Omnia became a turning point on Hayder Yas's professional career

Hayder Yas studied information and communication technology at university in his country of origin, Iraq, and the doors to Omnia opened on the second application.

"When I came to Omnia, I had a strong idea and feeling that now I had to study and move forward in life. At the first application, my Finnish language skills were not yet considered sufficient. When I got to Omnia, I had a very good feeling. Before that, I had to wait for a positive asylum decision in Finland for three years, which was difficult and burdensome, especially when I was denied asylum the first time," says Yas.

At the same time as information and communication technology studies, Hayder Yas has studied accounting at another educational institution. He has an accounting company in Helsinki, which now has about thirty clients. The business idea was born when he helped his friend with tax matters.

"I studied accounting during the day and Omnia’s studies in the evenings. At the same time, I had a family and started my own business. The days were very long, but I think it was the only option and on the other hand it was also empowering. I am also a hardworking student," he says.

Towards further studies

The studies at Omnia have progressed so much that Hayder Yas plans to graduate perhaps already this year. The goal is to continue studying information and communication technology or financial administration at a university of applied sciences.

Yas thanks the support of Omnia's teachers and is also satisfied with the support he received in the Finnish language, among other things.

”Jussi Alhanen was my first supporter to finish my studies faster by making good study plans. Kari Suominen spends more time always to teach us and make us learn. Juha Vettenniemi was very positive and supported me to continue and focus on my studies. Kai Lillstrang gave me a good push and help for further plans after I finished English class. Jonna Haltia was wonderful support by showing me how important it was what I did in Omnia and Finland. And of course, Janne Piippo, who makes me love coding. He is my first supporter to study in university of applied sciences. Student counsellor Imad Kawani also helped me a lot", he says. 

"In my opinion, Omnia is a great place to study and get support. Omnia has a wonderful team of teachers. I hope they will continue their work to support students. In my opinion, Omnia also has a really good website as well as a library, canteen and gym for students. It was also good to be with other students", says Yas.

Friends in Finland also offered him help to start his own company. Hayder Yas serves the clients of his accounting company in Finnish, English, Arabic, Kurdish and Turkish.

Keeping the vision on future

Hayder Yas also encourages others to keep their goals clear in mind.

"For me, the waiting period for receiving an asylum decision was three years, and after that I waited another year and a half for my family to come to Finland as well. However, at the same time, I also got a lot of help," he says.

"The support of my friends helped me in many things. There are also associations in Finland that you can get help from. Although the waiting time is heavy, I want to say to others in the same situation that it is worth starting language studies right away. My message to others is to think about the future.”

Hayder Yas is happy to recommend Omnia and studies in his field.

"I would say to other students that it's worth starting things related to your studies, such as looking for a work placement, well in advance."