Were you completely lost on your first days of school, but your tutors helped you to get on board even during these difficult times on remote and online everything? Are you a helpful and an outgoing person who would like to meet new acquaintances from all over Metropolia? Now is your time to apply to become a tutor!
Tutors are regular students volunteering under Student Union METKA, who share the ambition to help new students to kickstart their studies in Metropolia. We encourage anyone, even a tiny bit interested to apply, no matter if you don’t consider yourself the most outgoing or spontaneous person. We are sure you would fit right in.
Peer tutors are there to help freshers to adapt to the student life, if a new student has any questions or concerns, peer tutors are there to answer. The Germans have a beautiful word that describes the main reason tutoring exists: Zusammengehörigkeitsgefühl – the feeling of belonging together, togetherness. Tutors are also present in most outside activities and events, for example the upcoming Freshers Party for new students.
Tutor applications are primarily twice a year, but some fields of study only need tutors once a year. More info on tutoring and tutor applications can be found on METKA’s Instagram (@metkaweb), or you can ask directly from your own peer tutors or head tutors.
If you would like to be a tutor in the upcoming autumn semester, the application period is on until next Sunday 13th of February. The exchange tutor application period starts on March 7th.
Tutoring experiences
Back in August of 2019 I started my studies in ICT at Karamalmi Campus. The orientation days were, well – awkward at first, but with the help of our tutors at the time we got to know each other and had a good time together.
My tutors talked me into applying to become a tutor myself. I was not sure if I’d be a good fit for such a role, but they reassured me that I will gain the confidence in the trainings. So, I applied and got selected. Then started the trainings. Immediately the group dynamic felt somewhat familiar. I realised I am in a group of likeminded students. Students that want to have fun with, and most importantly help the new students in the first awkward days of school. We all shared the same enthusiasm towards making our campuses and classes more friendly.
In the trainings themselves we learned many important things, for example how bigger groups behave, how to break the ice on first meetings. In between all the fun and games, we were taught serious things that we should be prepared for in our role as peer tutors, like inclusivity and how to deal with harassment.
After being a peer tutor for four orientations in a row, I took the leap and applied to be a head tutor. With my track record and experience the transition from peer to head tutor was easy. And with a team of other veteran head tutors by my side, we are ready for anything that the year 2022 might bring.
Whether you want to gain new experiences or meet new people from all different fields of study in Metropolia, tutoring is for you – so apply now! You won’t regret it.
Text: Eero Hemminki (Karamalmi campus, Information and Communication Technology)
This post is also available in Suomi.