The 5th Aalto International Talent Program launched - ‘A warm welcome to Finland‘
The programme launched 11th January with a kickoff event opened by the President of Aalto University Ilkka Niemelä. He urged students to make the most of the programme, which offers an excellent opportunity to build networks and learn about Finnish working life. Companies, for their part, can meet international talents who are vital to Finnish society and business.
'I could not imagine a programme that could be more win-win-win for students, companies and the university alike,' said Niemelä.
Learning the local language is worthwhile
The guest speaker was Pekka Tiitinen, Managing Director of ABB Finland, who was selected as the School of Electrical Engineering's Alum of the Year in 2022. Tiitinen has been actively involved in developing the cooperation between Aalto and ABB and in promoting the success of Aalto and its students.
‘My heart beats for Aalto,‘ said Tiitinen.
In his speech, Tiitinen warmly welcomed the international students to Finland and encouraged them to start learning Finnish. Even if one can manage in English at work, knowing the local language makes life richer. ABB's employees who are sent abroad are also encouraged to make an effort to study the local language.
‘Language skills are a gateway to the society and culture around you,‘ said Tiitinen, who said he himself is still learning new languages.
He also urged students to build up as wide a range of skills as possible during their studies. Nevertheless, not all future skills needs can yet be anticipated. The most important thing is enthusiasm and the ability to learn new things.
‘Life is about learning,‘ he reminded.
Pekka Tiitinen, Managing Director, ABB FinlandLife is about learning
ABB is mentoring two groups of students in the programme this year. Maria Yeganeh, a doctoral student at the School of Engineering, applied to join ABB's group. Interested in ABB and the energy sector, Yeganeh is researching hydrogen engines for her doctoral thesis.
‘I especially hope to learn more about the Finnish hydrogen economy during the programme,‘ she said.
At the programme's kickoff event, the companies met their student groups for the first time and planned their meetings and agenda for the spring. Yeganeh and her student group also met with ABB's representatives.
‘Our first meeting was great and I feel like I already learned a lot. I'm really happy to be part of the programme,‘ Yeganeh concluded.
What is Aalto International Talent Program?
Aalto International Talent Program is an annual group mentoring program for Aalto University’s international students and Finnish companies looking for future talent. The program offers a space for open dialogue and mutually beneficial learning experiences. The next application deadline is autumn 2024.
The companies participating in 2024 are ABB, CGI Finland, CSC – IT Centre for Science, Deloitte, F-Secure, FiskarsGroup, If Insurance, Kemira,Konecranes, Murata, Nokia, NVIDIA Helsinki, Okmetic, Outokumpu, SSH Communications Security and Valmet.
The Aalto International Talent programme is part of Aalto Career Design Lab.
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