School of Business alumni stories
Here you can find School of Business alumni stories. Our alumni share their professional journeys and give advice and tips regarding working life. The stories have been sorted based on the alumni's majors.
International Design Business Management, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.
Degree:
Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
Application period:
28 Nov 2024 – 27 Dec 2024
Language of instruction:
English
Duration:
2 years,
full-time
Eligibility:
Relevant Bachelor's degree
Field of study:
Business and Economics
Credits:
120 ECTS
Organising school:
School of Business
Tuition fees:
For non-EU/EEA citizens, €17000/y (Master’s studies)
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Applying to master’s programmes
Description
We do not work in silos, so why should we study in one? IDBM students tackle complex, real-life challenges in multidisciplinary teams and develop holistic perspectives of tomorrow’s challenges. The programme embraces design more broadly as a method, mindset and competitive advantage. It does so by focusing on product, service and business design, technology and innovation management. IDBM graduates have:
- The ability to work in and lead diverse teams. Graduates have discovered and unlocked their potential in multidisciplinary teams. They have developed important interpersonal and communications skills through collaborative industry projects. Become an effective team player by improving vital project management skills.
- A forward-looking view of the world. Graduates possess knowledge about current and future trends shaping organisations and societies.
- Not only business sense but design and tech-savviness. Graduates have expanded their competence achieved in business by bringing in design and technical perspectives to gain a more holistic view on how to create value for end-users.
- Competence to manage, develop and lead design-driven strategies. Graduates have gained insight into how design is managed and how can its impact be evaluated and analysed. They have learnt from industry leaders how to create new ideas and execute them with design-driven strategies and processes.
Upon graduation from the IDBM programme, graduates are ready to take on significant roles in teams working in the intersection of design, business and technology. They are able to drive innovation and lead initiatives to undertake new business ventures in global environments.
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is English.
Tuition fees and scholarships
The tuition fee for this programme is 17 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.
Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.
More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.
Structure of studies
IDBM is organised by the School of Business and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of:
- IDBM Major (40 ECTS)
- Minor studies (24 ECTS)
- Electives (24 ECTS)
- Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
- Thesis seminar (2 ETCS)
The first year of the IDBM programme consists of IDBM Major compulsory modules and a six-month-long industry project. During the second year, students can complement their studies by completing an exchange semester, minor studies or choose additional courses depending on their interest and track requirements.
In addition, students of the IDBM Master's programme completing the degree in Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration at Aalto School of Business are offered the opportunity to extend their studies with a double degree at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
Master's Programme in International Design Business Management
Specialisations
As an IDBM student you complete courses together with an international, tight and diverse community of students. Compulsory IDBM core studies are linked to an extensive industry project and related teamwork, which enables students to learn how to utilize and apply different knowledge, tools and methods in practice. Moreover, the IDBM industry project deepens the understanding of students about real-life processes of the participating firms in global design-intensive businesses. Skills in project management and business planning are developed through the projects.
Examples of the wide course selection include:
- Business Model Design (6 ECTS)
- Strategic Design (5 ECTS)
- IDBM Industry Project (15 ECTS)
- Networked Partnering and Product Innovation (5 ECTS)
Juho Kinnunen, Senior Business Designer, FuturiceThe opportunities in the digital design & innovation space have all come through the lovely people I met during my studies in IDBM.
Internationalisation
Study with an ambitious and diverse group of students from around the world. Complete an intense industry project for a global organisation in multidisciplinary teams and participate in trips to destinations related to the challenges presented in the project. Additionally, students of the IDBM Master's programme at Aalto School of Business have a unique opportunity to extend their studies by completing a double degree at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
Aalto University is international by nature, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad each year. These students join the diverse Aalto community not only through studies, but also multiple free time events, activities and celebrations around the campus. Programme administrators, active student tutors and student support services work rigorously to help international students integrate into the Nordic culture and feel at home in Finland.
Further study opportunities
The degree grants eligibility for doctoral studies.
Career opportunities
The IDBM master's programme prepares you for a career in creative industries and in organisations that draw on creativity, design and technology as key components of their competitive positioning. These career opportunities exist both in large multinationals and in startups, in a variety of fields as organisations are starting to recognise the importance of design in retaining their relevance and creating better value. In positions ranging from service design to design and strategy, IDBM graduates leverage design to create new products and services, often involving the latest technology.
Aalto University has well-established career services which help you get employed in Finland and abroad. Aalto students tend to find good positions with ease upon their graduation. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, which can help as a springboard for founding a company. Finally, if an academic career is of interest, the Master’s programme in International Design Business Management is a great foundation for doctoral studies and post-doc positions.
Research focus
More information about the research: /en/department-of-management-studies
Co-operation with other parties
Aalto University and the departments involved in the programme collaborate with many high-quality universities worldwide.
The student can take advantage of the studies within other Aalto University Schools, studies under the flexible study right agreement (JOO) within other universities as well as the major's international connections and student exchange possibilities.
Multidisciplinary opportunities
IDBM is a truly multidisciplinary programme that embodies the vision of Aalto: a community of bold thinkers, where science and art meet technology and business. You have the entirely unique opportunity to study and work together with ambitious students from the schools of ARTS, Business, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Science.
Aalto University is well-known for bridging disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the University bring students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
Chat with Aalto students
Are you wondering what it is like to study at Aalto? Come chat with our students and alumni about all things Aalto on Unibuddy chat platform.
Upcoming IDBM Info sessions
We will organise an IDBM webinar on Wednesday 4 December 2024 at 16.00 (GMT+2 Helsinki, Finland time) via Zoom: . You are welcome to ask questions at the webinar!
Evaluation Criteria 2025
Applicants meeting Aalto’s general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.
The applications to Master’s Programme in International Design Business Management are evaluated based on the following criteria.
Admission group 1
Bachelor’s degree from a university in Finland
Phase 1
| What is evaluated? | Previous studies |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant |
Required previous studies To be considered for admission the applicant must have completed at least 24 ECTS covering the domains of business and administration or subjects that support those domains (for example Management, Quantitative Methods of Economics and Management Science, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, Business Law, Finance, Logistics, Business Communication, Entrepreneurship or other studies in Economics and Business Administration). Internships cannot be included in the credits. Applicants are required to submit course descriptions on the required previous studies. The applicants that fulfill the above requirement of previous studies are ranked according to the criteria below. |
| Evaluated documents | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
Please note! Remember to submit course descriptions for the required previous studies.
If your previous studies were evaluated in other scale than the ECTS then you need to attach an informal description regarding the evaluation scale to the application.
| What is evaluated? | Grades of the previous degree(s) |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements / What we look for in an applicant |
Weighted GPA of previous degree and overall evaluation of the study success. Applicants with a weighted GPA of previous degree lower than 3.50 are not eligible for admission. If the previous studies were evaluated in other scale than ECTS, the applicant should attach an informal description regarding the evaluation scale to the application. |
| Evaluated documents | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
| What is evaluated? | Motivational letter |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant |
The applicant must show his/her motivation for studying in the IDBM programme by providing a motivation letter. The letter is written in English and the maximum length of the letter is 4000 characters (including space characters). The motivation letter should answer at least the following questions:
|
| Evaluated documents | Motivation letter |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
| What is evaluated? | Professional experience / CV |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant | Comprehensive evaluation of professional experience takes into account work experience relevant to the IDBM programme as well as experience in scientific and artistic work, entrepreneurship and/or other relevant civic activity. Professional experience is evaluated based on the CV. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Curriculum vitae, letter of references, proof of employment, publications |
| Criticality | Not critical |
Phase 2
| What is evaluated? | Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements / What we look for in an applicant |
Based on the evaluation of criteria 1-3, the best applicants are invited for an interview. The applicants’ practical skills and ability to communicate in English are evaluated and the applicants are required to give a short oral presentation in English on a subject given when invited to the interview. The applicants are asked a series of questions regarding their motivation, abilities, and attitudes. Interviews can be conducted by phone or on a virtual meeting platform if necessary. The final acceptance of applicants is made on the basis of the interviews. The applicant can only be admitted to one Master’s Programme in International Design Business Management. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Interview |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
Admission group 2
Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied science in Finland or from a higher education institution abroad
Phase 1
| What is evaluated? | Previous studies |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements / What we look for in an applicant |
Required previous studies To be considered for admission the applicant must have completed at least 24 ECTS covering the domains of business and administration or subjects that support those domains (for example Management, Quantitative Methods of Economics and Management Science, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, Business Law, Finance, Logistics, Business Communication, Entrepreneurship or other studies in Economics and Business Administration). Internships cannot be included in the credits. Applicants are required to submit course descriptions on the required previous studies. The applicants that fulfill the above requirement of previous studies are ranked according to the criteria below. |
| Evaluated documents | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
Please note! Remember to submit course descriptions for the required previous studies.
If your previous studies were evaluated in other scale than the ECTS then you need to attach an informal description regarding the evaluation scale to the application.
| What is evaluated? | GMAT or GRE test result |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements / What we look for in an applicant | GMAT or GRE is obligatory in admission group 2 (minimum score 550 in GMAT, 515 in GMAT Focus edition or GRE score of 154 verbal reasoning - 155 quantitative reasoning). |
| Evaluated documents | GMAT / GRE test results |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
| What is evaluated? | Motivational letter |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements / What we look for in an applicant |
The applicant must show his/her motivation for studying in the IDBM programme by providing a motivation letter. The letter is written in English and the maximum length of the letter is 4000 characters (including space characters). The motivation letter should answer at least the following questions:
|
| Evaluated documents | Motivation letter |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
| What is evaluated? | Professional experience / CV |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements / What we look for in an applicant | Comprehensive evaluation of professional experience takes into account work experience relevant to the IDBM programme as well as experience in scientific and artistic work, entrepreneurship and/or other relevant civic activity. Professional experience is evaluated based on the CV. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Curriculum vitae, letter of references, proof of employment, publications |
| Criticality | Not critical |
Phase 2
| What is evaluated? | Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements / What we look for in an applicant |
Based on the evaluation of criteria 1-3, the best applicants are invited for an interview. The applicants’ practical skills and ability to communicate in English are evaluated and the applicants are required to give a short oral presentation in English on a subject given when invited to the interview. The applicants are asked a series of questions regarding their motivation, abilities, and attitudes. Interviews can be conducted by phone or on a virtual meeting platform if necessary. The final acceptance of applicants is made on the basis of the interviews. The applicant can only be admitted to one Master’s Programme in International Design Business Management. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Interview |
| Criticality | Critical (0 points = rejection) |
Study-option-specific documents requested
The documents requested from all applicants are listed on the Aalto University website. In addition, applicants to this study option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
Motivation letter
The applicant must show his/her motivation for studying in the IDBM programme by providing a motivation letter. The letter is written in English and the maximum length of the letter is 4000 characters (including space characters). The motivation letter should answer at least the following questions:
- Why am I applying for the Master's Programme in IDBM?
- What am I expecting to learn or gain by participating in the IDBM Programme?
- The contribution I will bring to fellow students and the continued success of the IDBM Programme?
The lack of this application document will adversely affect the evaluation of your application.
CV
The professional experience of the applicants is looked at broadly and is considered to include work experience relevant to the IDBM programme as well as experience in artistic and scientific work, including entrepreneurship and other relevant civic activities.
Get to know us better!
IDBM Alumni Stories
See what the IDBM alumni have to say about the programme, and how the master's studies helped them along their career paths.
Studying at the Aalto campus
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Contact information
School of Business
In case of programme-specific questions and inquiries, please contact the School of Business.
programmes-biz@aalto.fi
Aalto University Admission Services
If you have any questions regarding the application process, application documents or language tests, please contact Aalto University Admission Services.
admissions@aalto.fi