Tutor Minh Duc Pham: Let the experience live on!

Minh Duc Pham why did you become a tutor?

I had a very good experience on my orientation week when I first came to Aalto University. My group had two tutors. They introduced and were present at all events, gave a campus tour, and would answer to all possible questions. They created a good group spirit, and no one was left out. This inspired me to apply to become a tutor.

I wanted to take part in new extracurriculars and meet new people. I did get to know people from many different countries and build my network. This was a way to prove that I am a part of my guild and I got to represent it in my overalls and my teekkarilakki (student cap) looking badass. This way I got the full Finnish student experience.

What did you do with the people you tutored?

It was a pity that we didn’t get everyone to come to the campus in 2020 due to special circumstances. However, the situation was not too bad in the autumn, so we got to have some small gatherings that we organised with safety in mind. We also had meetings online with my tutoring group. They were opportunities for my group members to get to know each other as well as to discuss topics like what starting studies and the courses felt like. We talked for example about Aalto’s systems and covered topics from Sisu to lunch lists.

What were the highlights of being a tutor?

For me, tutoring has been a lot about the bond that I have with my guild. Us tutors get to have fun together and we help each other with schoolwork. Tutors also get first-hand info on upcoming events, so you know everything that is going on at the campus!

What are the most important qualities of a tutor?

Being proactive, open-minded, and willing to try new things. When coming to a new environment and starting with new things such as courses and getting used to the cold weather, some people don’t want to go out or meet anyone. However, things will get better and better when you’re open to new people. I can guarantee that being a tutor will get your mind off negative things and will help you overcome obstacles. You will get a lot of support if you want to become a tutor. The guilds will walk you through every step and you will get materials. This is why the most important thing to do, is to be proactive.

What are the benefits of becoming a tutor?

I got to expand my network and make new friends! In Finland, one has to be pretty proactive to distract oneself from the darkness and not just stay home in bed. This is why I like to keep myself busy, like getting involved in student activities and helping others. Being a tutor is a way to share my experiences and prevent others from having the same difficulties I had. I am proud of having tutoring as one of my Aalto experiences and that I did not miss out on an opportunity like this. I regret that I was not involved in any student activities while I did my bachelor studies.

Why should others apply to become tutors?

I encourage people to become a tutor because it is a very worthwhile experience. The benefits speak for themselves! Friends, free events, food and drinks, tutor t-shirt and of course having a good time. Being part of student activities makes your CV look better and proves that you also know how to get along with people and that you can integrate.
While being a tutor you get to share your good and bad experiences. If you keep them only to yourself, time will fade them away. But if you share them with others, the experiences will live on.

The application time to become a tutor at the School of Electrical Engineering for autumn 2021 is open now!
 

Application form to become a tutor for Guild of Electrical Engineering SIK here. Application time is open until 28 February 2021.
 
Application form to become a tutor for the Guild of Automation and Systems Technology AS here. Application time is open until 21 February 2021.