Discovering Meaningful Education at Metropolia’s Open University
Rasvan Constantinescu, a passionate and curious individual with a Master of Science in Electronics, embarked on a journey of continuous learning at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Originally from Romania, with a background in IT and a natural curiosity to explore new domains, Rasvan’s story is one of personal growth, career advancement, and meaningful education.
From Curiosity to Confidence: Rasvan's Path Through Metropolia's Opportunities
Rasvan’s journey with Metropolia’s Open University began when he met a career coach from the SIMHE (Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland) program. Intrigued by the portfolio of courses and the opportunities offered at Metropolia, Rasvan decided to explore further. After engaging in discussions with Metropolia’s representatives, he crafted a purposeful academic plan that resonated with his goals.
Initially, Rasvan enrolled in cybersecurity courses to enhance his professional conversations during recruitment processes. Later, his curiosity led him to delve into the computer gaming business to understand what happens on the other side of the screen.
“The practical, hands-on learning environment at Metropolia enabled me to gain a competitive edge and build confidence in my skills. I am happy with the learning results”, explains Rasvan.
He appreciated Metropolia’s open, kind, and supportive atmosphere, as well as its affordable pricing, with many courses costing as little as €50. This combination of quality education and affordability made his decision to return Metropolia an easy one.
Academic Experience
Rasvan describes the education at Metropolia as a perfect blend of theory and practice. Courses are designed to be meaningful and relevant, reflecting the realities of the professional world. In cybersecurity, for example, the lab environment provided practical experiences that significantly contributed to his learning and career readiness.
Despite the predominantly self-study format of his courses, including online quizzes, small tests, and final exams, Rasvan felt well-prepared.
“The courses were structured in a way that I could learn effectively, even without direct interaction with professors or classmates,” he notes. This independent learning approach helped him develop self-discipline and problem-solving skills.
School Environment at Metropolia
Metropolia’s facilities, including labs and other resources, stand out for their practicality and accessibility. Rasvan values the institution’s emphasis on meaningful discussions and actions, which aligns well with the Finnish way of communication—practical, clear, and results-oriented.
Rasvan found the overall atmosphere at Metropolia to be friendly, supportive, and conducive to personal and professional growth.
Personal Growth and Opportunities
Studying at Metropolia has been transformative for Rasvan, both academically and personally. The practical knowledge he gained has been instrumental in advancing his career. Moreover, his studies have fostered a deeper curiosity to continue learning and exploring new areas of interest.
Rasvan encourages prospective students to “give it a try.” With minimal financial investment, Metropolia offers courses that are both affordable and impactful. “Choose wisely what you want to learn,” he advises, adding that his positive experience led him to recommend Metropolia to his friends. The institution’s broad and deep portfolio of courses allows students to start with foundational knowledge and progress to more advanced levels.
For Rasvan, Metropolia was the best choice among other higher education institutions. The depth and breadth of its course offerings, combined with its supportive community and practical approach to education, make it a standout institution. “Metropolia education is meaningful and reflects the reality of what the field needs,” he affirms.
Summing up his experience, Rasvan describes his time at Metropolia as smooth and rewarding. The technology-driven studies, coupled with the kindness and helpfulness of the people behind Metropolia, have left a lasting impression. As he looks to the future, Rasvan remains eager to continue learning and exploring new horizons—with Metropolia as one of his top choices for further education.
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland
Metropolia provides SIMHE services (Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland) for highly educated immigrants to recognise their competences and to guide them to suitable study and career paths. We also develop guidance and support for Metropolia international degree students to find employment in Finland. The operations are funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Finland needs more high-skilled workforce. International professionals are a tremendous pool of talent for Finland. Our mission is to help these talents find employment in their own field in our country. Metropolia started SIMHE services together with the University of Jyväskylä in 2016. Nowadays there are higher education institutions responsible for SIMHE services around Finland.