“Your dream job will come in time” – Mari Polvinen’s journey to becoming a Marketing Manager

 

Mari Polvinen, 33 years old, originally from Kuhmo. I moved to Kuopio in the autumn of 2011 to
study. At home, I’m delighted by my beloved partner and our cat. I spend my free time riding,
doing various forms of exercise, and enjoying nature. I work as a Marketing Manager at OP
Pohjois-Savo.

Studies

I started my business administration studies at Savonia in 2011 and graduated at Christmas 2014. I
completed my advanced studies in marketing and management. During my studies, I was also part
of yTiimi. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to study marketing. Courses in financial
administration were a necessary evil for me, but they have turned out to be surprisingly useful in
working life. In marketing, you also need to understand the importance of budgets and results. If I
had been smarter during my studies, I probably would have taken a few more financial
administration courses.

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I also pursued a master’s degree at the University of
Eastern Finland in the International Business and Sales Management programme. I studied for my
master’s degree alongside work and graduated in 2019.

Thoughts after graduation

Ten years later, I no longer clearly remember what I felt on the verge of graduating, but I believe I
was nervous. I’ve never had a clear plan of what I want to do. I’ve rather dreamed and envisioned,
and through persistence and a bit of luck, I’ve been able to pursue those dreams. So you shouldn’t
worry if your direction isn’t immediately clear. Your own path will form eventually. Of course, it
requires work, and not everything comes easily.

Work experience

After graduating, I worked for a few years in customer service roles in the insurance and banking
sector. The work gave me good experience, but I always had a strong desire to move into
marketing. In 2018, I got a fascinating job at the Kuopio Chamber of Commerce, where I spent five
years. At the Chamber of Commerce, I first worked as a Service Advisor and later as a Service
Manager. My tasks were very diverse: organising training and events, marketing services, and collaborating with stakeholders. In autumn 2023, I started in my current position at OP Pohjois-Savo.

Competences gained from studies

During our studies, we had a lot of group work. Sometimes it was useful, sometimes less so, but
looking back now, group work, teamwork and interaction skills have proven extremely valuable. In
my job, I have also been able to make use of the project work skills I learned during my studies.
The field of marketing has changed tremendously in ten years, so after graduating, I’ve had to
constantly ensure that my skills stay up to date. Working in marketing is continuous learning.

Working life now

I currently work at OP Pohjois-Savo as a Marketing Manager. I am responsible for the bank’s
marketing and partnerships. I’ve been in this role two years now, and I like it very much. Marketing
is very hands-on, and workdays vary a lot. I plan and execute marketing campaigns, create content
for social media channels, coordinate customer events, and negotiate partnerships, for example with
local sports clubs. In my work, I get to collaborate continuously with internal and external
stakeholders, which is one of the best parts of the job.

Colleagues and the work community have always been important to me. I am truly grateful that at
OP we have a warm atmosphere and a supportive work community. It has a positive effect on every
workday and on my own motivation and performance. We also have top professionals from whom I
get to learn a lot.

Plans for the future

As before, I don’t have a precise plan, but rather dreams. In the future, I might be interested in
leadership roles. Maybe one day I will work as a marketing, brand or communications director.

Tips for students and graduates

In working life, you will get to and have to do many kinds of tasks. Sometimes you may have to
“settle” for a job that isn’t your dream job, but even that takes you forward and builds experience.
Your dream job will come in time.

However, never settle for a poor work atmosphere or poor leadership. Trust your feelings and
always trust yourself.