WCS goes TECH
It’s time to launch something we’ve been working on for a while now! This year 2022 we are expanding the activities of Women’s Career Society to Aalto Science and Technology students. By broadening our focus group we aim to unite business minded female students on an even wider scale.
What can you expect from the upcoming two weeks? Well our social media will be filled with “WCS goes TECH” related content. We recommend heading out to our Instagram where we’re also going to posting about very exciting topics!
We are kicking these weeks off with this blog post. Today, we will introduce you to two amazing ladies studying at Aalto University: Ifrah Sheikh and Matleena Tyni. They’ll tell you a little bit about themselves as well as about their studies and where they’re currently working.
Ifrah Sheikh, 23 years
Ifrah is a third-year student at Aalto University. She finished her Bachelor’s in Engineering Physics and Mathematics in December and now she is continuing in Industrial Engineering and Management master’s program. Ifrah is currently an Analyst Trainee at Nordic Healthcare Group where she started working in January.
Why did you choose to study your major?
“I studied Engineering Physics and Mathematics in Bachelor. I chose this program and particularly my major in Mathematics and Systems Sciences because the studies are highly challenging and I was able to develop analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential in many job roles. In the master’s program, I study strategy as my major because I want to learn to analyze a wide range of business situations in technology-based businesses.”
“Also, it’s important to have at least one day off and see friends or do some activities”
What are your best memories from Aalto?
“Although most of my studies have been remote, I have been able to experience amazing things and make lifelong friends. All the best memories are from the Aalto Entrepreneurship society, where I have been active since freshmen year. Especially, the best memories are all the cottage trips and traveling with the Aaltoes community.”
You are currently working as an Analyst Trainee at Nordic Healthcare Group; how do you manage to combine both work and school?
“In December, I graduated and therefore I am on a gap year (just for the spring) so I don’t have to stress about school assignments in the evenings or on the weekends. In the fall, I did work and study simultaneously. For me, it was very important to divide the week by days when focusing only on school assignments or work. For example, I only worked on Mondays and Thursdays. Also, it’s important to have at least one day off and see friends or do some activities. Most of the days off, I laid in bed and watched Netflix! “
Matleena Tyni, 23 years
Matleena is currently completing her master's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management at Aalto University majoring in strategy. This is only her second year at Aalto since she did her bachelor's degree at Tampere University after which she transferred to Aalto. At the moment Matleena is working as a Visiting Associate at BCG.
Why did you choose to study your major?
“When I started to think about which major I want to choose, strategy stood out to me because it combines a wide range of interesting topics. It really aims to strengthen the analytical and judgment skills, and prepares you for many different career paths from business development to startups (just to name a few). The versatility was definitely something that got my interest and for instance, management consulting is one thing I have been interested in during my studies and I considered this major gives a good starting point for pursuing that. “
“Strategy as a major really aims to strengthen the analytical and judgment skills, and prepares you for many different career paths from business development to startups”
What are your best memories from Aalto?
“All of the people I have met during my time at Aalto have been truly amazing and we’ve had so much fun for example in different events. One of the best things certainly is that you get to meet many new people and make lifelong friends. “
You are currently working as a Visiting Associate at BCG; how do you manage to combine both work and school?
“I think planning the studies and work in advance is the key. I, for example, got my internship for BCG already in April 2021 so I got plenty of time to arrange my studies accordingly. Last fall I did school and worked a couple of days per week and it was completely fine since I had certain days when I was working so sharing the time between work and school was clear to me. At the moment I am just focusing on my internship and afterward, I will be starting my master's thesis and completing a few courses still before graduation.”
We’d like to warmly thank Ifrah and Matleena for taking their time to answer out interview questions! Thank you for reading and stay tuned for out next blog post on Friday, where two of our board members are going to be sharing their Tips of the Month! Have an energized start of the week.
