Aalto International Talent Programme 2021 concluded – 'an excellent form of collaboration for ABB'

This year, 156 students from across all Aalto University's schools participated in the Aalto International Talent Programme. The companies were Wärtsilä, Konecranes, PwC, Nokia, F-Secure, Genelec, Murata Electronics, Espoon kaupunki, ABB and Digitalist Group.

'Aalto's International Talent programme was an excellent form of collaboration for ABB, as we are a global technology company that values diversity,' said Ismo Laukkanen, Head of Talent and Learning at ABB – and a Doctor of Science alumnus from Aalto University.

'ABB conducts a significant amount of product development and research in Finland, which is why we wanted a group of international doctoral students in addition to Master’s students. Discussions and cooperation with Aalto in connection with the program worked very well. The programme enabled us to talk about ABB's career opportunities both here in Finland and elsewhere.'

The programme helped ABB update their knowledge on the latest developments at Aalto University.

'We gained a better understanding of students' priorities and interests in product development. Working with our awesome groups was rewarding!'

'The diversity of the applicants' backgrounds was a pleasant surprise'

Natasha Pokidko, School of Business alumna and currently L&TD Growth Services Business Partner, HR People Services Community at Wärtsilä, enjoyed connecting with the fresh talent of her old alma mater. She was impressed by the number of applications and by the diversity of people's backgrounds.

'I think we tend to forget how challenging it is to find a job. When we talk about our careers, we tend to bring up all the positive things and great achievements that we have, but we forget to highlight all the hard work that we did to be where we are. Let's share more about our mistakes and challenges and let students learn from them', Natasha said. 

Many students partaking in the programme saw it as a perfect opportunity to further root themselves in the Finnish job flow and have a peek into the best-known Finnish companies in the world.

'The programme allowed me to have a peek into Nokia's work culture', Aalto University student Carolina Mejía López said. She particularly liked meeting the recently hired Nokia employees, as she could see herself as one of them in the future.

'I'm grateful for the opportunity and thankful I was able to participate in the programme that allowed me to talk directly with people from such an interesting company,' Carolina concluded.

The Aalto International Talent Programme will continue in the spring of 2022.

Read more about the Aalto International Talent Programme here.