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

The Digital Business course ended, equipping participants with invaluable skills in the field. For Nidhi Chandra, embracing diversity and the opportunity to learn in a multicultural environment were equally significant aspects of this transformative experience.
Nidhi ja muita Digital Business -opiskelijoita istumassa yhdessä luokkahuoneessa
Nidhi Chandra (in the middle) with her project team on the first day of the course. Photo: Laura Lumijärvi / Aalto University

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.

Digital Business -kurssin opiskelijat seurustelemassa tervetulotapahtumassaan
Digital Business students got to know each other by mingling at their various social program events.

Beyond the academic aspects, the Digital Business course allowed participants to learn about different countries' ways of communication and embrace various cultural traditions. Nidhi's fondest memory was the course’s farewell dinner, where French students passionately celebrated Bastille Day by singing La Marseillaise, their national anthem, showcasing the richness of cultural exchange during the program.

The impact of Digital Business 2023 extends beyond the academic realm, fostering cultural understanding and preparing graduates for success in the dynamic digital business landscape. As participants return to their respective corners of the world, they carry with them not only a newfound knowledge of digital technologies but also cherished memories of a transformative and enlightening experience at Aalto University.

The university’s world-class teaching staff, the architectural elegance of the campus itself, as well as the staggering diversity of the cohort, were completely unexpected!

Nidhi Chandra, Digital Business alum

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.

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