How does a year sound where you get to improve the everyday lives of students, organize events, influence decisions that affect students, and work alongside like-minded peers?
The HAMKO Board is responsible for planning and leading the operations of the Student Union. Its role is to ensure that the student voice is heard, services are developed, and the Student Union offers meaningful activities for its members. We are now looking for new members to join the Board for 2027.
More Than Just a Position of Trust
For many, a year on the Board becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their time as a student. Throughout the year, you get to meet new people, acquire skills that are valuable in your future career, and put your own ideas into practice.
You don’t have to commit to a single, predefined role or area of expertise. The core of the work is collaboration; everyone participates in the Board’s joint projects based on their own individual strengths and interests.
What kind of roles are there on the Board?
The Board consists of a Chair, a Vice-Chair, and 3–8 Board members.
The Chair leads the Board’s activities, oversees the overall operation, and works in close collaboration with the student union staff. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys teamwork, is willing to take on responsibility, and can inspire others to achieve shared goals.
The Vice-Chair acts as a partner to the Chair and provides broad support for the Board’s activities. When necessary, they also step in to perform the Chair’s duties.
Board members are responsible for specific areas and also participate in joint projects. These areas of responsibility may include, for example, communications, tutoring, student well-being, international affairs, events, student culture, or student advocacy.
A Board term is versatile
One of the best aspects of serving on the Board is the opportunity to shape the experience to suit your own interests.
Are you interested in events? Do you want to develop new benefits for students? Does advocacy work or communications excite you? Areas of responsibility are assigned based on individual interests, ensuring that everyone can find their own way to contribute.
Prior experience in student union activities is not a prerequisite for applying to the Board. What matters most is the motivation to learn new things, collaborate with others, and see agreed-upon tasks through to completion. Support is available from both the student union’s staff and other board members.
Who can apply?
All HAMKO members can apply for the board, regardless of their campus, field of study, or previous experience.
You can apply for the board even if you did not run as a candidate in the representative council elections. Above all, we are looking for active, collaborative, and enthusiastic students who want to help develop the student community.
Do I need to know Finnish?
Unfortunately yes, all board members should know Finnish. You don’t need to fluent but you must understand at least basic Finnish, both speaking and written. Official working language of the student union is Finnish.
If you are interested in promoting student causes, but would like to work in an entirely English-speaking division, we recommend the HAMKO International Team. The team works with HAMKO Board developing more inclusive student community.
Applications for the International Team are open until Nov 11, 2027, read more form this link.
How much time does board work take?
Serving on the board is a position of trust, so it is important to set aside time for the role. For most people, however, it is possible to balance a year on the board with their studies.
The work is largely project-based, meaning the workload varies throughout the year. At times, your calendar may be filled with meetings, events, or preparatory work, while at other times, your specific area of responsibility may be quieter.
If your schedule is already very full—for example, due to work or other positions of trust—it is worth considering how you will manage your time before applying.
How to apply
The HAMKO Board for 2027 will be elected during the Representative Council’s organizational meeting on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 16:30 at the Hämeenlinna University Centre.
You can express your interest in person at the meeting when the election of the Board takes place.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may submit an informal application via email to pj@hamko.fi or toiminnanjohtaja@hamko.fi. The application must be received before the meeting begins.
Don’t hesitate to join the meeting! The discussion takes place in a relaxed atmosphere, and the interviews are also informal.
Onboarding for your term on the Board
An onboarding process will be organized for the elected Board members, covering the organization’s activities, the year ahead, and the other people involved. These days are mandatory for the Board.
If you are planning to apply for the Board, please mark the following dates in your calendar now:
December 7–9, 2026
A second onboarding days will take place during week 1 or 2 of January 2027.
Travel expenses related to the onboarding sessions will be reimbursed, and meals are included in the program.
If you are looking to gain experience and responsibility during your studies, make new friends, and have a genuine opportunity to influence the everyday lives of students, the HAMKO Board might be the perfect place for you.
Do you have any questions?
You can get more information from the student union staff and the 2026 chairperson:
For more information, please contact some of student union employees:
Aleksi Kurvi
Executive director
tel. +358 44 722 1000
e-mail: aleksi.kurvi@hamko.fi
Emma Kokkonen
Adviser, Counselling and Student welfare
tel. +358 44 722 1002
e-mail: emma.kokkonen@hamko.fi
Liisa Hyytiäinen
Adviser, Member Service and Communications
+358 44 722 1003
liisa.hyytiainen@hamko.fi
Jenna Mäkelä
Adviser, Student community and Events
+358 44 722 1007
jenna.makela@hamko.fi