Student testimonial: Angélica Méndez Reyes
What made you decide to start studying at Aalto?
I chose Aalto because it is a world-class university, outperforming in many international rankings. Also, it strives to make multidisciplinary courses that combine science, art, tech and business, which leads to amazing flexibility in the study plans. Not only can you select the courses from your master that interests you the most, but you can select your minor and elective courses from any department. For example, I am taking courses from engineering, business and computer science.
Living in Finland was also a decision-making factor. Finland is absolutely stunning, especially if you love nature. I also admire its gender equality, security, technological developments, and how it embraces diversity.
How did you decide which programme to choose?
I believe that the analytical side of an engineering mindset with the capability of innovation and strategy from business management is a powerful combination. Therefore, I applied to the Master in Industrial Engineering and Management with a minor in Analytics and Data Science.
What is the best thing in your programme?
The best thing is that IEM offers a comprehensive experience. Not only the courses are interesting and challenging but also, Prodeko – the student guild of IEM – is continuously hosting events, company excursions, sports activities and parties.
What has been the most interesting course or study project?
It is hard to choose one, so I will mention a few of them. I enjoyed Advanced Strategic Management because every week we had a company case where you needed to provide a strategy recommendation. Opportunity Prototyping made me think outside the box. Lastly, Designing Adaptive and Creative Organizations allowed our team to work in a project with Nokia where we gave the company recommendations for its software's machine learning set-up.
Are you taking part in any student activities, if so please tell us a bit about them?
I take part in many guild events and activities. I am an international tutor, which allows me to meet new friends, learn more about their countries, traditions and food. We are also organizing the Prodeko Pitkä, a one year project that ends with a trip to Latin America.
What do you want to do after you have graduated? Do you have a dream job?
In the future, I would like to help companies to improve decision making and strategy formulation through advanced analytics, data science and AI.
What tips would you give to students starting their studies?
Make the most out of your study time. Don't focus only on the courses, take part of all the activities that Aalto offers:
Interdisciplinary projects, activities from your guild or the different associations, company excursions, trips, etc.