Summer School alum story: Pursuing digital business excellence in a diverse learning environment

The Digital Business course for 2023 has concluded, leaving participants with a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable experiences. Over the two-week course, students immersed themselves in lectures on digital technologies as powerful tools for building businesses. Additionally, they had the opportunity to engage in real-life case studies with local organizations, providing a practical and hands-on learning experience.

One standout alum from the program is Nidhi Chandra, who traveled from Australia to attend the Summer School course at Aalto University. Nidhi was not only motivated by the desire to broaden her skillset but also drawn to Aalto's international environment. Reflecting on her experience, Nidhi shared, "Summer School highlighted the diversity of typical cohorts that attend. Aalto University surpassed all of my expectations."

The diversity of the Digital Business class was remarkable, with students representing more than ten different countries, including Japan and Argentina. Nidhi was particularly captivated by the university's welcoming atmosphere and the richness that comes with such a varied mix of cultures. "The university's world-class teaching staff, the architectural elegance of the campus itself, as well as the staggering diversity of the cohort, was completely unexpected!" she expressed.

With such diverse backgrounds, communication can present challenges during group assignments. Nidhi's biggest takeaway from the course was achieving consistent communication within a diverse group. Different countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds often lead to extensive discussions before reaching a group consensus. Nevertheless, this experience proved to be rewarding, as it provided invaluable lessons in teamwork and cross-cultural communication – vital skills in today's globalized world.

For future applicants considering the Digital Business course, Nidhi has some valuable tips to share. "Be open to working with people of vastly different backgrounds, such as nationalities, ages, genders, and professional experiences," she advises. Embracing this diversity enriches the learning experience, while it may require more time to establish practical communication norms within the group.

Aalto University Summer School courses with various subjects continued until the end of August, welcoming all kinds of students to graduate and undergraduate courses. For those who missed out on our courses this year, we encourage you to keep an eye out for future opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter.