Innovation, freedom and industry connections – Kirsi’s journey in Innovation and Design
Kirsi Vansol is studying the Master’s Programme in Innovation and Design with a specialisation in innovation and business development. She values the fact that MDU is at the forefront of applied sciences and sustainable innovation, and highlights both the university’s strong ties to industry and the engaged classmates she studies with.
Kirsi is studying the Master’s Programme in Innovation and Design and values the freedom to shape her own studies, the close collaboration with industry, and the opportunity to put her ideas into practice.
Why did you choose the Master’s Programme in Innovation and Design at MDU?
MDU is genuinely at the leading edge of applied sciences, especially in innovation and sustainability. The programme itself is interesting and challenging, and the close connections to local businesses and industries made it clear that this was the right place for me,
says Kirsi.
How would you describe your everyday life as a student?
There’s a lot of freedom, which also means a lot of responsibility. In my course we study very independently, and a great deal of learning happens peer-to-peer. There are mandatory lectures, but most of the work is something you manage on your own or together with classmates. It’s rewarding and fun — but you need to be able to take charge of your studies,
she describes.
What would you like to work with in the future?
I want to work in innovation management, and I’m planning to start a company that helps businesses systematise their innovation processes. This programme aligns perfectly with my goals — the curriculum, the challenging assignments and the people I meet through my studies all support where I want to go,
she says.
What would you say to someone considering applying to the programme?
Apply if you’re ready to take responsibility for your own learning and aren’t expecting daily structure or direction from the teachers. They won’t be holding your hand, but they are there when you need them. The programme is broad and cross-disciplinary, and you shape it into your own path. There’s no set trajectory — unlike programmes such as nursing or teaching — which means your future is completely open, and you get to create it yourself,
she describes.
Master's Programme in Innovation and Design