Katerina Panina, originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, reflects on her transformative journey to becoming a PhD student and entrepreneur in Finland. Her story, shaped by her parents’ encouragement to learn Finnish as a teenager, led her to pursue higher education in Turku, where she has earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is currently pursuing a PhD in marketing.
Katerina emphasizes the significance of Finland’s excellent education system and the culturally special academic environment. Professionally, she values the support of early-career researchers to grow independently, surrounded by exceptional minds. Personally, Turku has become her home, with lasting friendships, a thriving startup, and a sense of belonging.
Katerina’s advice to those considering studying in Finland is to understand their needs and commit early on. Learning Finnish and engaging with local activities helped her integrate, fostering a deeper connection with the culture. She encourages international students to explore Finland’s nature and bring honesty and hard work to their studies.
Her favorite aspects of Finland are its genuine, diligent people and its pure, beautiful, and understated nature. As a co-founder of a startup, Katerina aims to help newcomers feel at home, contributing to her sense of belonging in Turku. She appreciates Finland’s unique focus on well-being, even in demanding environments like academia and entrepreneurship.
Various organizations, including the University of Turku, Turku School of Economics, Suomen Ekonomit, and Turku Business Region, have played pivotal roles in Katerina’s professional growth. She cherishes Turku’s size, offering a mix of historical charm and modernity close. Katerina enjoys singing, hiking, playing board games, and exploring museums in her leisure time, fostering a rich and fulfilling life in Turku.