Top students from past years reveal none stayed in their original field of study

Three former high-achieving Finnish high school graduates, once celebrated for their exceptional exam results, have all switched career paths since leaving school, reports Yle Keski-Suomi.

The students, who earned top marks in their final exams, shared their experiences with Yle, revealing that none now work in the fields they initially chose. While their outstanding academic records opened doors, personal interests ultimately guided their decisions.

Teemu Vasama, 31, graduated from Jyväskylä’s Cygnaeus High School in 2013 with eight laudatur (highest grade) marks. Despite his strengths in mathematics and languages, he initially pursued studies in math and Romance philology at the University of Jyväskylä, aiming to become a teacher. However, he soon realized the profession wasn’t for him.

In 2017, Vasama switched to adult education studies, graduating in 2022. He now works as executive director of the University of Jyväskylä Student Union. “I hope everyone studies what truly interests them,” he said, reflecting on his shift away from expectations.

Salla Skön, 30, graduated from Muurame High School in 2015 with eight laudatur grades and one eximia cum laude approbatur (second-highest grade). Initially drawn to medicine—a path others assumed she would take—she left after one year, realizing it wasn’t her passion.

After working as a security guard and completing military service, Skön found her calling in psychology. She recently earned a master’s degree and now works as a school psychologist while pursuing a PhD. “Leaving medicine was a turning point,” she said. “I started thinking about what I actually wanted to do.”

Amanda Häkkinen, 26, graduated from Mikkeli High School in 2018 with eight laudatur grades. She first enrolled in a social change program but later shifted to philosophy, earning a master’s degree in 2024. She is now researching practical philosophy for her PhD.

Häkkinen emphasized that her top grades helped with transitions but weren’t the key to fulfillment. “The most important lesson was trusting my own choices,” she said.

All three agreed that while academic excellence provided opportunities, personal interest ultimately shaped their careers.