'It was a great learning experience' - Aalto International Talent Programme introduces Finnish working life to international students
Anusha Bhat, a Master’s student at the School of Chemical Engineering, joined Aalto International Talent Programme to learn about Finnish working life and to understand the dynamics of Stora Enso, one of the leading forestry companies in the world.
Together with other students, Bhat met Stora Enso’s people at the company's head office in Helsinki during the spring. They discussed various themes related to working life, careers and the forestry industry.
‘We got to talk to Stora Enso’s R&D directors and international employees as well as sustainability experts', Bhat explains.
The student group was happy how well Stora Enso organized the sessions.
‘We felt a warm welcome from Stora Enso’s side. They were genuinely interested in arranging the sessions and discussing with us'.
Best part was meeting new people
For many students, visits to the companies and their production sites were a highlight of the whole programme. Also Bhat visited Stora Enso’s Sunila mill in Kotka at the end of the programme.
‘We had a great day! We talked to the mill director and got to know how the mill functions and what it produces’.
For Bhat, who takes a deep interest in sustainable packaging, the best part of the programme was the chance to network with one of the largest forestry companies in the world and to meet new people.
'I got to know great people from Stora Enso, but it was also nice to get to know my fellow students. Overall, the Program was a great learning experience’, Bhat concludes.
Discussions with students were inspiring
For Stora Enso, it was the company’s second time taking part in the Programme. Collaboration with Aalto University has been smooth.
'We participated last year and had a great experience. That is why we decided to return for another year', Stora Enso’s Employer Branding Specialist Mari Saarinen explains.
The competition for the best talent is fierce. Also for Stora Enso, it was important to reach international students and raise their awareness and interest towards the company.
Stora Enso’s senior R&D Specialist Marcelo Hamaguchi enjoyed participating in the programme and sharing his expertise and experiences as an international talent working in Finland.
'The discussions with students were really positive and inspiring. I learned a lot from students myself’, Hamaguchi concludes.
The Aalto International Talent Programme supports international students in building their networks and learning about Finnish working life. The programme was organized for the fourth time in 2023. The participating companies were CGI, Elisa, F-Secure, Fiskars Group, Huld, If, Kemira, Konecranes, Metso, Murata, Nokia, Okmetic, Stora Enso, Umicore, WithSecure, Wärtsilä and Ylva.
The Aalto International Talent Programme continues in spring 2024. More information: Program Manager Kaisa Paasivirta, kaisa.paasivirta@aalto.fi.
Read more news
Aalto students and researchers shape together how we age with AI at Junction hackathon 2025
The 'Aging with AI' hackathon challenge sparked a winning solution connecting generations over shared learning experiences, preserving cultural skills.
Nominate your candidate for the 2025 Award for Achievements in Teaching at the School of Engineering
Staff and students of the School of Engineering are invited to nominate candidates for the 2025 Award for Achievements in Teaching.
Apply to a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) "Confluences: Interdisciplinary visions for water in cities"
Apply for Unite! course "Confluences: Interdisciplinary Visions for Water in Cities". Apply by January 26, 2026.