Leena Veijonsuo
International Exchange Coordinator at the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?
I come from a big family. My parents were teachers and I am child number 6 out of 7. Our family had an active social life including many international friends. English, Swedish and German languages were used in our home. I chose a few more languages in my school study plan. Singing and playing were part of the everyday life both at school and at home. “The more the merrier” could have been the slogan of my childhood family.
WHAT IS YOUR PATH TO THE CURRENT POSITION?
After college, I started my working life in a bank, where I worked as a secretary at the International Capital Markets. I worked with the hilarious investment bankers and brokers in the bustling dealing room. At the same time, I was already married to a musician (luckily, I still am), and our life had a lot to do with music and musicians. This led me to the Sibelius Academy, where I spotted an open position as an assistant to the Rector. Five years in the Rector's office offered me a comprehensive introduction to the Sibelius Academy, which was at the time an independent music university. I took roots and got accustomed to the academy life, and when new staff resources were needed at the International Office, I was ready to go. This happened 15 years ago....and I am still here!
WHAT IS YOUR PASSION IN YOUR JOB?
I get energy from the students and enjoy helping them out. Likewise, I also enjoy working with the teaching and administrative staff. I like to enhance internationality and make things run smoothly. Communications in international setting is interesting to me. I enjoy seeing the development of the students. I have two lovely colleagues in our small but well-functioning international relations team. And finally, I love the international community of fellow IRC's; it is the crown jewel of this job!
Working as an IRC at a music university combines many of my areas of interest: different cultures and languages, music and musical talent, communications and interaction with people. However, I still have not figured out how to combine sailing and lighthouses with this job...
