Eelis Hemberg, 24, studying for his master’s degree in water and environmental engineering

‘When I was in upper secondary school, I’d have laughed if someone had said I’d be an engineer. I might not fit your stereotypical idea of an engineer. For example, I’m not exceptionally talented mathematically. I’m just really interested in water engineering.

I chose Aalto’s Master’s Programme in Water and Environmental Engineering because of its practical content. Engineering is characterized by its focus on solutions: trying to improve the way things are done. At the Aalto School of Engineering, we not only examine problems but also think about how we can solve them.

My impression of engineering has changed during my studies. This is not all about process flow charts and a jungle of formulas without an understanding of the wider context. Our programme also takes account of other players, legislation and the societal context.

There were just over 20 of us who started in the master’s programme this autumn. At first, we had common intensive courses, which gave a good general idea of the subject area and created a great sense of community between the students.

Aalto’s interdisciplinary approach is shown in, for example, how we are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs. In our first course, we made a business plan for water supply in a sparsely populated area. Even if you’re not planning to start a business, it’s good to understand the commercial point of view as well.

I intend to use the opportunity to take courses from other Aalto programmes. For example, studies in built environment, environmental law and landscape architecture would be a good addition to the expertise gained in my main subject studies.

You should keep your mind open when you’re looking for your passion. Look at the big picture and not just the name of the degree. Think about what you’re really interested in and what you want to achieve with your work. A higher goal is a good motivator – in your thoughts, you can always go back to why you chose a particular field.

For me, finding the right career required completing a bachelor’s degree and gaining work experience in the field through non-military service. That’s how I became enthusiastic about water and environmental engineering. I realized that solutions to the pollution of water resources, for example, often come from engineers.

Environmental matters have always been important to me. It’s the one thing that I’ve always carried with me and that has influenced my educational choices. This degree will give me the capabilities I need to tackle global environmental problems and develop solutions to the challenges of climate change.'