During the program, Susanna Kämäräinen worked as SOK’s Vice President, Loyalty Business. Her versatile job focused on developing S-Group’s growth and customer loyalty through for example data and analytics.
“I have a strong background in digital sales, and data and analytics have always been close to my heart,” explains Kämäräinen, who has had a long career in different business roles.
Kämäräinen recently participated in Aalto EE’s Analytics and Data Strategies program.
“Data and analytics are central to building even more personalized service. I decided to enroll in Aalto EE’s program for example to clarify my thoughts on how we should develop our customer data in order to reach our vision,” she remarks.
Kämäräinen describes the study experience as rewarding.
“The atmosphere was marvelous. All the participants were senior level people, and we were all extremely motivated to learn more. The instructors had top notch expertise, and they were great at expressing things in just the right way for experienced business professionals,” she emphasizes.
A useful Data Governance model
Kämäräinen was pleased with the program’s practical and useful content: after the program every participant understands different kinds of analytic models and tools, and what demands different levels of analytics set for data.
“This is highly beneficial in my work because developing customer data as intellectual capital is one of my responsibilities. I now know what kind of competence we will need in the future, I understand different kinds of analytics methods even better than before, and I am able to build better dialogues with our analysts and business teams,” Kämäräinen mentions.
One of the topics Kämäräinen was most looking forward to in the program was the Data Governance model.
"I gained good frameworks of Data Governance models that we can use to further develop data gathering and utilization in our organization. We are currently advancing the issue internally,” she says.
It was fascinating to reflect on the possibilities for applying data and analytics through these real-life examples shared by other participants. It rooted the lessons I learned and broadened my thinking."
Discussions with other participants also provided new perspectives and enriched the learning experience.
“Although the program is concise and packed with information, we also had time for excellent discussions. For instance, every participant shared practical examples of how different analytics methods are being applied in their organization,” she notes.
“It was fascinating to reflect on the possibilities for applying data and analytics through these real-life examples shared by other participants. It rooted the lessons I learned and broadened my thinking,” she adds.
A passion for learning even more
Although many participants already had a background in analytics and utilizing customer data in their business, Kämäräinen emphasizes that it is by no means a prerequisite for participation.
“You can certainly participate even if you don’t yet have in-depth understanding of data and analytics,” she says.
“My own background is so strong that some of the topics were quite familiar, but I also gained a great deal of new insights. I could see myself participating in the program again in the future. The field is advancing so fast,” she ponders.
The program was excellent. It gave me a more in-depth understanding of how data and analytics can be harnessed to create genuine strategic and operational competitive edge.
Kämäräinen summarizes the benefits of the Analytics and Data Strategies program succinctly:
“I gained relevant and current knowledge, excellent frameworks, great reading tips and a good network. After the program I returned to work thoroughly energized.”
“The program was excellent. It gave me a more in-depth understanding of how data and analytics can be harnessed to create genuine strategic and operational competitive edge. The program inspired me and also awakened an even greater passion to learn more about the subject. I warmly recommend participating,” she concludes.