Alum of the Year Joakim Strand: “I have never met anyone who regretted studying at Hanken”

“It is an impressive group of people who have previously received this recognition, and there are so many remarkable individuals within the Hanken community. Being named Alum of the Year feels both honouring and genuinely exciting,” says Strand.

Strand graduated from Hanken in Vaasa in 2008 with accounting as his major. He also holds a master of laws degree from the University of Helsinki. Before entering politics, he worked at OP cooperative bank in Vaasa and within Sture Udd’s UPC Group. He has also served as chair of the City Council in Vaasa. Strand was elected to the Finnish parliament in 2015 and became minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering in 2024.

Strand extends his thanks to all the excellent professors and others whose high-quality teaching he has learned so much from throughout the years.

“Throughout my career, I have benefitted enormously from my education at Hanken, not least in my current role overseeing the state’s ownership portfolio of around 74 companies worth 40 billion euros and employing almost 300,000 people.”

Strand says he has never met anyone who regretted studying at Hanken and believes the degree serves as a mark of quality.

“Hanken graduates are often highly knowledgeable and have an excellent understanding of both business and society at large. A Hanken degree opens up tremendously interesting career opportunities, regardless of the path you choose. In a way, it is also a form of life insurance, because it gives you an understanding of fundamental economic principles.”

Opening doors around the world

Strand notes that Hanken opens doors both in Finland and internationally, partly because all students are required to spend time abroad during their studies.

“For example, when I recently met the vice-president of the European Investment Bank and Austria’s former chancellor, it was great to be able to tell him that I had spent a summer studying at WU Vienna through Hanken. It immediately created a more personal connection and provided a different platform for discussing investments in Finland. I could give countless similar examples.”

During his exchange period, Strand got to know people from 20 different nationalities, including a person from Ukraine with whom he still keeps in touch, partly to gain a better understanding of the ongoing war.

To today’s Hanken students, Strand has a simple message: enjoy your time at university.

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves, and get involved in university life in different ways. When you look at the investments currently being made in Finland, I am convinced that you will have the opportunity to work on some truly fascinating topics. And remember to support your friends if someone is struggling. No one should be left behind.”

Speaking about Hanken alumni, Strand says that through their positions in society they represent an important asset to business, the public sector and civil society, both in Finland and internationally.

“Make good use of the knowledge and networks you have gained, and think about how you can give something back to Hanken. For example, you could invite a group of students to an exclusive company visit. If all of us Hanken alumni contributed just five per cent of our time, it would amount to a very significant effort.”

Integration through football

Although officially resident in Vaasa, Strand also has a home in Helsinki and frequently travels between the two cities. Free time is limited at the moment, but he would welcome more opportunities to play golf, a sport that his surgically repaired ankle can still handle.

Football, however, continues to play an important role in his life. Strand was forced to end his playing career in 2007 after reaching Finland’s division one with Vasa IFK, but the sport remains close to his heart. Today, he serves, among other roles, on the board of the Football Association of Finland.

“Football is the world’s biggest cultural phenomenon and a universal language that anyone can learn. When it comes to integrating new members and friends into our society, football is perhaps the best arena we have. After all, life is only a small part of football,” Strand concludes with a smile.

Text: Jessica Gustafsson
Photo: Gustaf Hafström

Watch a video greeting from Joakim Strand

The Alum of the Year is awarded annually on the homecoming day "Hankendagen", every other year in Helsinki and every other year in Vaasa. The Alum of the Year is an inspiring role model in society in his or her professional or personal capacity. The alum has kept in touch with the university after graduation and shown interest in the university's development.

Learn more about the Hanken alumni community:
Hanken alumni