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When Paula Veske-Lepp graduated from TTK University of Applied Sciences in 2014 with a degree in Technical Design and Technology of Clothing, she had no idea where her studies would take her. Today, her journey has taken her from Estonian companies to the world of research in Belgium and back to TTK, where she works as a Visiting Professor, develops the Smart Textiles Laboratory, teaches students and leads several international research projects.
Looking back, Paula considers practical learning, internships in companies and international experience to be the foundations that gave her the confidence, connections and courage to take on new challenges.
A degree that combined her interests with an engineering mindset
Paula admits that when she graduated from upper secondary school, she did not have a clear career plan. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she says.
“I’ve always enjoyed building things, taking them apart and understanding how they work. We also had a sewing machine at home, so I had the opportunity to sew things myself. That’s why I decided to try the Technical Design and Technology of Clothing programme – at the time, it seemed like a natural choice that combined my interests and hobbies.”
“When I take something on, I make it interesting for myself and see it through to the end,” Paula says. The same principle has guided her throughout her studies and career, helping her make bold choices.
It turned out to be the right decision. Although the curriculum focused on clothing technology, Paula gained something much broader – an engineering mindset.
During her first years of study, not every subject seemed particularly relevant to her. “I didn’t understand why I had to study mathematics, physics or technical drawing all over again,” she recalls. It was only later that she realised that these subjects had developed the skills she needed both in her studies and in her career, teaching her logical thinking, problem-solving and how to approach products systematically.
Today, as a lecturer herself, she considers it important to explain the purpose of each subject to students. “When a learner understands why a particular subject is needed and how it relates to their future work, learning becomes much more meaningful.”
Real projects and internships were the most valuable
What Paula remembers most vividly from her studies are the project-based courses, where students actually had to make something. “I still use several of the garments I sewed during my studies,” she says.
Even more influential was an internship at Adidas headquarters in Germany, which she secured through TTK. “That experience was very important to me. It helped me with my final thesis and later when I entered the labour market. Living abroad also taught me independence, courage and initiative – I learned that there is always a way to manage.”
One of the lectures that particularly stands out to Paula was materials science, taught by lecturer Diana Tuulik. “It was in her lectures that I first saw that smart textiles existed – materials that could respond to light or touch, for example. I remember thinking that this was something from the distant future that I would probably never see in my lifetime.”
Today, that thought seems almost unbelievable to her, because Paula is now developing the Smart Textiles Laboratory at TTK and teaching students about the very technologies that once seemed like science fiction.
Manufacturing is manufacturing, and logic is logic
According to Paula, one of the biggest misconceptions is that textiles are often not considered part of engineering. “Looking back, I understand that this is precisely what makes TTK distinctive – it approaches textile technology through engineering. The opportunities offered by the field are actually much broader than people often realise.”
“There isn’t a huge difference between designing a garment, a chair or a building – everything has to be thought through, measured, documented and made to work. An engineering mindset stays with you regardless of the field you eventually work in. Manufacturing is manufacturing, and logic is logic,” Paula explains.
From Estonia to Belgium and back
About a month after graduating, Paula started working in her field as an assistant clothing technologist at Baltic Intertex. She acted as a link between production and designers, gaining valuable experience in both manufacturing and product development. From there, she went on to pursue a master’s degree at TalTech and then joined Protex Balti, where she worked on the development of technical textiles and with key clients.
A few years later, she had the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in Belgium, joining a joint microsystems technology research group at Ghent University and imec. Over six years, she explored ways of combining electronics and textiles for sportswear, medical products and smart protective clothing.
“Professionally, it initially felt as if I were starting from zero,” Paula admits. “Everything was new, and I had to learn to approach textiles from a completely different perspective. On the second day, I even thought about giving up, but fortunately things turned out differently.”
After completing her PhD and postdoctoral research, Paula decided to return to Estonia. She was soon invited to join TTK University of Applied Sciences, where she now teaches students.
International projects bring research into practice
In addition to teaching, Paula is developing the Smart Textiles Laboratory at TTK and leading several international research and development projects. Her work focuses on smart textiles, the circular economy and bringing research results into companies.
Currently, Paula is contributing to the ARTEMIS European university network, participating in the TexMat project, which is developing a deposit-based return system for used textiles, and helping organise the ECPC international protective clothing conference, which will take place at TTK University of Applied Sciences in 2027.
Practical learning provides an advantage
Paula is convinced that practical learning is TTK University of Applied Sciences’ greatest strength. “In addition to lectures, you get to do things yourself. That’s what gives knowledge real meaning,” she says.
Company internships are equally important, she believes. Testing yourself in a real working environment gives you a much quicker understanding of what you know and what you still need to learn. If the collaboration works well, an internship can also become your first job.
In Paula’s view, TTK’s strength lies not only in practical learning but also in the atmosphere at the university. “TTK is small enough that lecturers know their students and communication is direct. That kind of environment taught me honesty, flexibility and a willingness to help others – qualities that I have greatly valued in my professional life.”
She believes the university provides an excellent starting point, but success also depends on the student. “Good results come when the opportunities offered by the university meet the student’s own initiative. There’s no point simply waiting for something to happen – you have to seize the opportunities yourself.”
Make the most of opportunities while you have them
Paula has one simple piece of advice for today’s students. “Make use of all the opportunities the university offers. Go abroad, use the laboratories and equipment, build connections and try different things,” she says.
In her view, meetings with alumni and mentoring could be a much more systematic part of students’ studies. Real-life experience and practical advice from people who have entered the workforce can help young people find their own path much faster.
“During your studies, the opportunities offered by the university often seem like something you can take for granted. In reality, you will never again be offered so many opportunities for free, together with support. Those who have already graduated are the ones who appreciate this the most. That’s why it’s worth making the most of your studies while you’re still there. As a lecturer, I greatly value students who recognise these opportunities early on.”
Paula’s journey is a good example of this – an interest that began with a practical degree led to international research and eventually brought her back to where it all began. Now she is helping the next generation start their own journey.
