BME student Marika Laaksonen receives a scholarship from Zonta International District 20 (Finland & Estonia)

In May 2011, a Zonta International Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarship of 1,000 euro was granted to Marika Laaksonen, who studies in the Master-level degree programme in Business Management and Entrepreneurship (BME) at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. Other candidates were from the Aalto University, the University of Oulu, the Turku School of Economics, the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

The scholarship committee stated that, in addition to her excellent grades, Laaksonen had submitted a mature application and demonstrated the willingness to make progress in a field that is still not yet well-known in Europe, involving strategic management and personnel training. Her ambition is also proven by the fact that, with her long work experience, she has decided to pursue further studies up to a doctorate.

“This distinction was completely unexpected, and I do feel very privileged. I am proud of being able to represent SAMK in such a fine competition,” Marika Laaksonen said upon hearing about the scholarship granted to her.

Marika Laaksonen is still competing for an international scholarship of 5,000 euro, with which she could pursue studies in the United States.