News

School of Business donor stories: Mika Koskinen

Published: 18.2.2021

The high level of teaching has always been our School’s strength and competitive advantage. All courses were without exception interesting and of high standard. Although I have made my career outside of business, my studies in business have helped me enormously in the operational environment of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Tell us about you

I started my studies at the Helsinki School of Economics in 1986 and graduated in 1991. I have pursued a diplomatic career at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland for over a quarter of a century, and I actively participate in the excellent alumni activities of the School of Business. My positions at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs have so far been in Haag, Paris, Dublin, Madrid, Lima and New York. In the last two positions, I have worked as the Head of Mission.

Your memories when studying at the School of Business

I have very warm memories from my student days. In addition to being an active member of subject clubs, I went on student exchange in Strasbourg, France and in Bergen, Norway. I made many wonderful contacts when studying abroad, with whom I am still friends. I also cherish the memories from the extremely fun disco nights, and the elegant, traditional Fall Proms at KY. I remember my student days as a very positive time-period in my life. The high level of teaching has always been our School’s strength and competitive advantage. All courses were without exception interesting and of high standard.

Donating to my alma mater for the benefit of young students makes me feel good.

Mika Koskinen, School of Business alumnus and donor.

How have the business studies been useful in your career?

An academic way of thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset have both been very helpful for me. I would also like to emphasize the School’s excellent language teaching. For me, studying French and Spanish at the School of Business has been of special use in my international career. Although I have made my career outside of business, my studies in business have helped me enormously in the operational environment of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, including promotion of exports, which is an essential part of that environment.

What inspired you to donate to the School of Business?

I currently work in the United States, where the culture of giving is an important part of the university fundraising. I believe that private donations could have a bigger role in the university fundraising also here in Finland, even though our structure is different from that of The United States.

Now that I already have a long career behind me, I often keep thinking what made such an interesting career possible to me. In these moments, gratitude towards good basic and academic education comes to my mind first. Donating to my alma mater for the benefit of young students makes me feel good. With this small gesture, at least, I can show my gratitude towards the School of Business.

Your greetings to the 110-year-old Kauppis

My mind is filled with gratitude towards the School of Business. I am very glad that the School of Business is doing well, and that the School has a new, fantastic campus. I am also very pleased that there are better opportunities for multidisciplinary studies now that the fields of business, technology, and arts and design are under the same roof at Aalto University. The School of Business has chosen the right path as a proactive pacemaker.

Your greetings to Kauppis alumni and students

I want to send my warmest regards to the School of Business alumni by saying that it is great to have such a lively School of Business alumni community. Let’s participate in the activities and show our gratitude towards the School by supporting its operations.

For the current students I want to emphasize that it is a privilege to study in such a great School, and almost without expenses. It is both magnificent and internationally exceptional, that all of this is possible here in Finland. I also want to send greetings of strength and courage to the current students in this difficult pandemic situation!

Our warmest thanks to you Mika for supporting the School of Business and sharing your amazing story with us!