Stories from alumni and students
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.
This strange instrument from Joker soundtrack was invented in Finland
There are only five of them in the world. And one of them can be heard throughout the movie that just won the Oscar for Original score. This rare device is the electro-acoustic halldorophone, and its story can be traced back to Finland and to the workshops of the University of Art and Design Helsinki.
Internship in Japan: Working as an Industrial Designer at Mitsubishi Electric
Janne Pärssinen, a master student in Industrial Design, is delighted he had influence on the projects as an intern.
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.’
Alumnus Jesse Rajala: ISM has opened up doors I didn't even realise existed
A fresh graduate of Information and Service Management, Jesse Rajala talks about his studies and gives a few tips to students coming from a University of Applied science background.
Alumna Essi Raitala: Business studies create an excellent basis for a diplomatic career
Diverse career opportunities and varying tasks got our alumna Essi Raitala interested in a career in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Currently, she is on her first posting at the Embassy of Finland in Nairobi.
An 'info student' can teach crowdfunding to entrepreneurs in slums and coding to secondary pupils
In her diploma work, Niina Arvila studied how awareness of crowdfunding and the skills it requires could be spread among entrepreneurs of small communities in poor countries. Alongside her studies, Arvila arranged a coding club to adolescents and worked as a UX Designer at technology event Slush.
A student satellite project launched alumna Maria Hieta’s career in the space industry
Alumna Maria Hieta majored in Space Science and Technology.
Alumnus Arno Paula: Don’t wait for the next golden business idea, but start solving the problems around you
School of Business alumnus Arno Paula started his own company together with two friends. Their company Ambronite tries to help people achieve permanent change of lifestyle by developing drinkable meal replacement.
Alumna Eleonora Nazander: 'Analytical methods can help us find solutions to almost any problem'
ISM alumna Eleonora Nazander talks about her career and gives tips for planning studies and seeking employment in Finland.
Alumnus Muhammad Ziaur Rehman: ‘No matter what you’re dreaming about, Aalto is a great place to start’
Muhammad Ziaur Rehman graduated from the Master’s Programme in Automation and Electrical Engineering.
Alumna Laura McLeod: In Aalto, you have the freedom to explore and learn new skills
Acoustics and Audio Technology major gave Laura McLeod the opportunity to combine her two fields of passion: music and physics
Alumni day brought generations of chemical engineers together
The School of Chemical engineering provides a broad range of skills for working life and entrepreneurship. Many of our graduates have also built an international career.
Alumna Noora Kinnunen: Studying marketing provided me with broad opportunities for my future career
School of Business alumna Noora Kinnunen found a job in her own field already during her studies with the help of Aalto’s job portal. She encourages students to take advantage of the services at Aalto and for example take part in the Aalto Talent Expo recruiting fair at the end of October.
Alumni Ambassador Sami Pauni: Executive MBA degree brought me new job opportunities
”I have always grasped the opportunities when facing them – I have not always known where they will take me or whether it is 'the one', but I have gone forward”, says the School of Business Alumni Ambassador Sami Pauni.
Alumna Li Xu: My exchange period was the milestone linked to my current career point
Li Xu applied for the Master’s Programme in Information and Service Management at Aalto University School of Business partly due to her job requirement. The studies supported her career, and later also helped her proceed towards her dream job at Valio in China.
Alumni Ambassador Markus Helaniemi: It is important to read a lot and follow the news outside your own expertise area
“Thanks to the business studies, I now understand the customers and corporate challenges better and I know how to be of better use to the customers”, says our Alumni Ambassador Markus Helaniemi. “Besides having the business expertise, common knowledge and wide understanding on the world and societal aspects should be emphasized.”
Media Lab alumni: Juan Carlos Vasquez
Juan Carlos Vasquez is a composer, sound artist and researcher who was awarded as the Primus Master in the Aalto ARTS conferment ceremony this summer. He has been an active member of the Media Lab as a student, researcher and lecturer and has accomplished during his years in Aalto more than many of us could even dream of.
Alumna Katariina Koskelainen: I would describe the work of a consultant as creative problem-solving
Katariina Koskelainen studied in the School of Business during the years 2008–2013, leadership and management as her major. She works currently as a Senior Consultant at CIVITTA. We asked Katariina to share her insights on working as a consultant and how to pursue a consulting career.
