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“I got competitive edge from a minor of another field of study”

Otto Saikkonen studies Applied Physics and Mathematics at the School of Science. He chose to have UWS Studies from the School of Business, because he taught the Funding minor would suite for his Systems Sciences major.
Aalto University, Otto Saikkonen, photo Jaakko Marttila

Who are you, what  do you study and why did you choose multidisciplinary courses?

I am Otto Saikkonen, third year student of Applied Physics and Mathematics at the School of Science. Currently I am an exchange student at the University of Honkong where I’m completing my master’s studies. 

I think you must be able to benefit and find synergies from the studies that you pick as part of your studies. I was thinking that the Funding minor would suite fine for my Systems Sciences major. It wasn’t so much about having a minor from the School of Business but to get a minor that would support my major as well as possible. 

How did you find information on multidisciplinary courses and what was best about the courses?

I searched Into for information about multidisciplinary courses. I got a bit different major-minor combo than most of the people. It might work as a certain competitive edge. The courses have been wonderful! 

The best part has been seeing through group works and lectures how things are carried out and what it takes to study at the other schools.  There is at least a slight difference.

How can you benefit your new know-how?

I have a palette of skills that many others don’t have. I had commercial funding studies and also a bit harder math and other number-running. In working life it’s very beneficial if you possess the readiness for varied things and have the widest possible foundation.

The concept of university-wide studies (UWS) provides a multidisciplinary perspective on a form of studying where engineering and art can meet business and management. The concept began as a response to the need for new ways to combine disciplines and make them a creative part of the university’s curriculum. UWS course implementations provide a space where different conceptual worlds and problem-solving methods can converge.

Aalto minors fair 7 March 2019, 12.-15.00, Undergraduate Centre

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