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Just a few years ago, Henry Prints was a robotics engineering student at TTK University of Applied Sciences, solving engineering challenges in the laboratories. Today, he works as a process engineer at Norma, a company that manufactures automotive safety components, where he is responsible for analysing and optimising production processes and finding technical solutions to quality issues.
Henry graduated from TTK University of Applied Sciences with a degree in Robotics Engineering in 2024. Choosing TTK was a natural decision for him. “I’ve always been interested in technology, automation and how systems actually work. I chose TTK because of its practical approach – it seemed like the kind of place that would prepare me for real working life,” he says.
Practical learning that stands the test of time
His first impression proved to be right. “Right from the beginning of my studies, it was clear that I could get hands-on experience quickly. Looking back, that practical approach has been the most valuable thing in my working life.”
What Henry remembers most about his years at TTK is the strong sense of community. “My fellow students were very supportive, and we quickly developed a strong sense of camaraderie. There were also many lecturers who were always willing to help and provide guidance.”
His Erasmus+ exchange semester in Spain also left a lasting impression. The international study experience broadened his horizons, helped him make new connections across Europe and gave him the confidence to work in an international environment – a skill that is valuable in his current role at an international company.
Henry sums up his years of study in two phrases: “practical development” and “constant problem-solving”. “Most of the learning happened through doing and solving real-life situations,” he says.
When what you learned at university becomes part of your everyday work
Henry first truly felt like a TTK alumnus when he realised that he was independently solving real problems at work using the knowledge he had gained during his studies. “Today, creating CAD drawings, 3D printing, vision systems, robots and much more are all genuinely part of my everyday work.”
At the same time, he has discovered that even skills that initially seemed rather ordinary turned out to be useful. “During my studies, for example, Excel seemed fairly insignificant, but in working life it’s one of the tools I use every day,” he says.
An important part of his learning also took place outside the classroom. Internships at Ericsson and Elering helped him understand how industry actually works and reinforced his desire to pursue a career in engineering.
According to Henry, his studies at TTK gave him a strong practical and technical foundation on which he has been able to build his professional experience. And he is not stopping there – this autumn, he is starting a master’s degree in Production Engineering and Management at TalTech.
An engineering mindset is the greatest asset
Henry considers problem-solving skills and a realistic approach to be the most valuable things he took away from TTK. “An engineering mindset means approaching a complex situation systematically, focusing on what actually works and finding a solution. That is a value that carries you through any situation.”
He also sees this as TTK’s greatest strength. In his view, practical learning, close ties with the world of work and the opportunity to immediately apply what you have learned give graduates a strong starting point for their careers.
Connections that last beyond graduation
Although his day-to-day connection with TTK is no longer as close, the university has not disappeared from his life. One of his former coursemates also works at Norma, and the group of coursemates still keeps in touch through shared chat groups, where they exchange both experiences and job opportunities.
Henry believes alumni have an important role to play in supporting the next generation. In his view, they can share practical experience from working life, offer internship opportunities and act as mentors to younger students.
His advice to current students is to make full use of all the opportunities the university offers. “Focus on learning how to solve problems, not just on passing exams. Take advantage of internship opportunities, develop your analytical thinking and don’t underestimate skills that may seem simple – they can become very important later on.”
