Studying as a top athlete requires flexibility and perseverance
This spring, a large number of professionals in culture, business, technology, and social and health fields will once again graduate from Metropolia. About 1,740 students will graduate with a bachelor's degree and 320 with a master's degree.
One of the students graduating is Samuli Samuelsson, who will graduate as an optometrist in May. Samuelsson is well-known to the public from professional sports; he is the Finnish champion in the 100- and 200-meters sprint. He has achieved success in the Kaleva Games and indoor Finnish Championships in recent years. An Achilles tendon injury took the young athlete out of competition for two years at the end of 2017. During the break, Samuelsson managed to complete his studies.
But what is it like to study alongside a professional sports career? We met Samuelsson at the Myllypuro campus, on the verge of graduation.
Flexibility without special privileges
Samuelsson has studied at Metropolia with the support of the Urhea sports academy in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Urhea is an official elite sports academy and cooperation network approved by the Finnish Olympic Committee, which supports athletes' daily training and helps combine sports and education. The Urhea Foundation, of which Metropolia is a founding member, drives and strengthens Urhea's development.
In practice, the cooperation between Urhea and Metropolia has meant tailored planning and scheduling of studies and timetables to fit the athlete's daily life. However, the professional requirements are upheld.
"Together, we have tried to make the studies flexible, but it's not about special privileges," laughs Samuelsson, noting that he has studied the same content as other future optometrists. "Metropolia has been supportive of my studies, and I am satisfied with how my studies have been arranged."
Kajsa Sten, a lecturer in the optometry degree program, agrees: "Our degree program is quite small and community-oriented, and we know each other well. This makes flexibility easier. It might not be the same in all fields or universities."
Thesis on visual ergonomics for e-athletes
Samuelsson's interest in optometry started in high school during a career guidance class where the optometrist profession was introduced. He began his studies at Metropolia in 2017. "The choice has been worthwhile. The most enjoyable parts of the studies were the practical training in vision testing and various problem-solving situations."
His thesis became a study on visual ergonomics in e-sports.
"There were hardly any theses on the subject. E-sports is a rising field, and taking care of vision is, of course, important. The thesis provided good insights into understanding the visual ergonomics of e-players," Samuelsson summarizes.
Samuelsson has already had the opportunity to test his professional skills through internships and summer jobs. Sometimes customers have recognized the familiar face of the optometrist. "Yes, sometimes a customer has recognized me. It's quite fun," Samuelsson smiles modestly.
"Persistently moving forward in studies at your own pace"
Samuli Samuelsson is 25 years old. He estimates that he has 5-10 years left in his active sports career.
"For now, I want to pursue both professions. Competitions are held mostly in the summer season, so, for example, in the autumn, there would be time to work as an optometrist. I want to stay up-to-date with optometry; that field is also changing, and I don't see it as good to be away from it for several years. It's good to maintain professional skills."
What does Samuelsson want to say to young athletes who are considering combining studies and sports?
"I definitely recommend studying in a field that interests you. A sports career will end someday, so it's not good to fall into a void. Just move forward in your studies at your own pace," encourages Samuelsson.
The summer competition season is approaching, and Samuelsson is preparing for the Kaleva Games in Tampere at the end of August.
"I might celebrate graduation a bit later," laughs Samuelsson. Who knows, there might be more to celebrate at the end of the summer.
Get to know Samuli by watching the video
Watch Samuli's interview in the video below and take a look at the KyläOPTIKKO shop that opened in autumn 2021 at Metropolia's Myllypuro campus
Video: sprinter Samuli Samuelsson talks about his optometry studies