My name is Essi Tähtinen and I am studying in the Information and Service Management (ISM) Master’s program in Aalto University. I completed my bachelor’s studies in International Business. After graduating, I was looking for ways to deepen my knowledge in topics that I have always found interesting, namely technological innovations and their use in business.
What made you choose your programme? What are you specializing in?
Knowing that the next couple of years would likely be my last years of university, I wanted to go for something new and useful in terms of a focus area. I guess I had always been especially fascinated by flashy and innovative tech companies, but I now know that the skills and knowledge ISM provides you with are relevant in any industry. If you consider what sort of companies are impacted by digitalisation, technological disruption and the utilisation of data, the answer is nearly all of them. As an act of ‘future-proofing’ my skills, I felt confident choosing ISM.
Out of the three tracks ISM has to offer, I gravitated most towards Information Systems Science purely based on the course descriptions. My favourites so far have been Strategic Information Technology Management and Essential Literature in Information Systems Science, though the two were quite different from each other. Strategic Information Technology Management involved solving and debating real-life business cases, which is definitely beneficial in terms of preparing for working life. Essential Literature in ISS was more philosophical, as the books dived deep into the societal impacts of the use of AI and automation.
What skills have you learned in your programme that you find valuable?
As an ISM student, I have learned to evaluate a company’s strategic capabilities based on their use and management of information technology and information systems. Companies invest significant sums of money on IT/IS and other technological ventures, so they need to carefully consider what they want in return and how to get it. Technological advancements have produced fascinating strategic options for companies to improve their performance with, and topics like cloud, machine learning and automation are examples of these. As an ISM student, you get to learn about the application of such tools in practice, and how companies can best use them to their advantage.
The technology trends we are seeing shape our society are not any kind of natural force, but we as people are in control of the disruptions we make and ultimately the changes we want to see in our world. To get to a world where everyone’s voices and needs are heard, we need people from different backgrounds making the decisions and possessing this knowledge.
You truly realise how much you have learned when you get to apply the knowledge in practice. In my past internship, my knowledge of legacy systems and software strategy was helpful during projects involving system migration. I felt like I was able to get the gist of things quicker, due to my background in ISM and the ISS track. It prepares you with the understanding of the field, i.e. relevant concepts and practices. I also recommend taking every chance you can to soak up information also outside of the classroom, for example by participating in speaker events or company excursions.
What inspires you at the moment?
I am in the process of writing my graduation thesis, and when I was thinking of a topic I found myself fascinated by so many topics in the field of ISM that it was initially hard to choose one. I am currently working with an organisation and the project deals with large-scale and multifaceted solutions that have the potential to make a difference on a societal level. That inspires me, as I feel like we’re starting to see what changes technology can make in our lives when it disrupts outdated structures. Also, seeing what my peers are researching is exciting, everyone has truly meaningful and interesting topics. I guess it goes to show how ISM shapes your understanding of how business and the world could be made better by answering complex issues with the right tools and mindset.
Why would you recommend your programme to prospective students?
I would recommend the program because of its relevance in today’s world, not just in terms of business. It’s great knowing that your knowledge and skills are valued and sought after by employers. I also think everyone has the chance to fit in at ISM, the course selection is very versatile and there is always something interesting to choose from for everyone. The program also has an enthusiastic and active student community, that I am glad to be a part of!
