JJ Saukko is a member of Shippensburg University’s class of 2021. He is in the Management, International Management Concentration, B.S.B.A. degree program.
A product of Ounasvaara Sports Academy, Saukko quickly made an impact on the Ship men’s soccer team. The midfielder from Rovaniemi, Finland knew the team had interest in him, but he also found motivation to become a Raider elsewhere.
“I was really convinced when a friend of mine from Finland told me about all his great experiences from Ship. He graduated in 2015,” Saukko said.
Now fully immersed in the Ship experience, Saukko serves as president of the International Student Organization. This allows him to network and expand on his classroom experience.
“My major gives a very broad view of the world and how we actually interact with people and business across borders pretty much every day without even noticing. International business and global studies in general makes you see aspects of foreign cultures, as well as your own, in a new light,” Saukko said. “Multiculturalism is a gift and everyone should experience the world outside one’s home country.”
Saukko feels confident that his forthcoming degree with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation will help him stand out in the job market. He also feels reassurance from the tight-knit campus community, alumni network and relationships with his professors.
“(Professors) will go the extra mile to help every student and I have always gotten the feeling that the faculty really care about us and our future,” Saukko said.
Saukko is also a ShipRec desk staff member and group fitness instructor.
Read more stories from the Class of 2021.
