Sofia Koskela

Heyy! I’m Sofia, a second-year student majoring in chemistry and materials science. Last year I became an IE helper and a member of the annual ball committee, and so the year went by, learning more about responsibility and systematic work. Just recently, I came into a conclusion that I might just like the role of an organiser rather than a partygoer – for sure I don’t shy away from dancing and partying… – but I get great joy from making others enjoy their time. So, I decided to apply for IE of the 2027 board!

It goes without saying that student life is mostly made up of events. How else would we relax between lectures and exercise sessions? The IE role has a special part in making these events possible, and I believe I would be the right half for the job:

– I served as a board member throughout my whole high school time, with my role focused on organising events.
– I’m the group’s motivator: a positive, can-do attitude helps me get through long days and keeps the committee enthusiastic even when there’s a lot of work.
– I’m a very keen cook and baker, so I believe I’d have plenty of ideas for future sitsi menus.
– As IE, I would be capable and productive, and I wouldn’t run out of ideas.
– I happily keep myself occupied with tasks, so the IE role suits me well.

I find it especially important to offer the new and upcoming Process Engineering and other students experiences of our wonderful event culture, while not forgetting the older, wiser students. And lastly, I promise to give the IE role my best and do everything I can to make the 2027 events unforgettable!

In general, how do you see the event selection of our guild? What kind of events would you like to organize?

I think the guild’s event offering is already quite diverse: there are options for both more casual and more formal occasions, without there being too many. I especially like that events are organised in collaboration with other guilds, since it makes getting to know new people much easier.

I would like to organise more joint events with other guilds, such as sitsis or approt, but also sitsis just for process engineering students. Our guild is so big that many people end up without a ticket, so PT sitsis would give more people a chance to take part. I would also like to organise theme sitsis, because dressing up is always fun and gives an event its own atmosphere. More relaxed evenings, such as sauna nights, would add even more variety, and I’m sure they would be popular.

I understand that many students’ expenses exceed their income, so I want to keep events as affordable as possible so that participation doesn’t come down to money. I also think it’s important that everyone feels welcome at every event, regardless of their academic age.

How would you take international students into account at events?

I believe the biggest barrier to participation is the language. Sitsis are usually held in Finnish, and even though English translations exist, and part of the song leading is done in English, many jokes and moments can still be lost because of the language. I believe many international students would love to experience Finnish student life and our sitsi culture, but they may not dare to join in or can’t fully enjoy the event.

I want to encourage international students to take part in Finnish-language sitsis too. I would lower the threshold in practice by adding more song leading and programme in English, and by making invitations and marketing bilingual. At some sitsis, mixing up the table groups could also be a nice way for international students to get to know the Finnish-speaking students, which could strengthen the sense of belonging.

I would get the best results by collaborating with the Head of International and Master’s Affairs, the International Committee, and the song leaders already in the planning phase. I also want to ask international students directly what they hope for from events, because their experience is the most important starting point. My goal is that every student can take part in our events on equal terms and enjoy them to the fullest, regardless of language.

Being IE is teamwork. What kind of partner would you like for yourself and what kind of partner would you be? How would you maintain a good atmosphere and working habits with your partner?

I think that in such close teamwork, the best pairs work like good friends from the very beginning: you can laugh together, but also say things straight without spoiling the mood. Working as a pair takes listening, communication and understanding, but it also means having fun.

I would want a partner who is honest, positive and enterprising, and with whom it’s safe to disagree. As a partner, I would also be hardworking, optimistic and honest, and I would bring the energy to get through long days. I hope we would share the same attitude and drive, but I also believe our differences would be a strength. Everyone’s personality brings new perspectives to the table, and that is where the most creative event ideas come from.

I would maintain a good atmosphere and working habits with my partner by focusing on openness. At the very beginning, I would agree with my partner on how to divide the work and how we tell each other when something is bothering us. I would hold regular short meetings to go through both the tasks and how we’re feeling, and I would address problems right away instead of letting them weigh on me. In busy moments, I would remember to say thank you and cheer my partner on, because long days go much smoother when you know you’re appreciated.

IE helpers are IE’s most important help in organising events. What kind of IE helper team would you like to form and how would you ensure that they form a close-knit team?

I thought this past year’s IE helper team was just the right size. There wasn’t too much work, and not everyone had to be present at every sitsis, so the workload never felt overwhelming. I would like to keep the team the same size but put even more effort into team bonding.

I hope to have people from different years and backgrounds in the team, so that we get many perspectives on event planning. I also want to encourage international students to apply, and I would make sure the call for applications is clearly published in English too.

The most important bonding happens right after the team is chosen, so I would organise a get-to-know-you evening as soon as possible. A shared dinner, a sauna night or some other activity would be a great way to get to know each other. I would also like to organise a few shared moments outside of events throughout the year, to keep the team close. In shifts, people would rotate, so that everyone gets to know each other and no one stays stuck in the same small group. I would also make sure that every Apu-IE receives thanks and support, and that volunteering leaves them with a good feeling. In the end, being an IE helper is fun and rewarding, and it can inspire people to take on bigger responsibilities, just like it inspired me!