A legal counsel helps the university navigate matters of law in daily activities
The “Working at Uniarts Helsinki” series presents employees who enable the growth of students into highly skilled and broadminded artists and changemakers, thanks to their work in different roles within the university.
Who are you and what do you do at Uniarts Helsinki?
I’m Minna Eskola, and I work as a data protection officer and legal counsel for Uniarts Helsinki’s Legal Services. So I have two different job roles, but in both duties, I ensure that our university operates in accordance with the law.
I try to make data protection a natural part of all operations at the university. My goal is to build tools that help students and staff navigate and fulfil the required obligations as smoothly as possible. I find that first and foremost, my work is about helping other people, and I want to make it easier for our community to go on about their daily lives.
What are some of your typical job duties?
As the data protection officer, I oversee the processing of personal data and provide instructions for people in these matters. The role is governed by law, and it’s independent but at the same, I have ongoing interaction with other members of the community. As a legal counsel, my responsibility is to comment on agreements and take care of copyright matters, for example. Much of my work involves training and development work, such as updating instructions and agreements.
I provide support for the University Services, kind of like a consultant. For example, if a more extensive case of agreements comes up, I might be asked to review it from the point of view of a legal counsel and a data protection officer.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part is that I get to work with the whole university community, because these things concern all of us. That makes my work versatile and interesting, and doing things together as a team effort feels meaningful.
The small size of Uniarts Helsinki makes it possible for me to work on a wide range of tasks. I’m grateful that I’ve gotten to pursue new challenges and responsibilities during my career. Recently, I was selected to represent higher education institutions in the Copyright Council, which I’m excited about.
Data protection issues may come off as challenging and like a jungle of regulations. But I think it’s the combination of the arts and legal matters that makes my job especially fulfilling – it pushes you to think outside the box.
Where are you most at home mentally?
I’m most at home by the sea, especially on walks by the water. Nature means a lot to me, and the sea, especially, is something that draws me in.
Which Uniarts Helsinki performance or exhibition did you visit most recently?
Most recently, I visited the Olomuodot/Habitats exhibition at the Academy of Fine Arts. Overall, the Kuvan Kevät MFA exhibitions have stuck with me the most.
Who do you want to send your greetings to and what do you want to say them?
I want to send my greetings to the whole Uniarts Helsinki community – especially to students, who we want to support and help through our work. If there’s anything on your mind, don’t hesitate to contact me!