‘AI should work with you, not for you.’ New perspectives on artificial intelligence at Aalto University Summer School

Abigail Ilanque Romero from Switzerland is currently an apprentice at Accenture, specializing in application development. Her personal interest in robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as a curious mindset, led her to the Introduction to AI and Machine Learning summer course at Aalto University Summer School this year.

'I wanted to think creatively and build something of my own. This led me to switch from an apprenticeship in chemical laboratories to software development, where I could start from the ground up with code. I completed projects in Python, React, Java, and C, and in my free time, I focused on robotics. Inspired by origami robotics, I built my first autonomous robot and drone, founded a robotics club in Zurich, and participated in hackathons. Over time, this gradually evolved into a deeper interest in AI,' Abigail comments. 

What was your first impression of Aalto University? 

The architecture is fantastic and makes the campus so unique. The mix of modern buildings and iconic classic design from the 1960’s really is something else. 

As a working professional, Abigail did not have as much free time during the summer as a degree student on semester break would have. However, she found a way to fit a summer course into her schedule. 

‘I actually used my summer holiday from work to take this course. It might not be for everyone to study during their vacation – but the summer school experience turned out to be the best investment for my own development, both personally and professionally,’ says Abigail. 

Will the learnings from the course help you in your career going forward? 

The technical aspect of the course was familiar to me from before, but the ethical perspective on artificial intelligence really taught me to see the future of AI from a new angle. AI should work with you, not for you. 

I was also able to put some of the tools and techniques we learned into practice in my own personal robotics project, which made the experience even more rewarding. 

I really appreciated how the course combined learning, reflection and hands-on practice, giving us the opportunity to immediately apply what we learned. 

Do you think it’s possible to navigate the world of AI more easily by educating yourself about the topic? 

Absolutely. Educating yourself about AI is probably one of the most important things you can do right now. 

The field is evolving at an incredible pace, and no one can afford to be left behind. Staying curious, keeping an open mind and continuously learning about new developments is essential to understanding and making the most of the opportunities AI brings.  

How did you experience Finland? Do you have any favourite places already? 

Allas Sea Pool stood out for me as a calm oasis right in the middle of the city. It was the perfect way to unwind in the afternoon after a lecture-filled morning. 

First impression of Finland: what surprised you? 

Finns are very talkative, especially in the sauna. When we told them that we were here for a summer course at Aalto University, it turned out that they were Aalto alumni and were really interested to hear more about our summer school in AI. 

Would you recommend this course to others, and why? 

It's a definite yes from me! The combination of expanding your own knowledge while also learning from the experiences and perspectives of others is invaluable. It's a great opportunity to grow, share ideas and gain new insights. You won't regret applying.