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When Hitesh Monga first arrived at Aalto University, intending to complete a bachelor’s internship over the summer, the next steps were unclear. That internship led to two research internships at the Aalto Science Institute, then a master’s degree in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences. Soon after graduating, he landed a role at one of the leading telecommunications companies, Ericsson Sweden.

To Monga, it has been one continuous path from early curiosity to his current professional role. As a proud alumn, he hopes to inspire others to take those first steps. Read more about his experiences studying in Aalto, how these studies lead into a career – and his tips for international students in Aalto and Finland! 

Why did you choose Aalto?

My brother did his master’s at Aalto University and has also since completed his doctorate. He was the first to describe Finland to me in a way that felt real and close. As a kid I already associated Finland with Nokia and those famously sturdy phones, so to me this country was equivalent with communications excellence long before I ever set foot on the Otaniemi campus.

During my bachelor’s studies in India I kept returning ���ʵ��� University for internships and exchanges. A CS summer internship in 2019 followed by two Aalto Science Institute (AScI) International Summer Research Programme internships in 2020 and 2021 confirmed that this was the right environment for me.

From my own research and from comparing visits to other European universities, Aalto stood out as a place that trusts people early, gives flexibility to choose your direction, and expects you to build things that actually work. These are values that I feel also align closely with Finnish culture’s emphasis on both autonomy and mutual trust.  

That same spirit was present in the classroom, where courses were practical, project-driven, and closely tied to active research and industry problems. Even after my initial rejection in 2021, I reapplied in 2022 because I knew this was where I would learn the fastest and contribute the most. Looking back, it was the right call, since the mix of autonomy, mentorship, flexibility, and a high trust environment prepared me for my next step in telecom and IT systems.  

Ultimately, I ended up choosing the Communications Engineering major in Aalto’s CCIS programme for my master’s degree. It was at the intersection of where I wanted to grow: networks, programming, signal processing, and real-world systems.

What was studying at Aalto like?

The best part of my studies was the flexibility.  I could shape my path within the Communication Engineering major by choosing a subtrack that suited my interests, and I was also free to explore outside my major. I took courses that interested me, for example the Product Development Project, and I could also convert hackathon participation into study credits. This mix of research, hands-on projects, and cross-disciplinary learning made everything practical and immediately relevant.  

The biggest challenge I faced was working full time during most of my degree. Aalto courses are intensive and combining them with a full workload required strict routines and a lot of trade-offs. This taught me focus, prioritization, and resilience, and it was ultimately rewarding – but I would not necessarily recommend it. If you can, stay a full-time student and add part-time roles or internships for experience. You will learn more deeply, enjoy campus life, and still graduate with a strong profile.

What kind of tools for working life did you get from your studies?

Aalto gave me tools I use every day at work. Group study and team projects translated into pair programming and code reviews at my company. The constant cycle of presentations and demos made communication natural, so explaining architecture choices or walking stakeholders through a prototype now feels routine. One intensive course, Internet Traffic Measurements and Analysis, was especially valuable; it shaped how I reason about networks, gave me concrete examples for interviews, and still informs the way I profile and debug real systems. On top of that, the programme built a systems mindset, comfort with experimentation and data, and the habit of writing things clearly.

Where are you working after graduating from Aalto?

I’m currently a Baseband Software Developer at Ericsson, based at the headquarters in Kista, Stockholm. I landed the role in a tough job market, after a previous contract had fallen through, which made it a real turning point for me. The Aalto community helped me navigate that phase as I reached out to alumni for guidance and referrals. I also used the career workshops to make my CV and cover letter job ready.

With Aalto’s reputation, my grades, and my industry experience, I interviewed with several multinational companies. I ultimately chose Ericsson Sweden because the work aligns directly with my interests in 5G and 6G systems. It feels like the natural continuation of what I studied and built at Aalto University.  

How does the future of the field look like?

The outlook is strong. 5G is still scaling and private networks are growing, while 6G is moving from research to early pilots. AI is making networks smarter and more automated, so if you stay relevant you can do a lot. The big themes I see are AI-native and automated networks, cloud-native cores, and software-defined everything from RAN to the edge. Energy efficiency, security, and reliability are now product requirements – not nice-to-haves – and network APIs are exposing capabilities like quality-on-demand and location to developers.

In short, I think the field is getting more software-centric and interdisciplinary, creating space for people who can combine strong communication fundamentals with skills in programming, data, and/or, product thinking.

What was the best part of the student life at Aalto?

Definitely the culture. Aalto’s student scene is unbeatable, and the Otaniemi campus feels alive every week with events, parties, and sitsi-dinners that bring people together across programmes and guilds.  Wappu stands out as its own festive season, with traditions that make you feel part of a vibrant community. I also loved tutoring international students, which let me give back, make new friends, and discover even more of Aalto. All in all, Aalto is a place where you study hard, have fun, and genuinely feel like you belong.

What would you say to international students who are considering applying ���ʵ��� and moving to Finland?  

If you value shaping your studies with a balance of theoretical depth and practical learning, while exploring what genuinely interests you, Aalto University is a great fit.  

I lived in Finland for four years, with two of those at Aalto, and I can say for sure that you will collect a lot of good memories. The job market is tough almost everywhere right now, but if you stay curious, keep exploring your options, and take care of your well-being while you study, you can make the most of your time as a student at Aalto by building real skills, meaningful connections, and confidence for what comes next. Aalto’s alumni network is strong, with many founders and leaders, and there is a real legacy to grow into. Stay proactive and curious, connect with like-minded people, give yourself time to settle into a new culture, and you will thrive here.

What did you find hardest to adapt to in Finland, and how did you cope?

I won't sugarcoat it, if you are coming from a tropical country like me, Finnish winters can be dark, the move can feel overwhelming, and the weather can affect your mood. The long, dark months were difficult at first, and I experienced moments of homesickness and winter blues. Back home in India, if the weather was too harsh or windy, schools would close for the day. In Finland, everything keeps moving, no matter the snow or cold, there’s a kind of quiet resilience, what Finns call sisu. I wasn’t used to walking everywhere in winter or relying so much on public transport, but over time I adapted. And once you settle in, you start to notice the peace in the silence, the beauty in the snow, and the calm that comes from being surrounded by nature, even in the middle of a busy semester.  

The good news is that the winter is manageable. Build routines, make friends early, join a guild or club, and get outside even when it’s cold. It can take a little time to build connections, but guilds and campus events make it easy. And yes, you will find yourself in a sauna sooner than you think. 

What surprised you about Aalto or Finland?

The most surprising was the flat hierarchy. I could speak openly, share my ideas freely, and address professors by their first names without hesitation. What stood out even more was how much my input was genuinely valued. As a student, a research assistant, and later a teaching assistant, my suggestions were not only listened to but often taken into account when shaping projects or courses. That level of trust, integrity, and mutual respect created an environment where I felt empowered to contribute and grow.

In this spirit, I want to give back to other alumni or new Aalto students. If you have questions, you can reach me through my !