When Valentina Smelova first heard about LUT University, it hit home—literally. Her sister’s husband had studied there and spoke highly of the experience. That personal connection, combined with LUT’s double degree programme in global management and innovation and proximity to her hometown of Saint Petersburg, made the decision feel natural. What began on the shores of Lake Saimaa became a career path that led her from Ensto to Neste, then on to Delivery Hero, and finally all the way to Legrand, where she now works as a business Intelligence and demand manager.
Professors who empower
Valentina fondly remembers the approachable nature of LUT’s professors. “There was no fear or hierarchy. We had sauna evenings with them—it helped break the ice, literally and figuratively.”
The learning environment was practical, collaborative, and refreshingly informal. “We weren’t just absorbing theory. We were applying knowledge, working in teams, and presenting real solutions.”
This hands-on approach helped her develop critical workplace skills: problem-solving, self-direction, and the confidence to tackle unfamiliar challenges.
“At LUT, I learned that if you don’t know something, you can figure it out. That mindset has stayed with me.”
Lessons beyond the lecture hall
Living on campus and interacting with students from around the world gave Valentina a new perspective. “I learned to work with people of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. That experience has been invaluable in my professional life.”
She also learned to appreciate the small things: the beauty of Lake Saimaa, the simplicity of Finnish design, and the joy of blueberry pie at the local fortress café. “Lappeenranta taught me to find happiness in the details.”
A new way of learning
Coming from a traditional Russian university system, Valentina was struck by the freedom and flexibility of Finnish education.
“In Saint Petersburg, everything is decided for you. You just go with the flow,” she recalls. At LUT, she had to choose her own courses, register herself, and plan her schedule.
“It was a bit of a shock at first, but it taught me to take responsibility for my own learning.”
That autonomy extended beyond course selection. Valentina freely followed her curiosity, taking classes in game development and logistics—fields far removed from her industrial management major.
“It was eye-opening. I could shape my own path and explore areas I was genuinely curious about.”
From classroom to career
A group project became a gateway to the working world. Valentina’s team was tasked with solving a logistics problem for a Finnish company. That collaboration led to a thesis opportunity, which ultimately opened the door to her first job. “It was how I broke into the industry,” she says. “LUT gave me the platform to meet professionals and prove myself.”
Today, Valentina works in Porvoo as a supply chain specialist. Her career path—from project trainee to logistics expert—was shaped by the opportunities she seized during her studies. “It’s not easy to find a job after graduation, but it’s absolutely possible if you use the resources LUT offers."
Giving back as a mentor
Now an alumni mentor, Valentina supports current LUT students navigating their own journeys. “I had someone who helped me, and now I want to do the same. It’s rewarding to share my experience and see others grow.”
Her advice to international students?
“Be open-minded. Try everything. Don’t be afraid to fail. The opportunities are there—you just have to reach for them.”
