In your opinion, what are the strengths of the BScBA Program?
I feel the strengths of the program are the quality of the students recruited, the 3-week module system and the diverse choice of courses taught by faculty from many countries. The fact that many students are willing to travel to Mikkeli and Finland indicates a commitment to their education. This cultural diversity enriches everyone’s academic experience. The 3-week modules system allows students to give their full attention to a course even though it can be very intensive for the 3 weeks. By bringing together faculty from many countries, we share our best practices and students are allowed to explore many topics from different perspectives.
How are the courses/studies here different from your home university?
Financial accounting is tailored to students who are considering a career in accounting and perhaps a Masters of Accounting at Aalto.
Managerial accounting is similar to an accounting course in Canada with the exception that the cultural diversity encourages the class to explore business through their experience in their home country.
What are your experiences with online teaching and student interactions during the pandemic?
I’m impressed with the students’ attitude to quickly change gears between courses and embrace different course designs. This is true even in a face-to-face class. However, with the pandemic students have learned to be flexible with online learning as designed for a particular course and manage time zone, specifically as I’m in Victoria, Canada, and with teammates in different countries and time zones. In their future careers this skill to work virtually may be a valuable workplace skill if they choose to work for an international enterprise with global teams.
What tips could you give the current and future BScBA students?
I encourage students to continue to embrace different ways of learning! There is more than 1 way to peel a banana!