PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name                              Olli Suominen                                                                                        

Birthdate                       09/09/1984                                                                                                                          

Phone                             +358 44 509 1008                                                                                                                                   

Email                              olli.p.suominen(a)helsinki.fi                                                                                                             LinkedIn                         http://fi.linkedin.com/pub/olli-suominen/24/b20/91                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

EDUCATION HISTORY

I am a student at the University of Helsinki (Finland), majoring in Chinese Studies with Political Science and Political History as my minor subjects. As an integral part of my studies, I have completed a one-year exchange study program in Chinese language at the Renmin University of China (Beijing).

I completed my B.A. degree in 2009 and I expect to complete my M.A. degree in early 2011. At the moment I am working on my thesis about the political use of history in mainland China.

I am a competent speaker of Finnish, Swedish, English, Chinese and German.

WORK EXPERIENCE

In addition to working as a guide in the Finland Pavilion, I also have previous work experience. My work history includes many customer service and security related tasks, such as being an official tourist advisor for the city of Helsinki and working as an airport security officer. Detailed list of my work experience can be found at my LinkedIn account.

FUTURE PLANS/CAREER GOALS

As a student specialising in Chinese modern history, politics, culture and society it has been clear to me ever since I started my studies that China is very likely to play a major role in my future career plans and opportunities. This has also been my desire and aim right from the beginning.

I hope I will get a chance to work in politics or culture related job assignments in the future, thus playing my part in furthering contacts between Chinese and European culture and society. I would like to see myself working for example in foreign affair related tasks in a ministry or in intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations.

INTERESTS/HOBBIES

I have been training Chinese martial arts for almost a decade now. At the moment I am an assistant instructor at Helsinki Tang Lang Men Kung Fu Association. In addition I enjoy cooking, reading and building customized bicycles.