Xamk has a target-oriented approach to the development of co-operation and networks with companies and employers. Xamk personnel, students and companies participate in the development work. By engaging in active co-operation, we can respond even better to employers’ needs for competent employees and fulfil the joint regional development task. In addition to companies, Xamk also collaborates closely with the regional chambers of commerce and trade associations.
Close co-operation with companies and employers
Co-operation may take the form of sponsor company activities, projects, alumni collaboration or various collaboration events. Every spring, the Department of Common Studies arranges an entrepreneur meeting on Xamk campuses. A marketing and recruitment event for companies is arranged on the campuses every autumn.
We maintain regular contact with companies and other partners in matters related to education and current events in the relevant field of study. In 2019, companies, alumni and other stakeholders participated in the revision of curricula. In addition, degree programmes engage in close co-operation.
In 2019, Xamk had 1,441 partners in its register. Contact channels have been made clearer and faster by means such as the chatbot introduced in 2019.
The goals of education are set with consideration to the needs of employers
At Xamk, the goals of education are primarily determined by the needs of employers. The world of work is present in students’ everyday life in many ways. The studies include training in the core skills of the field in question, as well as current content and complementary studies that provide students with more choice. The development of students’ professional profile is increasingly supported by Xamk’s multidisciplinary diversity.
The world of work is constantly changing, which is why the studies must also promote continuous learning and the development of workplace skills. We respond to the changing needs by quickly developing relevant competence modules.
A career as entrepreneur
From the student perspective, Xamk approaches entrepreneurship from two different angles. Firstly, in today’s world of work, almost everyone should have some entrepreneurial characteristics. Secondly, for students planning their careers, entrepreneurship is increasingly often a realistic option.
Xamk helps all students to find a career that suits them best. The option of starting a business of one’s own is also introduced during the studies.
In recent years, Xamk has continuously increased its offering of entrepreneurship studies. Image 1 below shows the development of entrepreneurship studies (credits earned and participants) in 2018–2019.
In addition to research, development and innovation (RDI) projects, Xamk organises various events and projects that encourage students to consider entrepreneurship. Students can thoroughly consider their business ideas and develop their skills and competence in an entrepreneurial-oriented environment.
High employment rates for Xamk graduates
According to the nationwide career follow-up survey of universities of applied sciences in spring 2019, most Xamk graduates have a permanent full-time job five years after graduation. Most of our graduates work with customers or patients or have a managerial or supervisory job.
Of our students graduating in 2017, 4.3 per cent (57 graduates) had a business of their own one year after graduation. Five years after graduation, five per cent (60) had a business of their own.