From Bangladesh to Helsinki: my journey of transformation at Arcada

My name is Afrin Sadat, and I come from Bangladesh. My journey to Arcada University of Applied Sciences has been anything but ordinary, and that is exactly what makes it so meaningful to me.

Before becoming a student again, I spent almost a decade working at Standard Chartered Bank, one of the world’s leading multinational banks. My career there shaped my identity, taught me discipline, and gave me the confidence to lead people and manage complex responsibilities. But after many years in the corporate world, I felt a quiet desire growing inside me—a desire to learn again, to challenge myself, and to step into a new chapter that would expand my understanding of leadership and transformation.

When I discovered the MBA in Business Management and Transformation at Arcada, something clicked. The programme was in Helsinki, a city known for innovation, education, and quality of life. I didn’t want to lose the opportunity. So, I made a bold decision: I closed my banker chapter and chose to become a student again.

Waiting for a visa – navigating the first semester online

The beginning of my studies, however, did not unfold the way I had imagined. I received my residence permit in September 2025, but my spouse’s visa was still under process. I didn’t want to travel alone, so I stayed in Bangladesh and started my first semester online. I was nervous at first. I wondered if I would feel disconnected or if the time difference would make things difficult. But from the very first week, the teachers at Arcada made me feel supported. They understood my situation, adjusted meeting times when needed, and always responded to my messages with patience and kindness. Even though I was thousands of kilometres away, I never felt like an outsider. I felt like a real part of the class.

Studying in Business Management and Transformation from Bangladesh gave me a unique perspective on the programme. The courses are designed for people who want to lead change in modern organisations, and they combine strategic thinking, digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. Even online, the learning felt interactive and practical. The study style at Arcada is very student centred. Teachers encourage discussion, reflection, and real world application. During my online semester, I completed four courses: AI for Business, Leadership, Digital Marketing Strategies, and Digital and Sustainable Business Development. Each one added a new dimension to my understanding of how organisations evolve. Even from afar, I could feel how relevant and future focused the programme was.

Arriving in Finland: A dream unfolding in snow and silence

After months of waiting, hoping, and refreshing the visa status page, the moment finally arrived. My spouse’s visa was approved, and on 16 December 2025, we landed in Finland together. I will never forget that day. Helsinki was covered in thick, beautiful snow. The whole city looked like a winter painting—quiet, white, and breathtaking. I stepped out of the airport and felt the cold air on my face, and for a moment, everything felt surreal. After all the uncertainty, I was finally here. I was finally beginning the life I had dreamed of.

When I walked into the Arcada campus for the first time, it felt emotional. I had already completed a full semester, but this was the first time I saw the classrooms, the library, and the study spaces in person. It felt like visiting a place I already knew. On campus, the learning became even more dynamic. Workshops, presentations, and hands on assignments filled my days. I took photos throughout the winter period and into the early signs of spring—the snowy mornings, the quiet corners of the library, and the soft return of sunlight that slowly brightened the days. Each picture captured a moment of growth, transition, or quiet reflection.

As I continued my studies in Finland, I realised how much I was gaining from this programme. I developed stronger leadership confidence, a deeper understanding of organisational transformation, and practical tools that I can apply in real business environments. After arriving in Helsinki, I completed courses such as Strategic Management, Service Quality Analysis, Hands on AI Solutions, and Service Design, each of which added a new layer to my thinking:

• Strategic Management sharpened my ability to think long term and make informed decisions.
• Service Quality Analysis helped me understand how organisations can improve customer experience.
• Hands on AI Solutions gave me practical exposure to emerging technologies.
• Service Design taught me how to understand users and create meaningful solutions.

Together, these courses shaped the way I now approach business transformation.

A thesis journey guided with care, mentorship, and personal attention

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been working on my thesis, which is currently ongoing. Research Methodology played a huge role in shaping my thesis plan. It helped me understand how to structure my research, how to build a strong theoretical foundation, and how to approach my topic with clarity. What touched me most was the support I received from Christa Tigerstedt, our Degree Programme Director. She personally coached me through Teams, guiding me step by step and helping me refine my ideas. Her individual attention made me feel valued and motivated. It is rare to see a degree director invest so personally in a student’s progress, and her guidance has been one of the highlights of my academic journey.

Looking back, this MBA is more than a degree for me. It is a journey of transformation—personal, academic, and emotional. I started from Bangladesh, studying through a screen, waiting for my life to settle. Today, I walk through the Arcada campus with confidence, gratitude, and a sense of belonging. I am becoming the leader I want to be—someone who understands people, embraces change, and leads with purpose. And for that, I will always be thankful to Arcada.

This journey has changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It strengthened my confidence, expanded my perspective, and reminded me that growth often begins the moment we step outside our comfort zone. Every challenge—from studying online in Bangladesh to adjusting to life in Finland—became a part of who I am today, and I carry that transformation with gratitude.