Sadeem Elbasyuoni’s journey to Finland was sparked by the Erasmus+ study exchange program, leading her from completing a pharmacy bachelor’s degree in Egypt to the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio in 2018. Enthralled by the hands-on laboratory work, Sadeem chose to pursue a master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular medicine at the University of Oulu.
During her studies, Sadeem delved into science popularisation, focusing on bioinformatics for her master’s thesis. Transitioning to work life, she became part of Business Finland’s Talent Explorer (now Talent Funding) program, contributing her bioinformatics expertise and Arabic skills to a company specialising in clinical genomic data analysis.
Sadeem, now residing in Espoo, works as a marketing executive for the same company. Her unique background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and Arabic language skills positions her at the intersection of biochemistry and science popularisation, using various marketing campaigns to build brand awareness.
Reflecting on her experience with the Talent Explorer program, Sadeem emphasises its mutual benefits. The program allowed her to explore her fit within the Finnish company while providing the company with valuable insights into the Middle Eastern market. The coaching she received enriched her market intelligence and reshaped the company’s strategy.
In comparing working life in Finland to other countries, Sadeem appreciates the lack of hierarchy in her current company, where her opinions are valued. She attributes her smooth transition to a career to the support she received from the Erasmus+ program and the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Oulu.
For Sadeem, the best part about Finland is the summertime, which she describes as “heaven on Earth.” Living in Espoo, she enjoys the calm forests and proximity to city life, indulging in activities like ice skating on frozen lakes and the possibility of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.