Alumni Ambassador Olli Copeland: Being active during student life in different types of organizations can make you stand out in a positive way

What and when did you study at Aalto University School of Business?

I started my studies at Aalto University School of Business, Mikkeli Campus in 2013. In the Mikkeli BScBA program, all students major in International Business.

After completing my exchange in Hong Kong and graduating, I moved to the main campus in Töölö to start my Master’s studies in Information & Service Management. This fall, I also started a double degree program in CEMS Master’s in Management.

What jobs have you held since graduation?

Right after returning from my exchange, I started working at Siili Solutions through their Master & Apprentice –trainee program. After completing the program, I continued working for Siili as a service designer and business analyst.

At the moment, I am taking a study leave from work to focus on finishing my Master’s studies and CEMS program. Next spring, I will be completing my CEMS exchange semester in Bocconi University in Italy.

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

Studying in Mikkeli has helped me tremendously in the working life. The intensive pace, working in groups and multiple presentation opportunities have given me a great set of tools to thrive in different situations.

In addition, studying in English and having International Business as a major has created an excellent foundation for a future international career.

How have the activities and hobbies during your studies helped you in different stages of your career?

To me, one of the most important things during my studies was to be actively involved in student organizations and clubs. For example in Mikkeli, I was on the board of our student organization Probba and today I am part of the BScBA Alumni Board and the board of CEMS Club Helsinki.

Being a part of student organizations is an excellent way to network, develop teamworking competencies and put to practice some of the concepts about leadership and project management learned in class. I do believe that being active during your student life in different types of organizations can make you stand out in a positive way not only when applying for a job but also while working.

The intensive pace, working in groups and multiple presentation opportunities have given me a great set of tools to thrive in different situations.

Your advice for the students who reflect on their studies?

I believe there is a growing demand for universal ”generalists” in the job market, who are quick to take on new things and solve problems. To create these types of competencies, Aalto is an excellent university, where you can study a wide variety of courses and subjects that can help you narrow down what you want to do in the future.

Especially, in the early stages of your career, I encourage you to try out different things, be curious and open-minded for all types of projects and jobs, because doing is the best way of learning.

What is the importance of networking to you?

Networking, to me, is one of the key aspects of university studies. It is important to create networks not only with your fellow classmates, but also with alumni, corporate partners as well as students from other universities.

Being on the board of a student organization opened many doors for me to get to know people from all over Finland and even abroad. I highly recommend visiting other universities for grand annual balls, “sits” parties, and other events, and bravely getting to know all types people.

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

To be an alumnus is a great honor for me especially since I am most likely the youngest of the bunch and still in the middle of my studies.

Therefore, I want to make the most out of this role and especially bring the Mikkeli perspective to the table in the development of student-alumni relations. In addition, I want to support and help those studying in Mikkeli the best I can.

I encourage all students to grow and take advantage of their alumni network in business and outside of it.

Further information:

Get to know Olli Copeland’s career path more closely on LinkedIn!

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