TAMK Gave Me a New Platform for Entrepreneurship: Harman Waraich’s Story

When Harman arrived in Tampere in 2023, he was starting a completely new journey in life. Leaving behind India, where he had run businesses since 2008, he joined TAMK Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Management. It was his first time abroad, and even his first time sitting on an airplane.

Pursuing a master’s degree had been his long-term dream. During the Covid era, he reflected on personal growth and future opportunities. That was when he discovered TAMK Postgraduate Diploma program.

His first day in Finland was memorable. While trying to find TAMK’s main campus, a Finnish woman sitting next to him on the bus offered to help by walking him all the way to TAMK. During their conversation, he discovered she was a CEO and an architect. The kindness and humility impressed him and shaped his first impression of Finnish culture.

During his studies, Harman found the learning style inspiring. TAMK’s pedagogical approach—collaborative teamwork, interactive participation, and real-world cases—is perfectly aligned with his entrepreneurial experiences.

After completing the diploma, he continued his studies at TAMK and successfully graduated with a full master's degree, being the only student in his cohort to finish master’s degree on time.

Turning Experience Into Opportunity

Harman’s entrepreneurial journey in Finland began while working part-time at a PISA Jakelu Oy’s warehouse. Encouraged by his supervisor, he founded his own subcontracting distribution company, which now covers over 60,000 mailboxes across Finland.

One of the first things he did as a business owner was to employ fellow international students and their spouses from TAMK’s diploma programme—creating opportunities for others who shared his journey.

With growing confidence and experience, Harmandeep expanded into new business areas. Today, he manages an SEO gas station in Alajärvi, a camping site in Sastamala and a restaurant in Kaleva, Tampere (Apex Food). The restaurant industry, in particular, challenged him in unexpected ways.

“Restaurant business is very different from what I imagined—but challenges are part of being an entrepreneur.”

His companies now employ both international talents and local Finns, contributing to a larger community.

TAMK helped me with skills and tools for entrepreneurship

Reflecting on his studies, Harman appreciates TAMK for giving him essential skills and tools:

“Finance and risk management helped me a lot when evaluating business operations and balance sheets.”

He also benefited from Tampere’s support ecosystem—including International House Tampere and Startup Tampere, which guided him through legal, operational, and networking processes during business establishment.

Life in Finland has given him not only a professional platform—but also balance compared to highly competitive life back home. Rules and regulations are clear, fair, and predictable, allowing him to spend more time with family. He likes to spend time near water and enjoy nature with his family.

Advice for International Students

Harman hopes his journey inspires other international students in Finland. His message is clear:

• Work honestly and respect the rules.
• If finding a job is difficult, consider entrepreneurship.
• Build the right network—your community matters.

“To succeed, surround yourself with good people. Choose to be around those who think like you and help you grow.”

Harman Waraich 

Harman’s journey shows that international students can not only build a home in Finland, but also create opportunities that help others find theirs.

Text: Yuxing Xu (Stella)

Photo: Harman Waraich

For more information on TAMK's tailored diploma programs, please contact Ms.Yue Wang