Double Degree broadens expertise and opens doors to an international career

Master’s student Mohammad Rakibur Rahman Khan, originally from Bangladesh and specialising in Financial Management and Accounting, began his studies in Oulu and continued through the double degree programme at Pforzheim University in Germany. His decision was driven by a desire to build an international career and experience different academic and professional environments.

“One of the biggest benefits of the double degree program is the opportunity to earn two degrees while gaining international academic and professional exposure,” Mohammad explains.

According to him, both the application process and the practical arrangements were surprisingly straightforward. To his delight, part of the exchange costs was covered by an Erasmus Mundus scholarship awarded to him. The SAP S/4HANA skills he acquired in Oulu quickly helped him secure employment in Germany, and Mohammad believes the double degree will support his career well into the future – including if he returns to Finland.

A direct route to the European financial markets

Jooseppi Konttila decided to pursue a double degree in Belgium at HEC Liège School of Management through his finance studies and out of curiosity about international opportunities. Ultimately, the decision to go abroad became an easy one when he realised that a double degree could serve as a pathway into the European finance sector. His ambition was to build a career beyond Finland and explore employment opportunities abroad.

“I believe this is the best route from Oulu to the Luxembourg job market,” Jooseppi says.

In Liège, the studies were practical and demanding, involving case exercises, Excel modelling, and building an investment fund. His active approach led to an internship at Deutsche Bank in Luxembourg, while at the same time significantly expanding his international network. At times, the workload was heavy, but according to Jooseppi, entirely manageable with the right attitude. There was also time for travelling and social life alongside the studies.

Jooseppi Konttila (right) wanted to pursue job opportunities abroad.

An excellent way to stand out

Lotta Uusitorppa is completing a double degree in France at KEDGE Business School. She already had previous exchange experience, which strengthened her desire to go abroad again. The double degree offered a clear and goal-oriented pathway to do so. During her master’s studies, Lotta worked hard to achieve strong grades in order to secure the opportunity for a double degree.

“I feel that employment opportunities after this degree are better, and the double degree offers an excellent way to stand out,” Lotta explains.

Her marketing studies in Oulu and her major in Supply Chain & Purchasing at KEDGE complement one another and broaden her expertise. Lotta has particularly appreciated the international atmosphere, small group sizes, and courses that encourage discussion-based learning. She recommends the double degree to anyone interested in it, although she emphasises that students must also be prepared to commit themselves fully.

Lotta Uusitorppa’s previous exchange experience encouraged her to pursue a double degree.

An investment that pays off

What unites the students’ experiences is the idea that a double degree requires commitment and flexibility, but offers considerable rewards: international career opportunities, deeper expertise, and a stronger professional profile. For many, a double degree can become a decisive advantage in the future job market.

“The investment was absolutely worth it,” Mohammad sums up.

Interested in completing a Double Degree?

At the Oulu Business School, you can complete a double degree at a partner university connected to your major subject. You may apply for the right to pursue a double degree during the first year of your master’s studies. You will spend the first year of your master’s degree in Oulu and then continue your studies at a partner university.

The Oulu Business School has agreements with the following universities and programmes:

• Sustainable Marketing, International Business Management: KEDGE Business School, Bordeaux, France
• Finance: HEC Liège School of Management, Liège, Belgium
• Financial and Management Accounting: Pforzheim University, Pforzheim, Germany
• All majors (excluding Business Analytics): The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina, United States (only available for students with OBS Bachelor’s degree)

Students undertaking a double degree receive exchange funding support. In addition, international students only pay their tuition fees for OBS studies.

You can improve your chances of being accepted into the programme by maintaining good academic performance and demonstrating your motivation through a motivation letter and interview.

More information

Education Designer Elisa Mejías, elisa.mejias@oulu.fi