Succeeding together: Toni Keränen and Tero Huhtala don’t wait around – they make things happen

For elite athletes, university education is rarely straightforward. Completing a degree requires flexibility, something javelin thrower Toni Keränen has found in Oulu. A key figure in planning his studies has been his tutor teacher, postdoctoral researcher at Oulu Business School, Tero Huhtala, who understands that combining elite sport with academic work calls for arrangements that differ from the norm.

Their collaboration began during a bachelor’s seminar course, and since then, they have planned Keränen’s studies together. Flexibility is needed from both the university and the athlete.

“I’m probably a challenging student because I have to do things differently from others. It’s impossible for me to complete courses that require a lot of attendance when I’m training or competing on the other side of the world. As an individual athlete, I can fortunately largely set my own schedule, which helps with planning my studies,” Keränen says.

Balancing training and exams

The approach clearly works. During his university studies, Keränen has progressed from national level to the international elite in his sport, while his studies have advanced steadily alongside.

“Toni’s bachelor’s thesis was very good! His ambition and determination really showed,” says Huhtala, who supervised the work.

For Keränen, the thesis is a good example of a study format that suits him.

“It was enjoyable to write my thesis because I could manage my own schedule. I studied the role of athletes in companies’ marketing channels, so I was able to connect being an athlete quite concretely to my thesis.”

Huhtala and Keränen have worked together to find ways to fit studies into an athlete’s everyday life. Keränen is progressing steadily toward his master’s degree at his own pace.

Timing and workload management are key. For example, he began work on his bachelor’s thesis six months ahead of his peers.

“I dedicate my springs to training, while in the autumn I can focus more fully on my studies,” he explains.

For Huhtala, supervising Keränen has been a rewarding experience.

“It’s been great to support an athlete. What makes it especially meaningful is that the topics of Toni’s bachelor’s thesis and his planned master’s thesis align closely with my own research interests in marketing.”

Clear goals and steps to achieve them

Huhtala describes Keränen as a determined student whose approach could serve as an example to others.

“Toni has a very goal-oriented approach to studying. He wants to progress and graduate. He sets a goal, and then together we figure out what needs to be done to achieve it.”

Their collaboration is direct and easy. Keränen values how quickly questions are resolved. Instead of long email threads, the two prefer to call each other or resolve matters in a Teams meeting.

“I always get help from Tero and quick clarity on anything that’s on my mind. I always know who to turn to,” he says.

Efficiency is the defining feature of their partnership. The same approach is likely to continue as Keränen develops the topic for his master’s thesis.

Set a goal, identify what needs to be done to achieve it, and then get on with it.

The Achievers:

Toni Keränen

Work: Olympic-level javelin thrower
Education: Business student
Motto: “Slow and steady makes a beautiful track.”

Tero Huhtala

Work: Postdoctoral researcher, Oulu Business School
Education: Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
Motto: “It finds a way, one way or another."