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New graduates enjoy working at the office, but expect flexibility in working hours from employers

A recent report also reveals that young professionals who have graduated from the international CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) programme expect their work to provide a sense of community, challenges, and opportunities for development.
The picture shows the School of Business building, the adjacent Kide building, as well as flagpoles and a tree branch on a clear autumn day.
Aalto University is the only university in Finland where students can complete the international CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) programme. Photo: Aalto University / Roope Kiviranta

Recently graduated Masters in International Management are particularly interested in employers who value community and don't see people solely as employees. Young professionals appreciate the sense of belonging and support for professional development that comes with working in close proximity at the office. They also commit to an employer for a longer period of time, as long as they are given challenging tasks and opportunities for development. Instead of seeing their career as a predetermined path, recent graduates view it as a series of interesting stepping stones.

Flexible working hours, determined more by necessity than tradition, are important to recent graduates. They are willing to be flexible themselves, working outside traditional office hours when necessary, as long as the employer reciprocates this flexibility when needed. 

This information comes from the recent report The Future-Forward Workforce, which reveals what young professionals want from the new world of work. The report is based on a survey of 200 recent Master's graduates from the international CEMS Master's program, along with in-depth interviews. The research participants represent an international group that transitioned to the workforce without experience of the work norms prevalent before COVID-19. Of the respondents, 6% graduated from the Aalto University School of Business, and a total of 18.5% graduated from Nordic CEMS business schools, which include the Aalto University School of Business, Stockholm School of Economics in Sweden, Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, and Norwegian School of Economics in Norway.

Flexibility benefits both the employer and the employee

Future Finnish CEMS alumni recognize the findings of the report. 

'Our generation is looking for employers and work practices that carry meaning. Commitment to a company requires not only a solid foundation but also strong values that are reflected in daily life. The reasonableness of working hours and practices is important - the requirement to work in the office loses its meaning if teams do not allocate time for mutual counseling and discussion', says Silja Abildsten, a soon-to-be graduate of the Global Management Master's program.

Similar thoughts are echoed by another soon-to-be graduate student, Anna Song

'As long as I complete my tasks within the given schedule, it should not matter to my employer how long I stay in the office on any given day. The end result and the outcomes of the work are what matters. I believe that flexibility benefits both me as an employee and my employer, as it enhances employees' autonomy and, thus, motivation', says Song and continues: 

'It's great that nowadays there's the possibility of working remotely, as it brings flexibility to life. However, I consider it important to have a physical workplace where I can meet colleagues and establish stronger bonds with both colleagues and the company. As for career plans, I don't have a very clear goal, but rather a vague idea of what I want to do. Each of my jobs has provided me with new knowledge and skills that have opened up new opportunities for me,' Song says.

The academic director of CEMS at Aalto University, Professor Sarianna Lundan, recognizes the students' thoughts. 

'The goal of the CEMS program is to prepare responsible leaders who promote a more open, sustainable, and inclusive world. Valuing community and reciprocity reflects this kind of new generation of leadership that we also aim for.'

Aalto University School of Business is the only university in Finland offering the CEMS Master in Management (MIM) programme, which can be completed at Aalto as part of the two-year  Master's Programme in Global Management or as a one-year MIM program alongside a master's programme in business as well as in arts or technology.

The link to the full report:
CEMS Future Forward Workforce 

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CEMS Graduation 2018_Photo: CEMS official

CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) at Aalto University

Study international management in the highly regarded, world's most international MIM programme at Aalto University School of Business. CEMS is a global alliance of academic and corporate institutions and NGOs, dedicated to educating and preparing future generations of international business leaders. At Aalto, you can study CEMS MIM as an Add-on CEMS MIM programme or as an integrated part of the Global Management programme. It includes an exchange term, business project, skills seminars and exclusive and elective courses.

Study at Aalto
CEMS Club Helsinki board Fall 2019

Add-on CEMS MIM for Aalto students

CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) includes CEMS courses, an extensive business project, an exchange semester at another CEMS university, an international internship, and seminars familiarising the students with skills required in working life.

Aalto students can apply to complete the CEMS MIM programme (66 ECTS) in parallel with their regular Aalto MSc studies during one academic year.

Study at Aalto
CEMS Club Helsinki at Aalto University School of Business

CEMS MIM opens global opportunities!

Aalto students have an opportunity to become members of the global CEMS community and part of the next generation of responsible global leaders!
Join the next CEMS info session on September 19, 2023 on campus and find out more!

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