Alumni stories
Alumni Ambassador Elisa Liekkilä: My major helped me focus on the things that really interested me
Our alumna Elisa Liekkilä takes part in the School’s ARENA Career Fair on November 14 as the company representative of Tieto. “At the ARENA Career Fair, one can search for inspiration, knowledge, support and advice by getting to know different companies”, says Liekkilä.
Alumni Ambassador Terttu Sopanen: The studies have given me a good basis to deepen my knowledge
Terttu Sopanen, a Senior Consultant at Brunnen Communications and a School of Business alumna is glad to be working in the field of communication: "We help our customers to be more impressive and to make results that are more visible."
Introducing the School of Business Alumna of the Year 2018 Elina Björklund
Elina Björklund, the CEO of Reima, was awarded as the Alumna of the Year 2018 in Aalto University School of Business.
Alumni Ambassador Katariina Helaniemi: The School of Business degree gives you the possibility to go everywhere, as long as you are ambitious and daring enough
“You should definitely take the kind of courses that really interest you, since that is what motivates you the most”, says the School of Business alumna Katariina Helaniemi.
Alumni Ambassador Eero Nummela: You can develop your professional skills and find new job opportunities through networks
“Use the good opportunities to grow your networks during the studies”, advises our alumnus Eero Nummela. “Having a comprehensive and versatile network is an asset for an employee, but also the employers appreciate it.”
Alumni Ambassador Annika Jyllilä-Vertigans: Developing the skill to learn new things is the most important aspect in working life
Our alumna Annika Jyllilä-Vertigans completed EMBA degree in Aalto University Executive Education as she felt the need to deepen her knowledge in the ever-changing working life. At the same time, her professional and personal networks have broadened.
Alumni Ambassador Katja Kääriä: In the future, we will need even the most surprising study combinations
Having studied throughout her working life, our alumna Katja Kääriä encourages everyone to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge for the future. "It is important to look at things from different perspectives. New things give energy and development ideas for work", Kääriä emphasizes.
Alumni Ambassador Tatu Mäkilä: I can warmly recommend entrepreneurship, if you are interested in taking small risks
Entrepreneur, our alumnus Tatu Mäkilä wants to support fresh entrepreneurs and help students to reach for their dreams.
"To me, being an alumnus means giving back, and thus, I am very pleased to help", says Mäkilä."
"To me, being an alumnus means giving back, and thus, I am very pleased to help", says Mäkilä."
Alumni Ambassador Timo Löyttyniemi: More important than getting good grades is to be eager to learn a wide range of things
Timo Löyttyniemi, who worked as the Vice Chair of the Single Resolution Board in Brussels from 2015 to 2019, underlines the ability to change in today’s working life. “’Agility’ is a good term to describe the true way of working amidst all the changes”, says Löyttyniemi.
Currently, Löyttyniemi is the CEO of The State Pension Fund of Finland (2020).
Currently, Löyttyniemi is the CEO of The State Pension Fund of Finland (2020).
Alumni Ambassador Olli Copeland: Being active during student life in different types of organizations can make you stand out in a positive way
The School of Business Alumni Ambassadors' youngest member, Olli Copeland urges everyone to make new connections and broaden one's network. "Especially being a part of student organizations is an excellent way to network", says Copeland.
Alumni Ambassador Susanna Hyppönen: You can always change the direction and make new choices later on in your career
“Developing the resilience to adapt to possible changes and being ready to continue learning also after the graduation are huge assets in the working life”, reminds our alumna Susanna Hyppönen.
Friday finery
Perspectives can clash in a fashion company founded by a clothing designer, an engineer and a business graduate, but each of the trio has gradually learned to have faith in the others’ abilities.
Alumni Ambassador Mikko Kosonen: Knowing people widely from different sectors benefits you in the future
President of Sitra and School of Business alumnus Mikko Kosonen challenges students to plan their studies well. ”Tackling different challenges demands cooperation between the public and private sector, and it is no more enough to know only your own field well”, advises Kosonen.
Extractor of dreams
Service designer Mikko Koivisto is shaking up how we shop at pharmacies and creating soulful soup meals. Last spring, he received the Ornamo Award for his pioneering work in a field that barely existed just ten years ago.
Alumni Ambassador Emilia Rantala: The Aalto on Waves trip was a turning point in my life
Our alumna Emilia Rantala became accidentally part of one of the very first Aalto-level study projects at the newly formed university. Aalto on Waves took her from Lisbon over the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Brazil, and brought along a broad network and many new friendships.
Alumni Ambassador Arto Hiltunen: Consider your study time to be more than just acquiring knowledge from books and lectures
Our Alumni Ambassador Arto Hiltunen reminds that all kind of work experience, especially the summer job experience during the studies, has an effect on the career in the future. "Being active is one of the key factors", says Hiltunen.
Alumni Ambassador Pirjo Väliaho: When working at international companies, I saw how valuable the alumni network is
”For a fresh graduate, getting a first permanent job at an advertising agency was a dream come true”, reminisces our alumna Pirjo Väliaho.
Alumni Ambassador Matti Honkala: Studying is always worth the time that you spend on it
"Accept the job when offered, and don’t be too picky in the beginning", says our alumnus Matti Honkala to the current students.
Alumni Ambassador Kari Janhunen: I was encouraged to go and work abroad because of internships spent abroad
Internships abroad spurred our alumnus Kari Janhunen to seek work abroad. He has spent 20 years of his work career abroad in different positions within international finance.
Alumni Ambassador Xiang Ye: Learning will continue also after the graduation
Xiang Ye encourages students to create networks and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning.
