Yahya Bahadori’s master’s thesis started his career as a process engineer at the same company

Why did you choose the Advanced Energy Solutions: Energy Conversion Processes programme, and why did you originally decide to apply to Aalto?

When I decided to pursue my master's degree, my selection criteria were: a) the global ranking of the university, b) the overlap between the programme and my BSc degree in chemical engineering, and c) the courses in the curriculum. I can say that the Advanced Energy Solutions programme: Energy Conversion Processes at Aalto University met all my criteria.

Besides the beautiful campus, the high global ranking of Aalto University as well as its diverse research fields were intriguing to me. In addition, the courses taught in Energy Conversion Processes were not only very relevant to my background in chemical engineering, but also allowed me to explore new fields in mechanical and energy engineering as well as emerging energy technologies and processes. The programme was self-tailored and flexible, so I could also choose courses from other majors, and this was very important to me.

What has been the most interesting part of your studies?

Well, moving to Finland and studying at Aalto was a new chapter in my life. The student life and culture in Finland were an interesting and unique experience for me. I gradually learned about the concept of work-life balance in Finland and how important it is. Student events, sauna nights, appros, sitsits, and Vappu were memorable moments during my master’s.

What is studying at Aalto like in practice?

For me personally, studying at Aalto was almost an entirely new experience. The teaching methods were not similar to my bachelor’s degree in my home country, Iran. For example, instead of chalk and a blackboard, presentations were commonly used by the professors, which had their own pros and cons.

Some courses had final exams, and it was possible to take the exam three times. This significantly reduces stress and the academic burden, so one can fully focus on the course material rather than being stressed about passing the final exam. Some courses didn’t have any exams at all, and the final grade was based on group projects and assignments.

Of course, challenges exist during student life, and in some semesters the workload and pressure could be intense. However, I personally believe some “good stress” is needed in life. Also, the university staff were kind and helpful in guiding international students through their studies. I could clearly feel that everyone at Aalto tries to minimize pressure and create a calm environment for students to learn and grow.

What is the best part of student life?

Moving to a new country for studies develops one’s career and independence. I can say that I practiced sisu (=Finnish word for grit, perseverance, and inner strength) during my studies in Finland, and now it has become a permanent part of my personality!The most valuable thing is the friendships I built during my studies. Also, I was able to connect with many people from all around the world because of the international environment at Aalto University.

What do you hope for from your future career?

After doing my master’s thesis with Convion (a leading company manufacturing solid oxide cell systems), I joined the company as a process engineer. So far, I see myself regularly referring to the course materials I studied during my bachelor’s and master’s.

I like my career, as it actively challenges me to review what I learned during my studies and put it into practice. Learning is a never-ending journey, and there is no end to science. In my career in industry, I see great potential to deepen my knowledge and continue learning more and more.

Have you worked in your field during the summers or alongside your studies? 

Yes, I had the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant (TA) and also as an assistant lecturer during my studies for some courses, such as Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, and Process Design (CHEM). I enjoyed every single moment of teaching and helping students overcome their challenges.

I also worked as a research assistant during my master’s thesis, which was a unique experience of collaborating with a company and delivering the required tasks. Without a doubt, these valuable academic work experiences helped me build my career.