Our alum Jouni Ovaska: Education science is a useful background for a Member of Parliament

Many MPs hold degrees in education science

Jouni Ovaska describes his career path from classroom teacher to Member of Parliament as a determined process in a way, but good timing also played its part. During his studies in education science, he found himself becoming increasingly interested in politics. Later he also went on to study political science.

Jouni’s path to Parliament progressed gradually, from the student union and the student council through local politics to the national level.

“Statistics show that there are actually quite a few education scientists in Parliament. Perhaps we represent a certain type of personality and character. Speaking and problem-solving come naturally to us. Both roles also require the ability to compromise,” Jouni notes.

Political work involves new kinds of challenges

The desks of MPs are constantly piled high with major issues. To Jouni, it feels extremely inspiring that there is so much to do and the work concerns major phenomena – both domestic and international.

Among the greatest successes of recent years, he counts Finland’s NATO membership process, to which the entire Parliament and almost all MPs were committed. Finns led the way on the matter, and the country is now a full, respected member of the defence alliance.

A challenge in political work, however, is that appearing in the public eye and on social media has become a central part of the job description. At times, Jouni feels that MPs should nowadays also be actors, editors and directors alongside their main job.

In recent years in particular, a certain degree of polarisation and echo chambers have also entered the scene.

“Culture wars are tearing apart the spirit of cooperation, regrettably. The left and right seem to be drifting apart. This phenomenon has come to Finland from abroad, but it is also partly home-grown,” Jouni notes.

News stories that undermine the authority of Parliament occasionally also emerge from within Parliament itself. Positive aspects rarely receive equal media coverage.

Great things don't always show on the outside, but we have a good working community where people respect one another despite the political competing."

Jouni Ovaska

“Great things don't always show on the outside, but we have a good working community where people respect one another despite the political competing,” Jouni says.

Bettering the world without forgetting the individual

In Jouni’s view, key qualities for a politician include the ability to gather, analyse and interpret information from various sources, sociability and certain fortitude. It is important to keep one’s own objectives in mind even when pressure is being exerted from many directions.

Alongside his work in Parliament, Jouni is also a long-serving member of the Tampere City Council. In this role, his core objective is to look after the interests of local people and ensure their daily life runs smoothly. This covers elements such as housing, transport, culture and leisure activities.

“There is a strong spirit of cooperation in Tampere, one that endures debates and negotiations regardless of party affiliations. Tampere is also my home, and I’ve always believed that Tampere is the best city in the world.”

A proud Tampere University alum

Jouni has warm memories of his student years at Tampere University. He particularly remembers the collaborative approach on his teacher training. The study group operated in a very practical and class-like manner, which provided plenty of inspiration for his own teaching work.

I thought it was great that there was so much face-to-face teaching; it brought us closer together and allowed different personalities to shine through."

Jouni Ovaska

“We did all sorts of things together. I thought it was great that there was so much face-to-face teaching; it brought us closer together and allowed different personalities to shine through. As a nice balance to lectures on the history of education, we would sometimes put our inhibitions firmly aside and just sing and play together,” Jouni reminisces with a smile.

Jouni says that Tampere University is a genuine source of pride for him. He considers it a privilege to have graduated from the university of his home city.

As a word of advice, Jouni encourages current students to enjoy their student years to the fullest.

“Make the most of your academic freedom, go on exchange, explore unfamiliar territory, and also take advantage of the wide range of opportunities within the university. At the same time, keep moderation in mind – that’s important too.”

Text: Tiina Leivo