Alumna Salli Aikio: "I want to make an impact and build a better future through sustainable metals processing"

Why did you want to complete a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering?

It was an obvious choice for me to do my Master's at the School of Chemical Engineering, since I had just finished my Bachelor's degree at the same school. I wanted to strengthen the knowledge I had received during my Bachelor's studies. Furthermore, I wanted to study something that was related to sustainability, material science, and that impacted the future. The Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering checked all the boxes.

What was the best thing about your studies?

The fact that I am really studying something that is meaningful and important as well as realising that this is what I want to do in the future. It was great to see that all of the courses were somehow related to each other and that each course gave me a new point of view of metals processing. I also enjoyed how some of the courses were in collaboration with the European Mining Course (EMC), and we had a chance to get familiar and work with students from different European universities.

What course did you find most interesting and what was it about?

I think the most interesting courses were the ones where we had to solve real life cases. For example, in the Applied Electrochemistry and Corrosion course we had a corrosion design task in which we had to figure out how the corrosion can be prevented, and how we can redesign the system by applying a corrosion prevention method to the object. Project courses, such as designing a battery waste recycling plant, were also really interesting. This is because we really got close to doing things that are really being done at corresponding companies and the subjects were related to current trends in the metals processing industry.

Do you already have a job after your studies? How did you get it?

Unfortunately, I do not have a job related to my studies. The worldwide pandemic has been in the way of my job search. However, in such a situation, one must not become discouraged. My advice for the future graduates looking for a permanent job related to their studies is that your persistence will be rewarded and new opportunities are waiting just around the corner.

 Have you been working during your studies in the field that you are studying (for e.g. summer job)?

Yes, I have! Before my Master's studies, I worked as a summer trainee in a steel factory called SSAB. This increased my interest and eagerness to study metals processing. During my Master's studies I had the chance to work as a Product Development Trainee at SSAB, and my Master's Thesis was later conducted by the the same company as well. It is important to devote attention to your summer jobs, since they might play an important role when it comes to finishing your thesis and graduating.   

What are your future career goals? 

I want to be in a position where I enjoy my work and where I am able to create new technologies that make the future better. I am not expecting that I would be in my dream job right away. Even though I have graduated, I still think I am constantly learning new things about this industry. I want to have a job where I can develop myself and improve the skills that I already have. And most importantly: learn completely new things.