Our alum Laura Ruohola: Visibility for domestic food production and all corners of Finland

Return to media

As Head of Agriculture Team at the Maaseudun Tulevaisuus subscription newspaper, Laura Ruohola is responsible for her team's news coverage, operations and administrative tasks. Maaseudun Tulevaisuus is Finland's second largest printed newspaper with well over 200,000 readers.

Laura’s transition to her current job in 2022 meant a return to media after a long while. Her career began as a sports reporter for Yle back in 1995 and continued for a decade. After that, she has worked in positions such as a communications manager for the Centre Party, a project manager for the City of Kalajoki Holiday Housing Fair, a freelance reporter and presenter and a PR and marketing manager for the Royal Races horse racing event.

“The media is undergoing great changes. If I was ever going to return to media, I thought it had to be now. I wanted to join a top-class newspaper, and by chance, around the same time I came across a job posting for the agriculture team manager position at Maaseudun Tulevaisuus. I thought that this could be it,” Laura says.

The work also feels meaningful and natural to Laura from a regional policy perspective.

I want to increase visibility for all corners of Finland and our domestic food production: where our food comes from. Food security and security of supply are significant factors in this day and age."

Laura Ruohola

“I want to increase visibility for all corners of Finland and our domestic food production: where our food comes from. Food security and security of supply are significant factors in this day and age,” Laura notes.

Regional studies aligned with Laura’s own thinking

Laura's career has been guided by her strong roots in the countryside. Originally from Pyhäranta, a small coastal municipality in Southwest Finland, she finds it important that the whole of Finland remains vibrant. For this mindset, regional studies were an excellent match.

“I was browsing through the study guide at the time, and regional studies immediately caught my attention. I’ve always considered Finland's regional diversity to be a great asset. I would like to see all parts of this country remain populated and vibrant,” Laura says.

Even though her own choice of major subject seemed clear, Laura does not think it matters too much what specific subject you study at university – apart from medicine and other specialised fields.

“All university studies teach you to think about life and the world. Your career will take shape in due course.”

Laura describes her approach to work as a combination of fast-paced multitasking and a happy-go-lucky attitude on one hand, and uncompromising conscientiousness and precision on the other. She says that to keep up with the fast pace of her work, she needs a certain kind of drive. That is why her career has always been linked to topics that are important to her, such as regional politics and sports.

I value long careers, but at the same time I’m glad that I’ve dared to break away and change direction. If I hadn't done so, I wouldn't have been able to promote regional causes."

Laura Ruohola

“I value long careers, but at the same time I’m glad that I’ve dared to break away and change direction. If I hadn't done so, I wouldn't have been able to promote regional causes,” Laura says.

Access to hobbies for all children in Finland

Laura considers her election to the board of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association in autumn 2025 to be the cherry on top of her career so far. In addition to her own interest in the sport, the election feels meaningful for the sake of future generations.

“This is also related to regionality. In my mind, the board position brings together everything I’ve done so far. I believe I have a lot to offer during the four-year term. With the birth rate declining in Finland, the question is whether we can keep the sport so appealing that the most talented players will be interested in it – and that it can be played everywhere in this country. I want all children in Finland to also have access to hobbies in the future,” Laura says.

Laura's career has already taken her down many different paths, but she has no intention of slowing down.

“I still have many years ahead in my career, so I’m sure to find new passions. The world is not quite ready yet.”

Text: Tiina Leivo