Ukko Korhonen

Dear Former of the Board

My name is Ukko Korhonen, and I am a second-year student majoring in Chemical Engineering and Processes. I am applying for the position of Corporate Relations Officer in the 2026 board of Prosessiteekkarit ry.

Otaniemi has opened an exciting new chapter in my life. A central part of this experience has been PT—from the fun events and friendships of my freshman year all the way to the annual celebrations and lively May Day festivities. I have aimed to be active both academically and in extracurricular activities within my year, and joining the board feels like a natural next step in that journey.

During the past year, I have served as a Corporate Relations Apprentice, and applying for the officer position is a logical continuation of that role. I’ve had the opportunity to closely observe the creation and maintenance of company partnerships as well as the organization of excursions. Many practices and routines have been refined over the years into their current effective form, and I would aim to carry on this well-established work with the same dedication as my predecessors. At the same time, I believe I could bring fresh enthusiasm and new ideas to the guild and its activities.

As a person, I value a firm and responsible approach to getting things done, and that’s how I would handle my duties. While there’s no need for self-praise, I fully recognize the importance of corporate relations for the guild’s fundraising efforts and would treat the position with the seriousness it deserves. That said, I believe it’s equally important to maintain an encouraging attitude and a spark of humor. I appreciate straightforward communication and a selfless mindset when it comes to working for the common good. After all, things get done only by doing them.

If you have any questions about this or anything else, the easiest way to reach me is on Telegram @maestrotanne, or hit me up if you see me around!

1. How would you develop the association’s corporate relations for next year?

Our current Corporate Relations Officer, Director J. Nyman, has managed our company relations on a broad front. It’s good to continue building on this solid foundation, and I believe maintaining continuity in our corporate relations will be key next year. The general economic situation isn’t the brightest right now, and attracting new companies might be challenging. Nevertheless, every stone should be turned—after all, every chance is an opportunity! All means should be used for building connections, whether by phone, email, or representing the guild at industry events.

To translate it a little more ”finance-bro-slang”, our corporate relations portfolio should remain as diverse as possible. Chemical engineering isn’t just about paper or specialty chemicals—it covers everything from those to nanomaterials, energy sources, batteries, and even bio-based textile fibers. Our members come from many majors and orientations, so the goal is to organize company collaborations and excursions that appeal to a broad range of students.

2. Describe your communication skills. How would you approach a company that hasn’t yet collaborated with the association?

I’d describe myself as an easygoing and talkative person who gets along with just about anyone. Approaching a new company is always a bit tricky since the first contact and impression play a big role in what follows. I believe an open-minded and energetic attitude is essential for leaving a positive impression. Starting the discussion via email with an example proposal is a good way to cast the first line.

That said, I’m a somewhat middle-aged twenty-something at heart—I prefer calling over texting. Good manners, such as replying to messages promptly and clearly, always leave a good impression of both myself and the organization I represent. No “bro-talk” or slang required.

Collaboration formats should also be creative and varied. Overall interest might not be sparked by simple overall or website ads, but branded event drinks or LinkedIn promotions could very well strengthen the match between our and the companies’ interests.

3. How much and what kind of tasks would you delegate to your apprentices and excursion master?

The role of apprentices—and all officers, really—is invaluable for PT. I plan to share responsibilities reasonably and according to each person’s situation. The minimum workload won’t be overwhelming, but there will be plenty of rewarding opportunities for those eager to contribute. Still, it’s important that no one becomes overburdened; everyone should be able to participate according to their capacity.

Having served as an apprentice myself, I’ve gained experience in contacting companies and organizing excursions. It’s been rewarding—after all, glimpses into potential future workplaces can motivate one to study harder. One can only expect from others what they’re willing to do themselves, so I won’t be offloading all work onto the apprentices or excursion master. The ultimate responsibility always lies with the officer.

I plan to give the excursion master creative freedom in running the guild’s excursions while offering help whenever needed. Organizing larger trips, like Faasimuutos, is a major effort that no one can handle alone—or even in pairs, no matter how many Pringles you bring. The Corporate Relations Officer and excursion master should keep each other updated to avoid unnecessary confusion. Additionally, the excursion master’s duties could include drafting annual contracts so that when contacting companies, we can offer multiple forms of collaboration at once—not just excursions or ads.

The excursion master should also feel free to delegate tasks to the apprentices—I, for one, enjoyed helping with things like assembling excursion leaflets. I’m confident that together with the apprentices and the excursion master, we’ll find a shared rhythm and a fun, cooperative atmosphere. Even though we represent the guild and money matters are involved, there’s no need to be stone-faced about it.