“It was a marvelous experience. We’ll miss Saturday mornings at Aalto EE. Mind-blowing revelations in a group setting, new marvelous friends.”
“My fellow students were the absolute highlight of the entire program. At a recent alumni get-together, we were discussing how extraordinary it is to make such close friendships as an adult. We supported and encouraged each other every single step of the way.”
“We became a close group, and many lifelong friendships were formed. Whenever I want to brainstorm, discuss something, or ask for help, I know I can always pick up my phone and contact anyone from our cohort.”
These testimonies are only a few examples of the friendships and connections that have been formed in Aalto’s MBA programs. Most participants are aware of the importance of developing and expanding one’s networks during one’s studies – but it’s also an opportunity for finding new, lifelong friends.
This was the case for Kristiina Michelsson and Pippa Laukka, who met each other for the first time at the start of their Aalto Executive MBA studies in 2011.
Laukka, a physician who specializes in sports and exercise medicine, is known for many things, such as serving as the head physician of the Finnish women’s national football team and as the host of the Finnish version of You Are What You Eat. In particular, Laukka remembers becoming closer to Michelsson during their study trip to Poland, where they noticed how much they had in common.
“We shared a similar vibe and had the same interests,” says Michelsson, who is currently the CEO of OP Life Assurance Company Ltd.
Back then, neither could have guessed how important their friendship would be to both of them.
“As a busy adult, I’m really thankful for any opportunity to make new friends – and close friends in particular,” Michelsson says to Laukka with a smile.
Laukka feels that many people typically complete their management studies during the most hectic times in their lives, for example when they have small kids at home. She and Michelsson expected to make new connections during their studies, but they weren’t expecting to discover new, lifelong friends.
According to Michelsson, their EMBA program had a knack for forming groups that gelled well.
“They always made sure that everyone could find their ‘soul mate’, so to speak. But I never expected to form any deeper friendships. I thought – as an extrovert – that I’d naturally make great new connections. But our friendship has been a bonus for sure!”
“I’ve found a group of people who I can always turn to”
Over time, Michelsson’s and Laukka’s entire EMBA group grew very close. They enjoyed working together, both in and out of class, and they still keep in touch – even gathering to celebrate the 5th and 10th anniversary of their graduation.
“We’ve been able to maintain that sense of community,” Laukka notes.
Both Michelsson and Laukka are strong advocates of networking. According to Michelsson, one of the biggest benefits of the EMBA program is that it allows its participants to meet other like-minded individuals with different backgrounds and career paths.
“I’ve found a group of people who I can always turn to.”
“My networks have been the key to my success”
During the program, Laukka was the only physician in her EMBA group. Today, many physicians who work in administrative and leadership roles participate in Aalto’s Healthcare Management Education and EMBA programs.
However, Laukka still feels that the healthcare sector does not value networking as much as other fields do.
“I feel that my networks have been the key to my success. Otherwise, I’d never have become so well-known as a health influencer and media personality.”
Laukka also believes that her networks have been pivotal in shaping her approach to her career – she continues to learn from others, and success always feels sweeter when it’s shared.
“Working in a team, any team at all, always beats going at it alone,” Michelsson concludes.
