Alumni stories
Alumnus Ville Vahteri: The opportunity cost of becoming an entrepreneur as a student is often at its lowest level
Our alumnus Ville Vahteri, who studied marketing at the School of Business, was actively involved in organizing the startup event Slush throughout his studies. Emboldened by the experience, he co-founded Bou, a brand company, together with his Slush colleagues.
Pekka Ala-Pietilä is the School of Business Alumnus of the Year 2020
Life is a learning journey where learning as such never ends, explains Pekka Ala-Pietilä, chairman of the boards of directors of packaging manufacturer Huhtamäki and media group Sanoma.
Anu Kaukovirta has been selected as the School of Chemical Engineering's Alumnus of the Year 2020
As a sign of her significant career and role in our society, Doctor of Technology Anu Kaukovirta has been selected as the School of Chemical Engineering's Alumnus of the Year 2020. She has worked as both a researcher and a director in industry and research institutes and throughout her career has been in close contact with her school. Currently, Anu works at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) as Vice President of Research.
Welcome home, alumni!
Each of the 100,000 Aalto alumni is as welcome to the Aalto community as they were on their very first day.
School of Business cancels Homecoming Day alumni event for 2020
The Alumnus or Alumna of the Year for 2020 will be made public at the Aalto 10 – Alumni Studio & Science Show remote event on 10 October.
Alumna Saara Virrankari-Kulju: In the future, taxation is going to be more and more digital and real-time
Our alumna Saara Virrankari-Kulju chose Business Law as her major, as it seemed to be a good way to combine law and business studies. Now as a Tax Manager she gets to utilize her knowledge in business, accounting and tax legislation in an international company.
'I felt welcomed even though I’m not in Aalto physically' – new School of Business Master’s students got to network remotely with alumni
Aalto University School of Business alumni and new Master’s students gathered to network in Zoom platform. The alumni provided useful tips and advice for studies, career and employment.
Alumnus Tung Hoang: Data analytics is where you can apply theories and technical knowledge in solving real business problems
Our alumnus Tung Hoang did not know much about data analytics or programming before starting the Master’s studies at the School of Business, but he then immersed himself in the field through the Business Analytics specialization area. At his current job, he now uses many of the concepts and skills he learnt during the studies, and encourages students to do their personal projects, such as programming, besides the core studies.
School of Business Alumni Advisory Board member's story: Jaakko Eteläaho
The School of Business Alumni Advisory Board member Jaakko Eteläaho has done a long career as an investment banker among mergers & acquisitions and says that the Finance studies have been extremely useful in his career. In addition to Alumni Advisory Board, Eteläaho has been part of Aalto Alumni Network Board and is also one of the founders of Aalto Finance Alumni association. “I encourage all alumni to be active alumni, as it is a lot of fun and widens one’s perspectives.”
Exhibition in honour of Aalto's 10-year anniversary highlights student impact over the decades
‘Creativity in Action: The Spirit of Student Life’ exhibition opens at the Dipoli Gallery and online on 27 August.
School of Business Alumni Advisory Board member's story: Norbert Juhász
The School of Business Alumni Advisory Board member Norbert Juhász studied in International Business and CEMS MIM master’s programmes. Aalto student community, business case competitions with fellow students and the possibility to study and live completely in English in Finland are very memorable to him. “Being an alumnus means being part of a community and being part of a shared history with that community.”
School of Business Alumni Advisory Board member's story: Pasi Torppa
School of Business Alumni Advisory Board member Pasi Torppa studied Accounting in the School of Business and has done a long career in management consulting. Currently, he is a private investor and a board member or chairman in several companies.
MONTA group aims at advancing diversity and inclusion at the School of Business
Katja Toropainen, the founder of Inklusiiv and graduate student of the School, also makes a call for more discussion and sharing of best practices about diversity in organizations.
Alumnus Sakari Saarela: One of the most important things you can gain from your studies are the relationships with your fellow students
Our alumnus Sakari Saarela, who works as a M&A advisor in an investment bank in London, emphasizes the importance of his study time friends and mentoring in helping him to gain preparedness for working life and to proceed to interesting work assignments in his career.
Alumnus Mikael Lauharanta: Frequent presentations help Mikkeli students stand out from the crowd
School of Business, Mikkeli Campus alumnus Mikael Lauharanta appreciates the nature of studies in the BScBA Program: "It’s a fast paced program that prepares you well for the working life and all the challenges it might throw at you."
Alumna Julia Österlund: Responsibility and success boost courage, and failure helps you grow
School of Business alumna Julia Österlund studied two different majors at school and thinks that the diverse studies benefit her in her current job: ‘It is also great that I can combine everything I have studied at school - marketing, communications, information technology and calculus.’
Alumna Anne Tolonen: In an international career courage and hard work will pay off
Our alumna Anne Tolonen always knew she would go to work abroad after studies. After spending over 5 years abroad in different management positions, she has learnt to appreciate inspiring and caring leadership manners.
Five new members to join the Aalto University alumni network board
On 7 February 2020, Tuula Antola, Isabella Haas, Mikko J. Salminen, Kaisa Vikkula and Antti Ylimutka joined the Aalto University alumni network board. Kaj Hagros (chair) and Ilkka Hiirsalmi continue on the board. This year, the goal is to launch interdisciplinary alumni activities and involve more international alumni.
Alumnus Ilkka Siitonen: Internships gave me good motivation to complete my studies
School of Business alumnus Ilkka Siitonen encourages students to participate in the events organized together with different companies. “In those events, you get to meet the employees face-to-face and ask them about their job.”
Alumna Göksu Sarigöl: My internship prepared me for the next chapter of my professional life
Our alumna Göksu Sarigöl did an internship during her studies through the School of Business Internship Programme for foreign students. ‘I was lucky that the School of Business Career Services helped me in this part of my career.’
