Successful IEM alumni
Industrial Engineering and Management opens doors to many kinds of roles. Below are some examples of where graduates end up, together with thoughts from a few successful IEM alumni about their studies.
Examples of roles graduates can end up in
- Management consulting
- Product and business development (Product Lead, CPO)
- Leading technology and growth companies (CEO, COO, CTO)
- Project management, operations management and strategy
- Analytics, finance and investing
- Entrepreneurship and startups
Successful IEM alumni
Industrial Engineering and Management is the best possible study programme for growth entrepreneurship.
Risto Siilasmaa — Founder of F-Secure, Chairman of Nokia’s Board 2012–2020, Aalto IEM alumnus
I applied to IEM because it seemed like the best place in Finland to combine an interest in technology, natural sciences and business. Even though I did not really know what I was getting into when I applied, the very first week convinced me. I had found my home. Looking back now, it is easy to see IEM’s unique value.
Marianne Vikkula — CEO (Wolt), Board member (Slush), Board member (Marimekko), Aalto IEM alumna
As an upper-secondary student I did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to do, but business interested me in general. IEM at Aalto seemed to lead to good networks and career opportunities in interesting places.
Pasi Lohi — CEO 2018–2025 (Trifecta Retail Ventures), Chairman (Turtles.com), Aalto IEM alumnus
Industrial Engineering and Management was a great way for me to combine business and technical studies. Soon after starting, I became convinced that this path gives you a broad enough understanding to actually solve today’s biggest problems.
Tuukka Yrttimaa — Head of Investor Business (The Upright Project), CEO 2017–2019 (ACE Consulting), Aalto IEM alumnus
I chose IEM because I wanted to understand the world broadly and to meet other relaxed, sharp, top-tier people. Prodeko has close ties to the business world, which shows up as high-quality studies and excellent networking opportunities.
Karla Nieminen — Founder of Jäänmurtajat Oy, ex-Google, author, Aalto IEM alumna
See also: Prospective students · Mentoring 2026 · Student paths to IEM