With a background in public relations and marketing, Tamara was pursuing further studies in international business and gaining hands-on experience in Haaga-Helia's entrepreneurship society. She organized events and led teams of volunteers, motivated by her goal of working in communications for a large international company one day.
She was actively trying to secure a full-time job in communications, but the challenging post-pandemic job market really tested her belief in finding employment. Until a certain phone call at Istanbul airport changed everything.
"In moments of despair, I repeated to myself that I just need one person to believe in me to show what I'm truly capable of," Tamara recalls.
This moment finally came when Academic Work’s recruiter Sara called. It was shortly after Christmas, and Tamara was traveling to visit her relatives. The interview was handled through the airport's Wi-Fi, and immediately upon returning from her trip, Tamara was interviewed for the job by the CIO of Academic Work's client company.
She was selected for the position and started as a full-time IT Communications Specialist in early 2024.
Although moving from a startup environment to a large corporation was a huge change, Tamara's previous experience in events and community building, combined with her communication skills and strong motivation to learn, helped her get up to speed in her new job.
Her manager’s trust has accelerated her growth
"I think that responsibility comes with trust and that enables growth. My manager has continuously shown their trust by giving more important tasks," Tamara states.
Although her manager's impact on her professional development has been significant, Tamara also wants to emphasize her own responsibility and proactivity.
“I take the trust I’m given seriously, so I’ve been very active and shown my motivation to grow as a professional.”
The work that Tamara has put into her own growth has paid off. After working in IT communications for about a year, she received new responsibilities in change management. Today, Tamara is the owner of IT communications and very happy with her role.
Tamara's story is part of Academic Work's career story series Unlocking true potential. Through these growth stories, we want to highlight how enabling growth opportunities brings great value to both early career professionals and the hiring company.
Right now, a larger group of professionals than ever before is looking for that opportunity. Academic Work's goal is 5000 jobs over the next three years. The job market only moves by moving it, and we are actively working towards that.