Engineering my future 12.6.2024 Keywords engineering I wanted to gain knowledge and skills in a field that was new, yet incredibly interesting to me – programming. Hello, my name is Anastasiia and I have just successfully completed my first year of studies in Lapland UAS. This study year has been exciting and I will gladly share my experience with you! I am from Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia city. I moved to Finland in 2022 due to the war, like many other Ukrainians, seeking a temporary protection. I have found strength to move forward; growth and development became my main goals for the future. I wanted to gain knowledge and skills in a field that was new, yet incredibly interesting to me – programming. And so, I researched the opportunities offered by Lapland UAS and found a perfect one for myself: MLDE – Machine Learning and Data Engineering. The degree programme is in English, which is a great chance for international people like me who have just started their journey in learning Finnish. I realized that obtaining another professional qualification (I already have a Master Degree in Philology) would take 4 years. But I dared to try, and I never regretted that decision. The studies include courses essential for the field. And, what surprised me in a positive way was that we had a lot of workshops during our courses and a big project at the end of the academic year. Thus, the studies balance theory with practice very well, and students are learning by doing. Lapland UAS provides comfortable areas for studying and a high-quality technical support for training. I am proud of how much I have already mastered and incredibly grateful to all the teachers who support us in our endeavors. Of course, besides studies, there is a student life. I have found a lot of new friends among both Finnish and international members of our study group, made new connections. After my graduation, I would like to build a career as a machine learning engineer and work with an artificial intelligence. I believe this to be an exciting industry, and who knows what future technologies are in store for us? I encourage people interested in the field apply to this study programme. And, especially, I would like to address Ukrainian students whose studies have been interrupted due to the war and those who would like to obtain new qualifications: do not be afraid to take the chance to get a higher education at Lapland UAS, it is a wonderful place that can change your life. You will discover many new things and maybe fall in love with Lapland like I did! Anastasiia, MLDE student