Education Coordinator Jouni Jokinen was selected as the first Colleague of the Year of the University of Turku. The recognition aims to highlight the importance of each member of the University community in creating a positive work environment.
Colleague of the Year Jouni Jokinen has worked at the University of Turku for almost 25 years. He started as an intern in academic and student affairs in 2001. It was followed by a long period as an assistant at the Department of Economics. He also worked for a good while as a departmental coordinator. In his current role as an education coordinator in the Educational Affairs, he has been working with the Departments of Economics and Accounting and Finance for almost ten years.
“The common factor in my university career has been academic and student affairs in one way or another. For me, the most rewarding part of my job is study guidance and being able to help students face-to-face. The issues that students’ need guidance with have remained surprisingly similar over the years. Of course, the methods of communication have changed, but students contemplate pretty much the same things now as before, such as the choice of a minor subject," Jokinen says.
Jokinen was awarded the Colleague of the Year recognition in particular for his excellent work community skills. How consciously does he try to develop and maintain his skills?
“I always strive to improve. During my long career, I have learned a great deal about my own ways of working, and within that framework, I am able to nurture a good work environment. For me, it is important to handle matters face-to-face as much as possible, not only with students but also with the departments. It is important for me to know the people I work with. Moreover, improving your listening skills is always beneficial.”
Jokinen was widely nominated as Colleague of the Year, both by his own immediate work community and the departments he works with.
“We have an all-round great team here at the workplace. Our work community is empathetic and warm, and you can be yourself here, which is important. When I heard that I had been chosen as the Colleague of the Year, I quickly recognised that it was my close colleagues who had set the ball rolling. I was very pleased to hear that I also received suggestions and support from the departments.”
The Colleague of the Year 2025 award was presented at the Kipinä personnel event at Turku City Theatre on 28 October.
“It was really empowering to have my own work team there to cheer me on. It was also great to see several people I have worked with over the years at the event, and I felt many warm emotions during the day.”
The Colleague of the Year recognition is based on the simple but meaningful idea that the Colleague of the Year is a good colleague. The award is given to a University employee who strengthens the well-being, community spirit and positive atmosphere of the work community through their actions. Nominations for the Colleague of the Year were collected from the community.