Deciding to apply for a position on the KY board is a big choice that can give you lots of new experiences and chances. It means you're committing to be active in the organization and to take a visible role in the community. It wasn't an easy decision for me since I already had a comfortable job and was doing well in my studies. I thought I had seen it all in the KY bubble. But this year has taught me that there's so much more to learn and experience.
While it may sound somewhat cliché at this point, the diversity of my job responsibilities is such that it defies any attempt to describe a typical work week. I could find myself in an alumni meeting dressed in a blazer in the morning and then, by evening, constructing a stage alongside the administrative coordinator. I’ve found this one of the most rewarding aspects about being a board member. While I do have defined tasks and obligations, I enjoy the autonomy to choose both what I do and how I go about it.
Historically, a common concern among prospective new board members has been the worry about the workload and its potential impact on the pace of their academic studies during their board year. This was also a worry of mine, but this year proved that it’s still possible to advance studies at a regular pace. It just requires some scheduling and a can-do mindset!
A major part of my year in the KY board has of course been my very own committee, Master’s Committee. As the chair of MC, my job is to make it possible for the committee members to organize events. In addition to organizing events for all KY members, being part of this close-knit committee has been a deeply valuable and fulfilling experience for me.
I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know so many new people through MC and I'm convinced that the work MC undertakes for Master's students holds profound meaning.
The year has taught me so much, but not anything that I had anticipated. The key takeaways of this year for me have been:
1. Ask and you shall receive. I’ve learned how much is possible to achieve simply by asking something. While things might seem impossible now and it seems like nothing could be done anymore, one phone call might change everything. The other members of the board, our employees, and fellow MC members have proven to be my most valuable resources. I've received a wealth of assistance and support from them throughout the year.
2. While not all problems can be averted through planning, it remains a necessary step. This year, my typically Type A personality faced a test, as the well-laid plans and schedules I meticulously devised beforehand crumbled away. Yet, I've come to appreciate the valuable lessons in adaptability and the joy of living in the moment.
As the year is wrapping up, I have to admit that my time on the KY board has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I've had a lot of fun, learned and changed as a person. I did things I never expected and had the chance to work with some truly fantastic people. So, if you're thinking about applying, I absolutely recommend it.
Inga Rouvinen
Premises, Masters' Students, Subject Clubs, Alumni
040 484 9112
inga.rouvinen@ky.fi
TG @ingarouvinen