Alumni Ambassador Annika Jyllilä-Vertigans: Developing the skill to learn new things is the most important aspect in working life

When and what did you study at Aalto University School of Business?

I completed my master’s degree already earlier in England. My journey in Aalto University began in 2014, when I completed the Board of Directors program, some studies in the Global Leader program, and finally, in 2017 the EMBA degree in Aalto University Executive Education.

What jobs have you held since graduation?

I have worked as an entrepreneur, CEO and as a member of board.

Currently I am actively involved in many tasks: I am an investor, an entrepreneur and leading association functions. I am a chairperson of the board at Vieser Ltd, Managing Director at AJAN Consulting, and a board member of family businesses Serres Ltd and Serres Group Ltd.

In what ways have the studies been useful for your career?

As I did my master’s degree abroad at a young age, Aalto Executive Education came along only later on, when acknowledging the need and urge to learn more. Those studies have helped me deepen the already existing skills – and obviously to gain more knowledge.

However, I would say that the studies at Aalto EE have helped me the most in the broadening of my professional and personal networks.

Your insights on studying?

We are living in a complex world with poor predictability and in a constant change, which makes knowledge to renew and become outdated at a very fast pace.

I feel that developing the skills to learn new things is the most important aspect in working life – you should not quit the learning after graduation. Learning to learn is one thing that will always stay on my to-do list.

Your advice for the students who reflect on their studies and your advice for their career?

Go for it, be brave and do things with passion! If you are uncertain whether the things you are doing will take you where you want to go, do not worry about it too much. You can always change course whenever your own path becomes clearer.

What do networks mean to you?

Networks are everything – it took me too long to figure this out. Networks are created quite easily, but to cultivate and grow them takes time, effort and empathy.

Participate, be active and find opportunities to help others – it will eventually pay off.

You act as an Alumni Ambassador at the School of Business. What does being an alumna mean to you?

It means the sense of community, and constant growth and personal development. I believe that as an alumna, I can help develop alumni work towards more relevant and accessible direction.

Further information:

Get to know Annika Jyllilä-Vertigans’s career path more closely on LinkedIn!

Read more about the School of Business alumni cooperation and about the other Alumni Ambassadors who, like Annika Jyllilä-Vertigans, are involved in developing the School’s alumni activities: www.aalto.fi/school-of-business/school-of-business-alumni-ambassadors.