Service Expert in Vasa

My name is Amanda, and welcome to a look into my everyday life as a Service Expert here in beautiful Vaasa. 

ÅAS operates in two cities – Åbo and Vasa – and we have Service Experts in both locations. Our jobs are quite similar, but at the same time, they each have their own unique sides. As Service Experts, we’re here for our student union members – to answer questions and take care of our service points. 

The best part of my job is the close contact I have with students and our associations here in Vaasa. 

What does a typical week look like?

My work is a wonderful mix of different tasks and can vary quite a lot from week to week. The most consistent part, however, is our service point, which I keep open twice a week. You can stop by if you want to buy student union items such as overall patches, ribbons, or student cap lyre, or if you need a sticker for your student card. 

A large part of my work also involves answering emails and managing our facilities in Havtornen. In addition to the ÅAS office, Havtornen also includes a living room and a sauna, which we rent out to students, our associations, and even outside guests. As a student union member, you get a discount when booking these spaces – highly recommended! 

I handle all the practical aspects of the rentals and make sure our spaces stay clean and in good condition. 

Other responsibilities

In addition to these tasks, I also manage our starter packages, which we rent out to exchange students. The starter kit includes things like a duvet, pillow, pot, glass, plate, and cutlery – and I take care of the inventory. This means I get to both welcome our exchange students when they arrive in Finland and wave them off when they head home. 

I also serve as one of ÅAS’s two harassment contact persons and am available for students who have experienced harassment, inappropriate treatment, bullying, or other difficult situations. I also meet with associations and their boards to provide training on preventive work and how to handle such situations at their events. 

I listen, help put thoughts into words, and support students in figuring out how to move forward. As a harassment contact person, I’m bound by confidentiality, and it’s always up to the person who reaches out to decide what steps to take next. 

That little extra

During my years here in Havtornen, I’ve also had the chance to do some exciting things – organizing a 15th-anniversary celebration for Havtornen, creating a timeline (photo wall) in the elevator corridor, updating the Havtornen website, and contributing as one of the writers for ÅAS’s history book Vårdträdet X! 

As a Service Expert, I’m here to help you – our student union members and our special associations. I’m happiest when students or board members drop by Havtornen to take care of an errand or just to chat for a bit. 

If the door to our office here in Havtornen is open, you’re always welcome to come in and say hi – so please, stop by! 

Amanda Ehn
Service Expert in Vasa
havtornen@studentkaren.fi