surprise for now.

Speaking of my journey, it began in my home country of Pakistan, where I completed my undergraduate degree, and then took me to the bustling metropolis of Dubai, where I immersed myself in sales and service design. Now, firmly rooted in the tranquil Finnish surroundings, I've found the elusive balance between work and life—a truly exceptional experience.

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a full-time intern at Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe, a Finnish company, and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Throughout my career, spanning various countries and industries, I've often struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance. However, this experience has been a game-changer. I was able to find that elusive equilibrium, all thanks to the company's work-life policy. It's as if the last five years of my work life were leading me to this pivotal moment. Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe's unwavering commitment to employee well-being, flexibility, and understanding has not only reignited my enthusiasm for work but has also provided me with precious time to pursue my personal hobbies and passions. Moreover, I must emphasize that this experience has been a tremendous learning opportunity for me, allowing me to gain invaluable insights and skills in my chosen field.

On a personal note, over the past year, I've not only grown professionally but embarked on a quest for a more content and adventurous life. My passion for videography has truly blossomed, and those around me greatly appreciate my work. I promise to take it to the next level this year.

Throughout this journey, I've forged friendships that have become essential parts of my life. Despite a busy schedule, this year has been the happiest I've ever experienced. Now, I warmly invite you to connect with me on my social media platforms if you're considering the possibility of studying abroad, especially in the charming Finland. Together, we can go on board a journey to discover the incredible potential that the University of Turku has to offer. So, let's raise our glasses to the exciting adventures that lie ahead, Kippis!"

Instagram: @usamanadeem17 | LinkedIn: Usama Nadeem

 

Usama's study experience

How does studying at the University of Turku help you reach your career goals?

UTU has given me the competencies, skill sets, and exposure to real-world situations required to succeed in my career through a diversified curriculum, a student-centered approach, and opportunities for hands-on experience. Along with honing my technical skills, this transforming journey has also taught me the value of teamwork, adaptability, and a healthy work-life balance—all of which are crucial for reaching my career goals.

To whom would you recommend studying Digital Design to?

Digital Design is like taking a thrilling bungee jump into the world of limitless creativity and innovation.  This degree is your canvas for open-ended digital problem-solving and a playground for design thinking.