Joona Haatainen is the alumnus of the year 2024

Haatainen graduated from the Kouvola campus with a degree in business administration in 2021. He is currently the CEO and marketing strategist of Troot, a company he founded.

The Alum of the Year is an honorary title awarded annually to one graduate from Xamk or its predecessors Mamk and Kyamk, who has continued to collaborate with Xamk commendably after graduation. Anyone can propose a candidate for the Alumnus of the Year, and the decision is made by the president, CEO Heikki Saastamoinen.

“Joona has always been very open to all kinds of cooperation with Xamk. He has generously shared his expertise in meetings with new sales and marketing students as well as in the social media communication course of the Emma Gala. Joona founded his company during his studies and grew it to generate a turnover of several million euros during his studies. When Joona and his newly founded company organized the first TubeTour, I was there to witness Joona’s performance. It was great to hear how TubeTour partners like representatives of the S-Ryhmä (S-Group) and Silja Line praised the successful event tour. This happened a long time ago and represented the best of the entrepreneurial path and business cooperation! Troot was awarded the most impactful agency of the year in spring the 2024,” says the Xamk lecturer who nominated Joona for the Alumnus of the Year.

“The selection as Alumnus of the Year certainly surprised me. I had no idea that someone had nominated me, but this is definitely a positive surprise!” Joona comments upon hearing about the honorary title.

“This feels like an honour. I wouldn’t have expected it. School wasn’t always easy for me, so now I want to give back the support I received during my studies and share my knowledge of digital marketing and my career path with current students. Work-life collaborations and internships are important for students to get a taste of their field during their studies. It is nice to share my expertise,” Joona comments.

“The best thing about Xamk was the flexibility. It was easy to combine entrepreneurship and studies, and I could immediately apply what I learned in school to practice,” Joona adds.

The Alumnus of the Year will give a short speech at Xamk’s virtual graduation ceremony on Thursday, December 19, 2024, starting at 3:00 PM.