Bachelor's studies in Economics

At Hanken School of Economics, experiential learning isn't just a buzzword — it's woven into every course you'll take. This means you're not sitting in lectures passively absorbing theory. Instead, you're solving real problems for actual organizations from day one, building practical skills that employers actually want.

Experiential learning and campus-based education are at the core of Hanken's pedagogical approach, supplemented with online instruction and cutting-edge technologies like AI. Throughout your studies, you'll go through structured learning cycles that start with reflection on your own motivations, move into team-based ideation and research, and culminate in real-world implementation. This isn't abstract — you're working on projects that matter, receiving feedback from external mentors and industry leaders every step of the way.

The university has deliberately designed partnerships with major organizations to create authentic learning opportunities. Students have collaborated with companies like Lindström, Save the Children, Fairtrade Finland, and Ramboll on projects ranging from marketing strategy to carbon pricing. As one student reflected, "You get to experience what it could be like to work either as a consultant or as an employee in a company. It has been a very steep learning curve, since I didn't know much about the topic beforehand." That's the point — you learn by doing, not by memorizing.

Here's what makes Hanken's experiential ecosystem distinctive:

- Service learning projects with real organizations where both students and partners teach and learn from each other — you're not just extracting value, you're creating mutual impact
- Group-based projects (typically three-person teams) working directly with organizations, often requiring weekly engagement over 8-week periods
- Full-day hackathons and intensive workshops to jumpstart collaboration and ideation
- Weekly feedback from external guest speakers and industry mentors embedded throughout your courses
- Hopscotch Canvas, a research-based workshop tool developed by Hanken researchers to help teams build shared understanding and navigate group dynamics effectively
- Hanken Business Lab, a dedicated space supporting student ventures and experiential projects with mentorship and funding exploration
- Digital learning channels including online instruction and AI-integrated tools alongside traditional classroom-based learning
- Access to campus facilities including libraries, studios, and research institutes supporting your projects

The pedagogical strategy here is clear: Hanken deliberately closes the gap between classroom and career by embedding the corporate world directly into your learning. You graduate not just with a degree, but with a portfolio of real projects, professional networks, and proven problem-solving experience.

Graduates of the Bachelor in Business at Hanken are well-prepared for dynamic careers in business, finance, consulting, and management thanks to a strong foundation in economics and business administration. The degree opens doors both in Finland and internationally, with many students moving into roles that involve strategy, analysis, and leadership. This programme also smoothly leads into Master’s level studies, providing both academic and professional flexibility.

Typical Roles You Could Aim For

• Business Analyst or Consultant
• Financial Analyst
• Marketing or Management Trainee
• Project Coordinator or Business Development Associate

Progression & Future Opportunities:

• Career Services & Support: Hanken’s Career Services connects students directly with employers through events, networking fairs, personalized guidance, CV reviews, and access to career portals with jobs and internships specifically for students and alumni. Support is available from day one and continues up to a year after graduation, including mentorship and career counselling.
• Integration & Industry Networking: The Hanken International Talent (HIT) initiative helps international students build networks and understand Finnish working culture, including job shadowing, language cafés, and partner breakfasts.
• Internships & Practical Experience: Students can include internships or study abroad experiences as part of their degree, earning credits while gaining real-world experience. Career Services also supports applications for internship grants and organizes job-related events.
• Alumni Satisfaction & Employability: Surveys show Hanken graduates are highly satisfied with their education and career outcomes, with strong career progression and high recommendation rates among alumni.
• Thesis & Employer Connections: Students often complete bachelor theses in collaboration with companies, giving exposure to real business challenges and helping build professional networks ahead of full-time roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor’s degree at Hanken, students can continue directly to the Master’s programme in Economics and Business Administration at the same university without a separate application. This provides a smooth pathway to deepen expertise and access higher-level careers in consulting, finance, research, or leadership roles worldwide.