Alum Sari Ovaska: 'It was clear to me that I wanted to help create better workplaces for others'
Our alum Sari Ovaska broadened her expertise during her study leave, and transitioned from an auditor position to a new career in HR.
School of Business alumni stories
On this page you can find School of Business alumni stories. Our alumni share their professional journeys and give advice and tips regarding working life. In addition, they reminisce about their time as university students. As the articles have been published during different years, some of the alumni may have changed their work position. The stories have been sorted based on the alumni's majors. This page also includes stories from Aalto Executive Education alumni and School of Business donors, as well as Alumni Advisory Board members' introductions.
Read alumni stories
Latest alumni stories
Alum Otso Sillanaukee: "Master's studies prepared me well for working life"
Otso Sillanaukee, an alum from the Master’s programme in Creative Sustainability, wants to make a difference in the world for a more sustainable and happier future.
Alum Philipp Hummel: ‘Meaningful work revolves around three key aspects’
Our Global Management alum Philipp Hummel works as a Consultant at Bain & Company. For him, meaningful work revolves around three key aspects: broader positive impact, personal growth, and flexibility.
Alum Janette Malmström: A business strategist guiding companies through change
At Monitor Deloitte, Janette excels not only in project management but also in providing valuable strategic insight to clients.
Aalto University Executive Education (MBA)
Alumni Ambassador Sami Pauni: Executive MBA degree brought me new job opportunities
”I have always grasped the opportunities when facing them – I have not always known where they will take me or whether it is 'the one', but I have gone forward”, says the School of Business Alumni Ambassador Sami Pauni.
Alumni Ambassador Annika Jyllilä-Vertigans: Developing the skill to learn new things is the most important aspect in working life
Our alumna Annika Jyllilä-Vertigans completed EMBA degree in Aalto University Executive Education as she felt the need to deepen her knowledge in the ever-changing working life. At the same time, her professional and personal networks have broadened.
Alumni Ambassador Katja Kääriä: In the future, we will need even the most surprising study combinations
Having studied throughout her working life, our alumna Katja Kääriä encourages everyone to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge for the future. "It is important to look at things from different perspectives. New things give energy and development ideas for work", Kääriä emphasizes.
Donor stories
Donor Ari Koskivaara: Knowledge becomes outdated, unlike friendship
Ari Koskivaara supported the School of Business by donating shares, whereby the value of the gift is determined based on the market value of the shares.
School of Business donor stories: Tiina and Ari Mäkelä
'It is wonderful that both Aalto University and the School of Business are both so exceptionally forward-looking.'
School of Business donor stories: Lisa Schröder
‘May Aalto University remain this forward thinking, empowering and ever evolving institution that I got the privilege to attend!’
School of Business donor stories: Olli Karkkila
I remember studying with great warmth and have very fond memories of student life. I have been able to work with great people in Finland’s leading companies. For this, I feel deep gratitude to the School of Business.
School of Business donor stories: Tianyi Pan
‘The business studies and a very international career brought me a unique ability to see things from many different perspectives and very holistically, not just from a certain point of view,’ tells our alumnus and donor Tianyi Pan, who works with AI and machine learning in Shanghai.
School of Business Donor Stories: Roope Rekola
‘I feel that I have received a lot from the School for life, and without Kauppis, I certainly would not be in that place in life where I am now.’
School of Business donor stories: Seija Goldstein
'As I graduated from the Helsinki School of Economics, I could not have expected in my wildest dreams that I would end my career as a nationally recognized expert in regional publishing – in the United States!'
Other stories
Chancellor Emeritus Matti Lehti: I feel great gratitude towards the School of Business
‘By donating, you can support young people who certainly need and appreciate the support they receive.’
The Business and Economics Alumni Association donated to the international student exchange program at the School of Business
The association's 100th anniversary in February celebrated a vibrant association.
The shared School of Business and KY history feels very important, says CEO Emma Aer
The Aer family has been a part of the student population of the School of Business for four generations
‘Zero two hundred, six zero, six zero.’ Kovanen speaking.
CEO Eeva Kovanen has led a family business from personal transportation services into an investment company
‘Every day I felt happy to go to work. It never felt unpleasant.’
Martti Johansson, 80, is one of the happy members of Seiskan Veljet, the Brothers on the 7th floor
Alumni Advisory Board members
School of Business Alumni Advisory Board
Alumni Advisory Board steering group discusses policies related to the School's alumni activities, external relations, and fundraising. The steering group consists of 10–14 alumni representatives from the various study programmes of the School of Business and from different fields of business. The steering group meets approximately four times per year.
For School of Business alumni