More Than Training Company held an event called Time Well Spent in Kytäjä Golf Club in September 2023. The focus of the event was on experience economy and creating memorable experiences. To make this into more than just an event, More Than Training Company collaborated with Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and senior lecturer Violeta Salonen to create a learning experience for selected students and alumni who wished to deepen their understanding of the subject.
The Collaboration between Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and More Than Training Company was initiated when a former student, working at Keilaniemi alongside MTTC's Janne Kolehmainen, Suggested a one-on-one meeting between Janne and Violeta, who shared interests with experience economy. The aim was to explore creating a project related to experience economy, offering students a practical learning opportunity beyond theoretical knowledge that was available in classrooms.
"It all started with just two people with similar interests – and just as a byproduct there was some talk about participating in some event some time with selected students. Not too long after we were having our first Collaboration kick-off for Time Well Spent!", says Violeta.
Goals were set to assist MTTC in achieving its objectives for the Time Well Spent event, focusing on active participation, and Enhancing event experiences. The Collaboration involved understanding MTTC's operations and customers as people through discussions rather than formal presentations, fostering excellent communication.
Cooperating with MTTC was remarkably easy, differing from typical collaborations due to smoother information exchange and seamless teamwork. The positive atmosphere and effective communication were highlighted by Violeta, describing it as the easiest communication experience in event collaborations, enabling easy agreements.
"There were no major bumps anywhere along the road. The students took great initiative so all I had to do was monitor and sometimes facilitate their work. The students were really empowered by all the responsibility and empathy they were given by More Than Training Company – a feat not many other companies give to these sorts of projects to students. This was also probably one of the easiest communication experiences in the event Collaboration context, which really helped a lot," states Violeta.
The cooperation widened perspectives on applying experience economy beyond academic Teachings and offered hands-on experience, fostering personal connections, and enabling diverse learning experiences like prototyping and enjoyment.
"Students got their hands dirty and had a chance to work with people they didn't know before. That made them link much more on a personal level. Also, the possibility to execute something they didn't have a chance to before did bring a lot of learning, like prototyping experiences etc. – there's no way to replicate that in a classroom setting. They also had a lot of fun!", says Violeta cheerfully.
Now that the event is over, what would you say to someone who is thinking about collaborating with MTTC in a similar way?
"Well, they should be open and trust the process and communicate openly. If you can do that, then just do it!", exclaims Violeta.
Would you work with MTTC again if an opportunity for it arose?
"Yes, definitely. With capital YES and many exclamation marks! Call me again if you ever need a group of students again!”
More Than Training Company thanks Violeta Salonen and students Vanja Kärkäs, Minka Heininen, Riina Immonen, Natalia Chernova, Macarena Jiménez Nogales, Pipsa Pullola and Valter Biscaia da Silva Filho for collaboration!
