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Born and raised in Germany, School of Business alum Philipp Hummel first moved to Helsinki in 2018 when starting his studies in the Master’s program in Global Management at Aalto University School of Business. ‘Growing up, we sometimes watched movies featuring businesspeople traveling the world. Even though I did not fully understand what their jobs entailed, I always dreamed of having a career that would allow me to explore different places’, Philipp says. He then chose to pursue a career in business, driven by the fact that his family used to have a small metalworking shop, and he wanted to learn more about how companies can be managed and led.

Team exercises, prioritizing – but also lifelong friendships and a fiancé

‘The Master’s program in Global Management definitely lived up to my expectations as I was looking to gain more international exposure, benefit from high-quality teaching, and take full advantage of the extensive corporate and social network that CEMS (the Global Alliance in Management Education) offers,’ says Phillip when asking about his study experience. He studied in the program between the years 2018–2021 and says that working alongside bright, motivated classmates and learning from each other was inspiring. He counts the many team exercises among the most rewarding experiences during his studies, and adds that Aalto and CEMS are both doing a great job of bringing together ambitious, intelligent, and outgoing students.

Meeting his current employer and working during studies

‘I met my current employer, Bain & Company, when attending multiple recruiting events during my studies,’ says Philipp, and continues that the most valuable aspect for him during the studies was the chance to connect with professionals (e.g. during recruiting events and lectures of business leaders) and gain insight into different industries and companies. ‘The opportunity to evaluate various career paths allowed me to make a well-informed decision for my current employer when I had the chance to choose between different job offers – a decision I have not regretted since’.

Philipp shares that he completed three internships during his studies, mostly taking a break from coursework during these periods. ‘The flexibility in thesis deadlines played a crucial role in allowing me to take on these internships and gain valuable insights into working life’.

Observations on studying in Finland as a foreigner and on Finnish study culture

When asking about the study experience as an international student, Philipp says that his experience as an international student was not too dissimilar from that of local students. He never felt anyway disadvantaged as both faculty and fellow students always tried to make him (and the other internationals) feel included. ‘For example, people would switch to English when I was around and take the time to explain aspects of Finnish student culture to me. Thanks to them, I got introduced to traditions like overalls, sitsit, and crayfish party songs’.

‘I think that there are multiple parallels between Finns and Germans, which have made it easier for me to integrate into Finnish working life. For example, I appreciate that Finns also tend to be time-oriented, as well as structured and direct in their communication’. What surprised him – and continues to surprise – is the sheer amount of coffee consumed, the flat hierarchies (where executives are just as approachable as peers), going to the sauna with colleagues, and by default aiming for 3-4 weeks of summer vacation (all of which he says he has come to highly appreciate).

Consulting and meaningful work

Philipp currently works as a Consultant at Bain & Company, an international management consultancy, and he has been with the firm for 3.5 years now. When asked to describe a typical workday, he says: ‘During this time, no two days have been the same, making it difficult to describe a “typical” workday’, but he continues: ‘In a nutshell, we help our clients solve some of their most pressing business challenges. Our clients range from major publicly listed companies to private equity funds and local and global NGOs. The diversity in both clients and topics – such as investment fund strategy, corporate strategy, post-merger integrations, and performance improvement programs – explains why no two days are alike’.

He shares that when working with a client, they typically structure teams into different workstreams. In his current role, he leads larger workstreams, helping tackle the key business challenges their clients face.

For Philipp, meaningful work revolves around three key aspects: broader positive impact, personal growth, and flexibility. He wants his work to have a positive impact, both on his clients and on the society as a whole. ‘It is important to me that I can identify with my work and my employer and feel that the time I invest into my work is contributing to something valuable and makes sense’.

Secondly, he seeks opportunities to develop professionally and avoid the feeling of doing the same thing over and over. He feels that he is naturally curious and appreciates his project-based work as it allows him to explore different industries and companies.

Philipp’s tips to current international students or those who are considering starting studies in Finland and Aalto

1. Be proactive and do not be shy – go the extra mile to connect with potential employers and grow your network, especially if you are considering staying in Finland after your studies.
2. Consider staying in Finland, even if it was not your initial plan. If your first few applications or interviews do not work out, do not get discouraged and keep going.

Bonus point: By working and paying taxes in Finland, you are also contributing to ensuring that future international students can continue to enjoy high-quality, free education – just like you do, if you are a current student at Aalto 😊

Learn more of Philipp's story and career path on !