Abhiteg Jammu discovered that the ability to effectively manage and develop people is crucial to any company’s future success

How did you end up studying People management and Organizational Development at Aalto University? 

Firstly, in my previous job, I had the opportunity to work closely with trainees and help them develop their skills in content writing and other basic areas. This introduced me to the concept of people management, and I found it surprisingly intriguing. I became curious about experimenting with different approaches to see what worked best for different individuals, and ever since then, I've been closely following this career path. 

Secondly, while working for a start-up, I had to put in long hours to stay competitive, which sometimes led to less-than-optimal working conditions. This made me wonder if this was a common occurrence in my home country, so I conducted further research and found out that it was. As a result, I am pursuing this programme to gain more knowledge about Human Resources (HR) practices and to learn how things can be improved. In the future, I hope to have the opportunity to make a difference and improve working conditions in my home country. 

Tell us about your background 

I come from India and I've pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce, at Delhi University. I enjoyed studying economics during my bachelor's studies but when it became more complex and mathematics heavy, I discovered that it wasn't quite my forte. My brain struggled to keep up with all the numbers and calculations, which left me feeling disheartened. I started interning in content management, as writing has always been one of my strengths. After completing several internships, I was offered a full-time position as a content and marketing manager. My career path has now led me to become knowledgeable in the areas of economics, marketing, and currently I'm pursuing opportunities in people management. 

Are there any elements in your current study area that you were already interested in while you were growing up?

I never had the chance to follow psychology academically but my current study programme facilitates this so well! Apart from that, I always wanted to learn how complex organisations with tons of people were able to function so efficiently. I'd go to a fast-food restaurant and wonder about this, and I'd go to watch a cricket match and wonder about the same thing. How does it all happen when so many people are involved? But the more I read about organisational studies, the clearer it got for me. However, my palette for curiosity still exists!

What are the best things in your programme? 

There are a few things that I absolutely love about my programme. Firstly,I find the strategy-making aspect to be incredibly valuable, as it has taught me that success isn't always about what you see or hear, but about how you feel. This perspective has helped me develop a deeper understanding of how to make decisions that align with my values and goals, rather than simply following what others are doing. 

Secondly, I have to give credit to my professors, who are truly exceptional. Their finesse and expansive expertise and knowledge are apparent in every class, and I'm constantly amazed by how they're able to handle any rebuttals or questions that come their way. Their ability to impart knowledge and inspire me to think creatively and critically is truly remarkable. 

Finally, I have to say that the best thing about this programme is how happy it makes me feel. I've found that the more I enjoy what I'm doing, the easier it is to perform at my best. 

Why is the programme relevant? 

In today's world, we've become increasingly reliant on technology and convenience, which has led us to lose touch with essential soft skills that are critical to building meaningful relationships and effective teams. We've forgotten how to connect with others on a personal level, to empathise and communicate effectively, and to inspire and motivate those around us. 

I believe that any organisation's success is ultimately dependent on the people within it, and if we don't understand the essence of what makes people stay, we're essentially setting ourselves up for failure. The ability to effectively manage and develop people is a vital skill that's often overlooked in today's world, but it's one that I believe is crucial to our future success. 

Why did you apply to Aalto University?  

I applied to Aalto University because of its reputation, and I wished to see how different the world’s happiest country is! Also, a programme in people management was quite unheard of in my home country.

How do studies here at Aalto differ in comparison to your previous study experience? What was new?  

I have plenty of things I can share!

• The pool of students is so diverse – engineers, doctorates, full-time professionals, artists – you’ll have them all in your class. 
• The ability to have your own study tables and the insane amount of flexibility in completing your programme.  
• Practical approach to every aspect of your learning, so you actually have the chance to implement something that you just learnt.  
• State of the art facilities and infrastructure – at times it feels like you’re in a hotel and not a school. Everything is intuitive, futuristic and has a modern design element.  

What are you planning to do after you have graduated?  

I aim to work in the human resources field in my home country, with a focus on improving conditions for the average employee in India. My desire is to create a working environment where employees are not overworked and undervalued, but rather receive proper recognition and rewards for their hard work. But at the same time, I kind of like uncertainty and I'm open to where life takes me.