The desire to gain knowledge and understanding inspired to study Health Technology

An interest in developing and implementing digital solutions led Julia Erwe to apply for a Master’s degree in health technology. She saw the degree as a potential pathway to gain the knowledge and understanding she needed.

Text and photo: Venla Rantamäki

The desire to help and work with people has driven Julia Erwe’s educational path forward. After junior high school, Erwe first graduated as a practical nurse. She then studied to become a public health nurse, and is now studying for a Master’s degree in Health Technology.

Erwe’s biggest dream is to develop services for children, families and pregnant women. These are the client groups she is currently working with.

Before starting her studies, Erwe knew only a little about health technology. She wondered whether her studies would give her enough development skills.

− However, the studies have surprised me in a positive way. I have learned a lot about development skills. Specifically in the field of social and health digitalisation and health technology, but also in development work more broadly. The education has grown me holistically, both as a person and as a developer.

Diverse learning

Erwe has found the variety of training very useful. In addition to the technological skills, she has gained knowledge about development, project work and self-management. The studies have also given her an insight into the development of the social services sector, which is important to Erwe. She has gained knowledge about issues such as metrics, effectiveness and user orientation.

You can apply for a Master’s degree in Health Technology with a degree in social and health care, as well as with an engineering or business administration degree. According to Erwe, this is why studying is sometimes very interdisciplinary. In group work, everyone brings their own expertise to the table, which has been instructive, according to Erwe.

− The importance of networking has surprised me in a good way. I hadn’t thought of this aspect when I applied.

Studying alongside everyday life

Combining work, family life and studies has brought its own challenges for Erwe. Studying has required a lot of commitment and work. However, Erwe wants to encourage everyone to study.

− I am a living example that it is possible to study while working and even in the midst of family life with children. That’s why you shouldn’t be left wondering whether to go to start your studies or not.

The studies have been inspiring and, according to Erwe, have fuelled an already strong desire to be involved in the future of digitalisation in the health and social care sector. She sees a digital transformation taking place and feels that the time is right to study so that she can be involved in influencing and contributing to its development.