The reason why I selected Aalto, or to be more specific, Finland, is because it was an unknown country for me. Therefore, it was a new adventure for me. I studying now in the EIT Urban Mobility double-degree programme, and I was drawn to Aalto and KTH, over the other two other options UPC and Einndhoven.
I have more than six years of experience in the field of transport. During these years, I realised that as engineers we are taught to be methodical and numerical, we often forget that behind every statistic or figure, there is blood and a heart at the end of the day. Therefore, I chose the Master's programme at Aalto because of the social and psychological approach to understanding human behaviour from a transport perspective.
I consider that the best thing about my programme are the facilities, the versatility to have a hybrid mode (online and face-to-face) despite the pandemic. Also, the quality of the educators is high.
The most interesting thing about studying in double degree programme is the possibility of diversifying experiences, cultures, knowledge; but above all, the possibility of seeing knowledge applied in different countries. By diversifying knowledge, you diversify opportunities for solutions and develop skills that allow you not only to adapt as a person, but also as a professional. In other words, you develop an adaptability that allows you to develop more versatile and ingenious ideas.
The course have I liked the most was the Systems Thinking for Sustainable Living Environment. The reason why I liked this course was the ability to meet and talk to decision makers about how Helsinki is moving towards meeting the SDG’s on various fronts.
From the upcoming year in KTH, I hope to strengthen and perfect my Swedish, as well as to be able to apply all the knowledge I have gained at Aalto and apply it to the topics I study at KTH.
On my regular days I usually get up and get ready as without a shower, I am not a person. Then I proceed to make breakfast, then I head to the campus. There I might book a room or go to the library to study, then from there I will have lunch, then take classes again. Once I’m finished, I will go to the gym, then I might meet up with friends (not every day though), and then watch a series or a movie, and go to sleep. Throughout the day I talk to my family, boyfriend, and friends. As a result of COVID-19, being able to participate in activities has been conditional. But I hope in 2022, I will be able to join the Swedish group and improve in the language.
I don’t really have a dream job, but I would like to be able to put all my learning at the service of the community; that is, to work as a decision-maker to support the construction of cities that are more resilient, accessible, inclusive, equitable, but above all, that we can all enjoy sustainable, efficient, optimal transport and that support the concept of the 15-minute city. If work were to be defined, it would be to work with European transport authorities, organizations such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) or UN Habitat.
My advice for the student starting their studies is that, being at Aalto University, and in Finland, is an adventure and an opportunity to grow as a professional and as a person. Finland is a country where you will learn to be self-sufficient and get to know yourself on a personal level. So just enjoy and take the most of this great opportunity.
Master’s programme in Urban Mobility, study track Sustainable Urban Mobility Transitions (SUMT) is a master programme focusing on the holistic approach in study, design, development and evaluation of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environment and mobility systems.