Career Design Lab
Shaping sustainable and meaningful careers
Department of Applied Physics Career Evening 2026
Join us on Thursday, September 24 for career talks, group mentoring with alumni and networking with fellow researchers.
In this event, we are committed ºÚÁÏÍø University’s principles for a safer space.
Are you a researcher in physics unsure of the next step in your career? Do you want to network with fellow researchers and alumni, and find out how research skills can be applied beyond academia?
If so, join us at the Department of Applied Physics' Career Evening 2026 on September 24!
Between mingling and networking, you will be introduced to representatives of Aalto's Career Design Lab, Research Services and Physics Alumni Association. You will also get to hear keynotes from Department alumni Hugo Pinto and Jari Järvi, detailing their career journeys to where they are today.
Pinto and Järvi will also act as group mentors along with fellow Department alumni Sanaz Zarabi and Sannamari Pilpola. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to pick their brains and ask for career-related tips and advice. And of course, the evening wouldn't be complete without refreshments and sandwiches.
The event is free of charge for research staff members from the Department of Applied Physics. Please register via your email invitation or the registration link above.
Please note the program is subject to change and that the event is on-site only. Registered participants will receive more info about the mentoring sessions closer to the event date.
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 15.30 | Coffee & mingling (1st floor lobby) |
| 16.00 |
Opening of event & introduction of university services (2nd floor, 2005 TU2) Alumni Services, Physics Alumni Association, Research Services, Career Design Lab |
| 16.30 |
Career keynotes Hugo Pinto, Nordic Investment Bank Jari Järvi, UPM Energy |
| 17.10 | Sandwiches & networking (1st floor lobby) |
| 17.40 | Group mentoring with alumni |
| 18.40 | Final networking |
| 19.00 | End of event |
Keynotes and group mentoring
Sanaz Zarabi
Process Development Engineer, Beneq Ltd.
Since completing her PhD in Engineering Physics at Aalto, Sanaz has built her career in atomic layer deposition (ALD) process development for high-tech industries at Beneq, where she works hands-on across a broad range of materials and applications, from superconducting films for quantum devices to advanced optical coatings, owning processes end to end and working closely with customers. Her path hasn't been a straight line, and that's exactly what she wants PhD researchers to hear: the physics fundamentals you build during your doctorate travel further than you think, curiosity and honesty open more doors than a perfect plan, and it's completely okay to grow into a field rather than arrive already knowing it.
Jari Järvi
Data Scientist, UPM Energy
Jari's career as an energy market Data Scientist started 30 years ago in a completely different field. After finishing his Bachelor of Science studies in Architecture, he first spent 13 years immersed in building design in several architectural offices across Finland. Looking for new challenges, he moved to natural sciences and enrolled in the University of Helsinki's Physics program at the tender age of 40. He did his PhD research at Aalto, where he developed machine learning methods for quantum mechanical simulations and studied the atomic structure of materials. After graduation, he moved back to the private sector and switched from atomistic scale to analyzing Nordic energy markets at UPM Energy. In his keynote, Jari will share his experiences on changing direction and how it gives fresh perspectives on working life.
Sannamari Pilpola
Quantitative Developer, Fortum Ltd.
After completing her PhD in energy system modelling at Aalto University, Sannamari moved directly into industry and now works as a Quantitative Developer at Fortum. Her work combines energy system modelling, software and process development, data analytics, and long-term electricity market forecasting. While her current work remains closely connected to her doctoral research, the transition to industry has brought faster timelines, a broader range of technical challenges, and new perspectives on applying research in practice. During the mentoring session, she will share her experiences of moving from academia to industry and discuss how the skills and expertise developed during academic research can be translated into the corporate world.
Hugo Pinto
Associate Director, Nordic Investment Bank
After completing his PhD in Physics and later working as a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University, Hugo Pinto moved from academia into the financial industry. Currently, Hugo is an Associate Director in the Quantitative Risk Management Unit within the Risk and Compliance Department at Nordic Investment Bank.
During his career, he has worked in different areas of risk management, including credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk, using quantitative methods to help understand and manage financial risks.
The analytical thinking, data analysis, modelling experience, and communication skills he developed as a researcher have played an important role throughout his career.
In his talk, Hugo will share his experience of moving from academia to financial industry, the challenges and opportunities he encountered along the way, and how research skills can be applied successfully beyond academia.
The event is organised by the Department in collaboration with Aalto University Alumni relations and Career Design Lab.
See you at Maarintie 8!
More information:
Department of Applied Physics
The Department of Applied Physics pursues vigorous research in physical sciences and creates important industrial applications.
For alumni
As an alum, you are part of Aalto community. Let's stay connected and develop together!