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Doctor of Technology Matti Aksela still remembers his first day as a student in Otaniemi back in the mid-1990s.

'We were told that here, you’ll learn how to learn – that was a truly valuable message.'

A passion for learning has characterised the life and career of Aksela, who has specialised in machine learning, data and artificial intelligence.

'I’ve had the chance to work across many industries, both in start-ups and listed corporations. Applying my expertise in different companies has provided the foundation for a very rewarding career.'

These days Aksela works in the steel industry at Outokumpu. His title is VP, AI and Enterprise Intelligence Platforms. 

'I strive to learn something new every day and enjoy taking on new responsibilities. I like challenges that require a steep learning curve.'

Aksela was genuinely moved to hear he was named the School of Science’s Alumnus of the Year.

'I was really surprised and, of course, deeply honoured. It’s a great privilege.'

Helping others as a mentor

Aksela has mentored international students in the Aalto International Talent programme since 2020. He also mentors doctoral students and speaks at Aalto University career events.

'I wouldn’t be the person I am today – and certainly wouldn’t have had such fascinating jobs – without Aalto University. It’s been wonderful to be able to give something back as a mentor.'

Today’s students are often curious about the same things that once occupied Aksela’s mind.

'Many are wondering what kind of career path to pursue. I’m frequently asked whether a doctorate is an advantage or disadvantage when it comes to finding a job. Everybody is keen to get tips on how to stand out when applying for jobs.'

'I emphasise, for example, that your CV shouldn’t just be a list of completed courses and possible work experience, but should convey what you, specifically, would bring to the job. A memorable, short description helps the interviewer. They can immediately form a picture of what sort of person you are and what fresh perspective you’d bring to the team.'

Aksela is a strong advocate for greater diversity in technology. He underlines that if we want to create something new and solve complex problems, we need to bring different perspectives to the table. 

'When I build teams, I try to look at the big picture. There’s no point hiring several clones of the same person. If everyone thinks the same way, we’re unlikely to find the best solutions.'

Collaboration between universities and companies is also close to his heart.

'Real-world problems are always a bit messy. Things don’t go exactly as planned, and data is what it is.' 

'When new methodological development – which is the primary focus of universities – is combined with real-world problems, and universities and companies tackle those challenges together, that’s when truly significant innovations can happen.'

A delightful sense of community

Aksela began his studies in Otaniemi as a student of engineering physics.

'Both my parents were physicists. I knew I wanted to study something technical, and I wanted to attend the best possible school. For me that was HUT – now Aalto University.'

At some point, however, quantum mechanics and field theory started to feel a bit too abstract for him. Aksela discovered an interest in machine learning on a course taught by Professor Erkki Oja.

'Back in the 1990s, it wasn’t as hyped as it is now, but it fascinated me. I was so intrigued that I chose it as my major and stayed at HUT to complete my doctoral degree.'

Aksela has many fond memories from his student years in Otaniemi.

'It was a wonderful time, surrounded by bright minds and a whole new world. What stands out most is the sense of community. I moved from Oulu to Otaniemi when my studies began and was truly impressed by the remarkable team spirit within the ‘teekkari’ student community.'

'My wife also studied at HUT, and both of our sons are now studying at Aalto University. We are really a teekkari family.'

In his free time, Aksela lives by the same principle as at work: it’s always worth learning something new. He enjoys pushing himself beyond his comfort zone and finding new ways to build on what he already knows.

'I’m fairly introverted and not naturally very musical. However, as a kid, I learned to play the guitar. I wasn’t terribly good at it, but I persevered and eventually learned to play the harmonica as well. Again, I wasn’t particularly gifted, but I kept at it. Eventually, I even learned to sing.' 

'Now I sing and play harmonica in an amateur blues band called The Mojo Mutts. We play the occasional gig for small audiences – even though I almost failed my singing test back in primary school,' he says with a laugh.