A journey from Aalto to leadership and entrepreneurship

Why did you choose Aalto for your education? 

With an engineering background and a master’s degree in quality management from St. Petersburg, I was looking for a program that would improve my technical expertise with management skills. Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) at Aalto was the perfect choice—it offered a unique combination of engineering and business studies.

I wanted a degree that would make me more competitive in the Finnish job market, and Aalto’s reputation as the best university in Finland solidified my decision. What I found even more rewarding was the diversity of career paths this degree opens—from consulting and leadership to finance and entrepreneurship. The demand for IEM graduates in the professional world makes it an excellent foundation for success.

How did IEM prepare you for your career and professional life? 

During our studies, we faced multiple challenges that came directly from companies, which made them highly relevant and practical. These experiences sharpened my problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills. After graduating, I felt fully prepared to tackle real-world challenges from day one in the job market. The dynamic and collaborative environment at Aalto prepared me well for the challenges of a fast-paced work setting.

Additionally, my minor in the Aalto Ventures Program provided excellent preparation for entrepreneurship. It combined theoretical knowledge with practical coaching and connections to the startup ecosystem. Aalto’s interdisciplinary approach—bringing together design, business, and engineering—created an environment where ideas could thrive. I found my co-founders later in my career, all of whom have ties to Aalto University. With them, I felt confident to launch my own startup focused on AI-driven process improvements.

How would you describe IEM community?

The IEM community is full of ambitious, collaborative, and driven individuals. They excel in leadership, problem-solving, and building companies. Prodeko, the guild of Industrial Engineering and Management, strengthens connections between students and industry, providing valuable networking opportunities. As an alumna, I often collaborate with peers I met at Aalto. This network has been a cornerstone of my professional development. 

For example, during one of my courses, I worked on a project with a peer who later joined Vaisala. In my first job, my team visited their company to benchmark processes, and reconnecting with my former classmate helped us exchange ideas and share best practices.

Can you share a memorable experience you had with a professor or course that had a significant impact on you?

 One standout memory was from the Strategy Process course. Each session, one team was randomly selected to present their work to an audience of up to 100 people. We never knew in advance who would be called on, which taught us how to articulate our thoughts clearly, handle pressure, and present confidently. This experience pushed me to prepare thoroughly, collaborate effectively with my team, and manage the unexpected—skills I now use frequently in my career while presenting at conferences or leading discussions.

Another memorable course was Operations Development, where we used Legos to redesign processes. The exercise involved identifying bottlenecks, reducing backlogs, and improving lead times in a simulated environment. During the game, I realized that my role in the process was redundant and volunteered to eliminate it, which taught me a valuable lesson about simplifying systems and focusing on value-added activities. This hands-on learning directly mirrors the work I do now, improving real-life processes for companies.

What advice would you give to current and potential students? 

Focus not only on academics but also on networking and having fun. The connections you make during your studies will be invaluable in your professional life. Don’t hesitate to try different projects and explore what truly excites you. Reach out to companies and showcase what you can bring to the table—you’ll be surprised at how receptive they can be. Be bold, stay curious, and take full advantage of the opportunities Aalto offers.