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My name is Ville Kilpiä, Master of Arts (Finnish), Master of Administrative Sciences (leadership psychology), vocational teacher and a former tennis coach from Seinäjoki, Finland. I have qualifications to work as an educational leader, a teacher of Finnish language and literature as my first subject and also teacher of psychology as my second subject.

In my Master’s studies in Administrative Sciences, my major was Administration and Management, with a particular focus on leadership psychology. In addition, I hold formal qualifications as a Vocational Teacher and as an Educational Leader/Principal, as well as a diploma-level qualification in Sports Instruction. In teaching, I am qualified to teach Finnish language and literature as my primary subject, and psychology as a secondary subject at the upper secondary school level.

Teacher in Finnish language, academic writing and sports psychology, Lapland University of Applied Sciences (1/2025-12/2025)

From January to December 2025 I worked as a teacher of Finnish language, academic writing, and sports psychology at Lapland University of Applied Sciences in Rovaniemi. My position has been a one-year fixed-term contract and, in addition to the main subjects I teach, it has also included teaching Finnish as a second language as well as supervising thesis projects.

Teacher in Finnish language & literature, Nurmo General Upper Secondary School (City of Seinäjoki) (10-11/2024)

I taught Finnish language & literature for one period. This short period of time gave me extremely valuable experience of working on general upper secondary school level in Finland.

Substitute Teacher, Finnish language & literature, Eurajoki General Upper Secondary School (8-9/2024)

I worked as a Finnish language & literature substitute teacher in Eurajoki General Upper Secondary School (22.8.-30.9.2024).

Vocational Finnish Teacher, Joint Municipal Authority for Education Sedu
(8/2019-8/2024)

I worked as a Finnish Teacher at the Joint Municipal Authority for Education Sedu in Seinäjoki, Finland. Along teaching Finnish language, I have taught psychology in 2019-20. Since 2019, I have also taught courses on working in the digital environment and studying and career planning.

I have had plenty of contact teaching a week – sometimes over 30 of them. I have planned all the lessons and done evaluations of my students’ assignments and exams. In November 2020 I received a “Fair worker” acknowledgement of our work community.

Vocational Teacher in Finnish language & Communication, Business College Helsinki (Former Suomen Liikemiesten Kauppaopisto), Helsinki (10/2015-7/2019)

My main goal in my work was to help my young students. I aimed to coach and guide them to improve themselves towards their own goals in life. I teached Finnish language (both for Finnish students and Finnish as second language for foreigners). I also teached communications, psychology, physical and health education, entrepreneurship and different kinds of studies supporting studying skills. I have implemented many elevator pitch video workshops, instructed school magazine work, worked as a group leader for two groups studying sales and evaluated assignments in an open classroom for two years. I also took part in strategy work of our school during school year 2018-19. I helped in PopUp College project work where students implemented different kinds of projects for companies at Kauppakeskus Redi. During my work I had lots of working life connections. In autumn 2018 I visited on a job shadowing period at the Bridgwater & Taunton College in England. My working languages have been Finnish and English.

During my time at Business College Helsinki, I completed my vocational teacher studies. These studies were needed for working as a qualified teacher in Finland.

Tennis Coach, Grani Tennis ry.
(5–6/2019)

On 26.5.–20.6.2019 I worked as a substitute tennis coach at my former tennis club in Kauniainen, Finland. My contract included a total of 75 hours of teaching and coaching. These were for players on various levels (from beginners to competitive players). I told about this working experience in Finnish on my blog 3.6.2019.

Part-time Psychology Teacher, Joint Municipal Author for Education Keuda
(10–12/2018)

I worked as a part-time psychology teacher at Keuda from October to December 2018. This particular psychology course was optional for my students. It took 5 hours a week, totaling 36 hours. Additional time was required for planning and evaluating the coursework.

I highly recommend Keuda as an employer.

Full-time student, University of Helsinki
(8/2013–10/2015)

I spent two years widening my working life competence studying mostly psychology, leadership & management, economics and statistics.

Communications Officer, SOK / Inex Partners Oy
(8/2007–8/2013)

I worked as a Communications Officer at Inex Partners Oy. This company is the S Group’s sourcing and logistics company. It is also a subsidiary of SOK. My main area of responsibility was taking care of the company’s internal communication. My main goal was to support the CEO and the Leadership Team in implementing strategies into practice. Additionally, my goal was to support development of S Group’s positive employee experience. I took part in the intranet implementation project at Inex Partners Oy. I also participated in a project for the sister company Meira Nova Oy. I was the project manager in the SAP Document Management System project from 2010 to 2012. My position gave me an excellent view into Finnish and global grocery and consumer goods market. It also provided insight into cooperative business structure and value chain mindset.

Head Coach, Grani Tennis ry.
(8/2001–4/2004)

I worked as Head Coach for Grani Tennis in Kauniainen, one of the largest and most traditional tennis clubs in Finland. My responsibilities included planning and conducting training for players of all levels.

During my coaching period, several of my players achieved medals at the Finnish National Junior Championships.

Freelance tennis coach and tennis school founder
(6/1999–6/2012)

Working as a freelance tennis coach has given me a versatile view to tennis scene and entrepreneurship in Finland. During all these years I worked as a temporary coach for several tennis clubs (Puistolan Urheilijat, Espoon Tennis -78, Tapiola Tennis etc.), as a tennis course teacher at Sport Institute of Finland 1999-2012, as a temporary tennis course teacher at Unisport (University of Helsinki) and as a head coach and owner at my own private tennis school 2004-2012.

As a coach, I specialize in helping my players find their optimized performance. I help them improve their game in both the short and long term. I have worked with players in different ages and on different levels from beginners to high level competitive players. My main strength as a tennis coach is my high quality knowledge. I understand the technical and tactical requirements of competitive level tennis. I also know the physical and mental requirements. I also used to play on national level in Finland.

Sports Instructor, Sport Institute of Finland
(5/1999–12/1999)

When studying at the Sport Institute of Finland, I had a chance to work as a part-time sports instructor. This was alongside my studies. Working meant planning and instructing various physical exercises including nordic walking, stick gymnastics, curling, frisbeegolf etc.

School Helper & Substitute Teacher, City of Kurikka
(8/1996–5/1997)

My first real job was to work as a school helper and substitute teacher at my home town Kurikka.

Tennis equipment service co-owner, Kurikan Tennispalvelu
(1990–1995)

We did tennis racquet service with my brother. Our service included racquet stringing, procuring & selling equipment etc.

Education

Supervision Training Programme, Careeria Oy
(10/2025-present)

I am currently undertaking a two-year supervision training programme at Careeria that meets the training criteria of the Finnish Association of Supervisors (STOry).

Master of Administrative Sciences, Leadership Psychology, University of Lapland
(8/2020–6/2024)

I studied my M.Sc. (Admin) degree from August 2020 to June 2024.

My master’s thesis (in Finnish Työntekijän resilienssikertomukset asiantuntijatyötä tekevien uratarinoissa) examined resilience and the theme of psychological capital from an experiential research perspective. My thesis has been published on the Lauda database. It was released by the University of Lapland in June 2024. The evaluation of my work was eximia cum laude approbatur. My academic maturity sample can be read (in Finnish) here.

Basic Studies in Educational Administration (25 ECTS) 9/2022-6/2023

In Finland these studies are required of a school principal. My study project can be followed here.

Advanced studies in Literature (35 ECTS), Open University of Jyväskylä (9/2021-5/2023)

I started advanced studies in literature in 2021. This project can be followed here. I needed these studies. They enabled me to have official competence to work as a Finnish language and literature teacher in Finland.

Basic and Advanced studies in Literature (25+ 35 ECTS), Open University of Jyväskylä (9/2015–5/2023)

I finished basic studies in literature in September 2021 and advanced studies in May 2023. These studies, together with my Master of Arts degree in Finnish Language, qualified me to work as a teacher of Finnish language and literature at all educational levels in Finland. This education and the obtained qualification can also be regarded as important credentials for pursuing international teaching and educational roles.

Spoken Communication I and II, Helsingin yliopisto
(5–9/2019)

This used to be a module (10 ECTS) that was required of a Finnish and literature teacher in Finland. Nowadays I am not sure about whether it is required or not, but I felt it very important and useful for a Finnish teacher.

Basic studies in Economics, University of Helsinki (2013–19)

I began my basic studies in Economics in 2013, and after a long journey and many phases, I finally completed them in August 2019. Through these studies, I learned to view the economy from multiple perspectives, and I strongly recommend such studies to everyone. Completing them has enabled me to observe and understand the functions of society with a very different outlook than before.

Amsterdam Brain and Cognition Summer School, University of Amsterdam (6/2018)

I took part in a summer course of the University of Amsterdam ABC unit (Amsterdam Brain & Cognition) in June 2018. This (4 ECTS) course was part of advanced special studies, and now it’s included in my M.Sc. (Admin) studies.

Course itself was really interesting and gave me deeper understanding about psychology and related sciences.

Basic Studies (25 ECTS) in Special Education, University of Helsinki
(2016–18)

In March 2018, I completed the final course of my 26 ECTS credits of basic studies in Special Education. I found these studies particularly important for my work as a vocational teacher. My earlier studies in psychology greatly supported my understanding of the theories in special education.

Vocational Teacher (60 ECTS), Haaga-Helia School of Vocational Teacher Education (2016–2017)

I completed the Vocational Teacher Education Programme (60 ECTS credits) at Haaga-Helia School of Vocational Teacher Education in 2016–2017. This qualification provides me with the official teaching credentials required to work as a teacher in Finland.

Basic Studies (25 ECTS) in Statistics, University of Helsinki
(2013–15)

As understanding statistics and data has become increasingly important today, I completed 25 ECTS credits of basic studies in Statistics. These studies provided me with a solid foundation for further developing my statistical skills in the future.

Master of Arts (Finnish Philology) 121 ECTS, University of Helsinki (2007–15)

In addition to advanced studies in Finnish language, I completed my Master’s thesis in Finnish Philology in 2013. The topic of my thesis was (translated into English) Linguistic Attitudes in Stock Exchange Releases and Analyses – Case Talvivaara. Altogether, my Master’s studies amounted to 121 ECTS credits.

Basic and Advanced studies in Leadership and Management (60 ECTS), University of Helsinki
(2013–15)

My management studies, comprising a total of 60 ECTS credits, included both basic and intermediate studies at my home university, the University of Helsinki. In addition, I completed one course at Aalto University.

These studies provided me with valuable tools for understanding leadership and communication. At the time, I did not yet realize that my studies in management and psychology would later enable me to pursue a Master’s degree in Administrative Sciences (Leadership Psychology) at the University of Lapland.

Basic and Advanced studies (66 ECTS) in Psychology, University of Helsinki (2013–15)

My psychology studies, comprising a total of 66 ECTS credits, included both basic and intermediate studies at my home university, the University of Helsinki. These studies provided me with extensive knowledge about human behavior. In addition, they qualified me to teach psychology as a second subject.

Bachelor of Arts (180 ECTS), University of Helsinki
(2004–07)

My Bachelor’s studies included basic and intermediate studies as well as a Bachelor’s thesis in my major, Finnish Philology. In addition, I completed basic studies in Communication and in Education, which were my minor subjects. The total scope of my Bachelor’s degree was 180 ECTS credits.

Sports Instructor, Sport Institute of Finland
(1998–2001)

I studied Sports Instruction at Finland’s largest sports institute, the Vierumäki Finnish Sports Institute, where I specialized in fitness and health exercise. During my studies, I worked as a tennis coach in the institute’s traditional tennis courses, which provided me with valuable coaching experience for my later work in tennis club coaching.

Matriculation Examination, Kurikka Upper Secondary School (1992–1995)

I did my upper secondary school studies and the Matriculation Examination at Kurikka Upper Secondary School 1992-95.

Language skills

Finnish

Finnish is my mother tongue. I have also studied Finnish philology at the University of Helsinki and worked as a Finnish teacher since 2015.

English

I have full professional proficiency in English, and since 2013 I have done major part of my university studies in English.

Swedish

I have experience working in Swedish at Grani Tennis. Although I haven’t used Swedish much since then, I still maintain a positive attitude towards the language and hope to use it in my work again in the future.

Courses & Conferences

ENIRDELM International Conference 2024, 12.-15.9.2024, University of Jyväskylä. Topic of the conference is Transforming Educational Organisations into Learning Communities.

Tennis Coach – Finnish Tennis Association

Compulsory Military Service, Finnish Defence Forces (7/1995-6/1996)

I did my compulsory military service in the Jaeger Brigade, Sodankylä, Finland.

IT Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

Basics in WordPress and HTML

Touch typing

Volunteering

Board Member, As. Oy Seinäjoen OmaSäästöpankin talo
(12/2024-)

The extraordinary general meeting of the housing company elected me as a member of the board for the spring term of 2025. Based on the decision of the 2025 general meeting, I will continue as a board member for the term 2025-26.

Member, The Society for Viipuri School of Economics VITAKO
(2023-)

In the beginning of April 2023 I became invited as a member of The Society for Viipuri School of Economics, VITAKO.

Vitako is an association founded in 1919, and it’s mission is to support the development of LUT University. Vitako is a channel for funding the university, with the support primarily directed towards business and industrial engineering research.

I am proud to say I am a member of Vitako in 4th generation of my family.

Responsible Event Organizer, SAKUstars 2023 (25.-27.42023)

I worked as responsible event organizer in two events of the SAKUstars 2023. My events were Spoken Word and Poem Reciting.

Get inspired by the SAKUstars 2023 here.

Board Member, As. Oy Laajalahdentie 26
(5/2013-5/2019)

Between 2013-19 I worked as a board member of the Housing Company As. Oy Laajalahdentie 26 in Helsinki. During these years we had for example an elevator project.

Board Member, Grani Tennis ry.
(2013-2014)

Board Member and Treasurer, Humanisticum ry.
(2005-2006)

References

Head of Education, Mrs. Tarja Tammia, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, tel. +358 40 7213 994, tarja.tammia@lapinamk.fi

Principal, General Upper Secondary School of Eurajoki, Mr. Ilkka Heikkilä, tel. +358 44 3124 368, ilkka.heikkila@eurajoki.fi

Administrative Director, Mr. Jorma Vehviläinen, SOK, jorma.vehvilainen@sok.fi

HRM Director (retired), Mrs. Terhi Luomala, SOK Inex Partners Oy, terhi.luomala@sok.fi