You have been Chairman of the Student Union for a summer, a semester, and bit beyond that. How are TalTech students doing these days?

It is an exciting time, but there is definitely some anxiety too. TalTech students form a close-knit community. The strong sense of community was clearly evident during the Student Winter Games and TalTech students march to Toompea. 

However, everything happening at the national level right now is creating a great deal of anxiety among students. Performance-based scholarships and funding for higher education are rising topics of discussion. 

What is your field of study, and how did you end up choosing this university?

Saying I ‘ended up’ here doesn’t quite capture it; it was always a little girl’s dream to move to the big city. I’m originally from Põlva County in Southern Estonia. I am currently in my third year, specializing in Structural Engineering and Construction Management. I have been asked numerous times how a girl ends up in a field that is typically considered masculine. My father has been involved in structural engineering throughout my life, and as a child, I would often wander through archives and browse through projects – this world is something I am familiar with. I was one of the few who knew exactly what I wanted to do by the time I was in tenth grade. My strong desire was to study construction, and I knew that TalTech was the best university in Estonia for it. 

What career are you aiming for after completing your studies?

There are many possibilities open to me. I specialize in structural engineering, which provides a comprehensive understanding of structures that make up a building. Currently, I am more drawn to the management aspect – being on the construction site every day, working with people, and ensuring that everything is built exactly as planned. The construction industry offers so many possibilities. Where I will end up is still a question mark – but it is one I am excited to explore.

Which courses have been the most exciting and the most challenging for you?

One of the biggest challenges is grasping how different components or teams interact in an environment –  be it structural elements like posts and beams in a building, or people working together on a construction site. This is also the most important part – whether in structural engineering or construction management: understanding how to integrate all elements into a harmonious whole.

You referred to the profession as ‘masculine’. We celebrate the Day of Women in Science. You are the Chairman of the Student Union. How do you feel about that title? Do you think the term ‘Chair’ should be used as a gender-neutral title? Do you feel there’s a distinction between being a female engineer and a male one? Is this something we should keep discussing, or is it no longer relevant?

We should not celebrate gender-specific days, but we should draw attention to the fact that gender is irrelevant in professional work. Do what interests you, that’s the most important thing. What is important to me is the quality of my work; construction is my passion, and it is what I am committed to. 

At first, I had some doubts about whether this was the 'right' path for a girl, and I encountered questions about my choice of specialty because of my gender. An increasing number of amazing women are joining the construction field and achieving remarkable things, which helps to break down stereotypes. I hope that one day I will be asked, ‘Why did you choose construction?’ rather than ‘Why did you, as a female, choose construction?’.

Before becoming Chairman of the Student Union, you held the position of President at BEST-Estonia. How did you become such an activist?

I was actively involved on the Board of Best Estonia, and before that I managed a student company in high school. We produced reusable beeswax wrap to replace single-use plastic wrap. I had big plans to expand, but we could not find a viable way to scale production. It was just the three of us working in my kitchen, we could produce around 150 items at a time, and they sold out within a month. Had we discovered an effective method for automating production and found an investor,  we would have gladly continued, the market conditions were in our favour. But then came exams and graduation, and everything came to a halt.

My parents are also very active; I guess we have the activist gene. We always stay busy, whether it’s tending to the garden in spring to make our surroundings more beautiful or getting involved in local government.

What were your goals or visions when you ran for Chairman of the Student Union?

I had a 'let’s take it as it comes' attitude. When the previous Chairman of the Student Union, Joosep Perandi, invited me to run, my approach was to focus on internal matters that had long been neglected, rather than taking on something entirely new. I wanted to ensure the heart of the Union kept beating steadily. For instance, the Student Union needed organizational changes, and I wanted to get started on them. The situation at the national level, these external issues, were an unexpected turn of events and were certainly not insignificant. 

When you took office, you mentioned that your primary focus was ensuring the inclusion of all students in the decision-making process. Have you discovered effective strategies for giving a voice to the unheard and breaking down barriers?

We have organized three brainstorming sessions ‘Students’ voice’, bringing together students and university staff. The aim of organizing this event was to include everyone, yet over the years, we have seen that it is still the activists who show up, rather than the average students. We have a new plan: since the Student Union awards grants annually, we will add a question to the application form asking, ‘How can we better engage the average student?’. We hope to receive valuable suggestions directly from the students themselves.

How does the workload feel now, after a full semester?

In the Student Union, we have learned to critically assess what is absolutely necessary, so we do not overwhelm ourselves. After all, we are all students with busy schedules and need to be protected from burnout. But if we had 300 people in this office, it would be impossible to maintain the sense of unity we have. It seems things have been going well so far – even those who’ve been here for a short time and worked on just a few small projects have had very positive experiences. You’re not bound to stay once you have taken part in something. It seems like this approach works well: you come in, get a feel for things, and if it suits you, you can take on a new role over time.

So, it appears the heart you came to steady is now beating just fine. Is it time to take on new challenges?

There is always more to do. We’re working on a broader plan to reform the structure, redefining how the Student Union operates, its key areas, and the size of the team. This change will take time and requires careful planning so even if I initiate it, it is unlikely that I will see it through to completion during my term. This plants the seed for the next chairman.

What have been the biggest surprises during your term? Please include both the positive and the negative.

There were so many surprises, particularly in the beginning! Some of it was just the concern about doing things the right way. 

What has been most surprising is what is happening at the national level regarding higher education. First there were talks about students needing to pay for tuition. This definitely caused tension, anxiety and a bit of panic. We started gathering information on the students’ position, and before long, the ball was rolling. The Federation of Estonian Student Unions signalled that students wanted their voices heard on a national level, which ultimately culminated in delivering their message in front of the Stenbock House – the official seat of the Estonian government.

It was an interesting, yet anxious time. I remember the first time I saw the message about us going to Stenbock House – it was during a lecture. It happened very quickly, but there was a lot of inertia behind it. Of course, we thought, ‘Let’s go for it, the students’ voice must be heard!’. But state-funded performance-based scholarships are no longer granted to students. Fortunately, TalTech offers a success scholarship, a generous gesture that shows how much the university values its students. Just as we need to invest in national defence, we must also invest in education, because it shapes our future.

Lobbying is a job that doesn't come naturally to me. When I took office, the process of appointing members of the University Board began. At the end of his term, Joosep suggested the idea of having someone in the University Board who would serve as a voice for the students. Board members must be impartial, but it is good to have someone on the Board who can offer a student’s perspective on matters. At TalTech, the Senate includes representatives of students, and the Senate appoints five members of the University Board, so we had to find a suitable candidate for the Board and persuade the Senate to appoint the candidate to the Board. This meant a lot of lobbying for the Student Union, or more specifically for me. And I really dislike lobbying.

Of course, I understood that this was part of the job, but I was not at all prepared for the fact that the first thing I would be doing was lobbying the members of the University Board! It was actually great; we had the chance to talk to some wonderful people, hear encouraging words, and even grill them a bit. 

This "our candidate" was Madis Margus. I had met him before I took office, when he had visited student organizations to explain the way university finances were managed. It was clear that he did his job with passion and kept both feet on the ground. His message to us was that while he couldn't always promise to side with the students, we could be sure that every decision he made would be rooted in reality and based on what was best for the university. For us, the most important thing was that the person appointed could see the bigger picture—not just their own perspective, whether that of their School or any other.

Once we had nominated ‘our candidates’, it was an exciting moment to see if they could win the Senate’s approval as well. 

But there have definitely been some good surprises?

Joosep took me to the Student Summer Games after I had been elected, but before I officially took office. He told me it was my responsibility now. I’d never been there before, and even though I had heard stories and seen photos of the event, actually being in the middle of it all was a whole different experience! It truly warmed my heart, and I had tears in my eyes as I made my way home. And what a proud feeling it is to stand on Toompea Hill wearing the student cap!

How has all this affected your studies?

How has all this affected your studies?

Finding balance is truly a challenge, and things have a way of going off balance now and then. It is essential I get priorities straight. Sometimes I feel like this practical course can wait, and I would rather focus on work in the Student Union. But my past experience with BEST reminds me not to let schoolwork pile up. There have been times in the Student Union when I have said, “Stop, I can’t take on any more responsibilities right now. I need a moment to catch up on my schoolwork.” If I were not at the university, I would not be involved in the Student Union – education has to be my number one priority.

Is there any time left for sleep and hobbies?

It is common for students to experience sleep deprivation. In my first years at BEST, I learned the importance of getting enough sleep. Speaking of hobbies – while studying is my main job, student life has been my hobby. I also work, doing my internship at Nordecon, and  I hope to continue working there as a part-time employee. One of the things I truly enjoy is writing poetry. I post it on Instagram under a pseudonym. It is deeply intimate and personal, and I prefer to keep the face behind it hidden.

Please share some tips on how to balance multiple demanding roles so that none of them suffer.

I am usually the kind of person who acts on an idea as soon as it comes to mind. However, it is also important to think ahead, and adopting this mindset has been incredibly helpful for me. For example, if I skip my practical course today, what will that mean for me in a week, or two, or three? I’ve adopted the mindset of getting things done right away, so I don’t have to worry about dealing with the stress of missed deadlines. It is my best tip! As the saying goes, “Do not put off until tomorrow, what you can do today." 

Sometimes, you also need to honestly ask yourself whether everything you are taking on is actually manageable. At one point, I realized that even with good time management, I couldn’t do everything without neglecting something. So, I decided it was time to resign from my position as Chairman. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I know it was the right one. I’ve already invested a lot of time and energy into student life; now it's time to focus more on myself and make room for new challenges.

Just a few more questions before you go. What is TalTech's greatest strength or opportunity in 2025?

Just a few more questions before you go. What is TalTech's greatest strength or opportunity in 2025?

Community and solidarity: I am proud to be a TalTech student, wear the university’s student cap, and represent its brand colours. This is a true reflection of TalTech's strength. A great example is the student organizations’ Championships in pentathlon at the Campus Party, where we compete against each other, but by the end of the day, we all get along very well. In everyday life, the active energy and solidarity of students are reflected in casual chats, like when someone asks, ‘Does anyone have water guns?’ or ‘We have a table to give away – does anyone want it?’ Such a warm, friendly atmosphere and daily communication, where everyone is so supportive of each other.

...biggest weakness or risk?

There is one thing that worries me: the positions of the university and students have begun to drift apart recently. A recent example is the Ministry of Education asking universities for their opinions on funding higher education. Students were involved in drafting TalTech’s position, and it truly broke my heart that we had to include a clause stating the students’ views do not align with the university’s official position. Students are strongly opposed to the introduction of tuition fees, while the university supports the idea. I left the Rector’s Office with tears in my eyes – how could they do this to us?

Their argument was that the funding had to be obtained from somewhere. We suggested they first examine how the current budget is being spent, instead of starting from the assumption that more funding is needed. For example, why do we teach the same specialty in different parts of Estonia, forcing our universities to compete with each other? With already too few students, each university should excel in its own area of expertise. As a university of technology, this is what we do best. Everyone wants more students and specialties, but we are one united Estonia – we can’t afford to have everyone focused solely on their own interests.

Training the next generation of  engineers and academic staff is a significant concern. We need to begin training persons who would teach the next generation, starting from the student years, or even earlier. I’m really interested in the idea of working for a few years and then returning to university to pass on that knowledge. However, many people don’t share this interest; they complete their studies and start their careers. This is a matter that needs to be addressed: introducing the path to becoming a lecturer or teacher. At first, it might seem like a thankless job, but there are also positive aspects, and we should highlight them more.

You hold keys here that others don’t have access to. As the Chairman of the Student Union, you say that the solidarity of TalTech students is our strongest asset. If the right conditions are in place, we can hope that alumni won’t close the door behind them after graduation, but will return, not only for the Campus Party, but also to teach.

This TalTech student spirit could truly persist even after years of studying. As long as you're involved in university life, it draws you in like a magnet.

Apart from  the position on higher education funding, what is you collaboration with the university management like? 

In general, we get along very well. We have a great rectorate and management team. We’re encouraged to share our opinions and discuss any concerns, and the doors of the rector’s office are always open to us with friendly faces welcoming us. Students are valued and respected within the university. 

However, our rectorate could back the students more at the national level .

How would you describe an ideal university for students?

One that adapts to change. I know it’s a bit of a utopian expectation – the world is moving so fast and everything is constantly evolving –  but it’s inspiring to see those lecturers and programme directors who manage to adapt to the rapid pace, at least to some extent. Their students stay motivated and engaged because they see the value – they’re learning something today that they can apply in the real world tomorrow. Staying up to date is incredibly important. 

Currently there’s a lot of inconsistency at our university, not just across specialities, but also across courses. So much depends on who’s teaching. This is exactly why we need people in universities with fresh perspectives – those who can complement basic knowledge with new ideas. Basic knowledge is essential, like the foundation of a house, but once that’s in place, you should have the flexibility to decide how to build upon it.

…an ideal lecturer?

Someone who is genuinely passionate about his/her profession. You can tell they genuinely care – they reflect on their work, understand their role, know their subject inside and out, and have a true passion for it. You can see the spark in their eyes when they discuss their topics and that enthusiasm instantly draws you in. 

What suggestions do students have for addressing these concerns?

A potential solution could b an academic career path pursued within the university. We could also explore the option of inviting more guest lecturers. People, who haven’t chosen an academic career or research path, but are open to teaching part-time alongside their main job. A person with hands-on experience can speak about it much more effectively, sharing practical tips that you won’t find in textbooks. I understand that it can be difficult to find guest lecturers and coordinate schedules with them, but having more of them could bring a greater real-world perspective to the lectures. 

There aren't many of them in my specialty. It’s one thing to understand how a column functions structurally in theory, and another to see it in practice on a construction site. The goal of the university is to develop your engineering mindset. The knowledge we gain here broadens our horizons, but it's this mindset that enables us to tackle real-world problems. I feel it is missing the real-world aspect. You can show me different perspectives in theory, but on a construction site, the reality  may be different. 

There are concerns at the university about students working, but I think it’s a positive thing. Doing professional work alongside my studies has significantly enhanced my academic experience, and many of my fellow students feel the same. You can tell me in a lecture that there’s a parapet on the roof, but I’ve never actually seen one in real life! After spending a month or two on the construction site, I have a much clearer understanding of what it's all about. A field like this demands that you alternate between studying the textbook one day and gaining hands-on experience on a construction site the next.

Imagine if construction works were regularly carried out on campus, it would serve as a great training site for students.

Oh, that would be so perfect! (Laughs). Excursions are organized, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule. Visiting construction sites should be a regular and routine part of our studies, not just a one-off experience. Learning through hands-on experience is incredibly rewarding!

What are students' hopes for the new rector (or upcoming term), and what kind of rector does the University of Technology need at present?

One clear request from the students is: please back us! In general, things have been going very well, but in light of recent events, I’d like to emphasize it in particular. Students are your greatest resource, your asset, your treasure. Take care of them, appreciate them, and value their opinions.

Another key point is the importance of seeing the bigger picture, not just focusing on the perspective of the Mustamäe campus. It’s important to hold discussions with other rectors to consider what’s best for the country as a whole and how our university fits into that bigger picture. Let’s think outside the box a little more! 

For example, when addressing the funding shortage, why not first examine how we're currently spending the funds we have? Or take the question of how we can increase our university’s visibility – what is our unique niche, what can we do even more effectively at the national level, and how can we build from there to gain greater international recognition? What if, instead of aiming for the TOP 10 universities right away, we focused on what we excel at, put more effort into it, and became the best in that area? 

What we expect is considering new perspectives – much like an engineer’s mindset. You know your end goal, take the time to analyse it, and approach it with an open mind to determine the best solutions and steps, while considering how it will impact others. Instead of just quickly applying a plaster when we have a wound, we should also take the time to investigate the cause and find a solution that benefits everyone involved. Systemic changes have a much more lasting impact than quick fixes.

It’s also important to make well-considered decisions and keep both feet on the ground. If, as rector, you’re not picking up on the mood or opinions within the university, you can always reach out and ask. 

The rector also holds a representative role – he should be the face of the university: respected, friendly, dignified; a person of action, but deliberative rather than impulsive; someone who knows how to relax, but also when to take things seriously. Balance is a key factor in every aspect. 

This interview was published in TalTech's magazine Mente et Manu special edition.