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"I don't believe I could have advanced to such a demanding and interesting position at this stage of my career without the Aalto MBA.”

Masud Hashimi
Development Manager, JIITEE Työt Oy

Civil engineer Masud Hashimi has worked for example in major metro projects in Finland and Sweden, as well as a large-scale road tunnel project in Norway. Completing a degree before his 30th birthday was a clear goal for Hashimi.

“I could have directly continued master’s studies in industrial engineering and management in Lappeenranta, thanks to my bachelor’s degree grades. However, it would have meant giving up my job at the time as a schedule engineer, and my great life in Helsinki. When I investigated the Aalto MBA program, I immediately realized that it was the best option for me," Hashimi says.

“Aalto EE is triple-accredited, the instructors are top-notch, and the MBA program is very international. Also, you can work full time alongside studies,” he lists reasons for choosing the Aalto MBA program.

Hashimi took a career leap in spring 2021, when he was appointed Development Manager at JIITEE Työt Oy, a company specializing in rock engineering. Hashimi gives the Aalto MBA full credit for his new job.

I now apply insights I learned in the program every day at work."

“As Development Manager I am part of our Executive Team. My main responsibility is to improve our processes and operations and help our company to grow. I now apply insights I learned in the Aalto MBA program every day at work. I don't believe I could have advanced to such a demanding and interesting position at this stage of my career without the Aalto MBA degree,” Hashimi emphasizes.

An eye-opening experience

Hashimi says that the Aalto MBA studies changed the way that he looks at the world.

“Upon starting the program, I had a very technical way of thinking, which is typical for many engineers. Now I understand how large corporations operate on the global markets, I recognize our competitors’ strengths and weaknesses – and I am able to identify issues on the marketplace that our competitors have overlooked, which might offer us growth potential,” he remarks.

Hashimi describes the program’s content as highly inspiring.

“The Macroeconomics module, for example, was fantastic. We learned about the dynamics of states and large corporations: how politics and business are interlinked. It was tremendously thought-provoking, and our instructor was very compelling. Foundations of Finance, Emotional Intelligence and Decision-Making, Digital Transformation, and Managing Growing Enterprises were also splendid modules,” he reminisces.

The program fortified the lenses through which I look at the world. I think bigger."

“Global megatrends were an overarching theme throughout the studies: digitalization, the importance of data, urbanization, and climate change. I was pleased by how much the studies emphasized sustainable development and improving the future of humankind. The program fortified the lenses through which I look at the world. I think bigger,” he ponders.

Although studying alongside work is demanding, Hashimi sees clear benefits in it.

“Most of the exercises forced all the participants to take a good look at their own organizations and reflect on how things could be improved. I found this highly positive, as it ensured more in-depth learning,” he points out.

Self-reliance, knowledge, and friends from around the world

Coming from an international background himself, Hashimi has a great deal of praise for his diverse MBA group.

The program gave me a new kind of self-reliance, an enormous amount of knowledge – and new friends."

“I was born in Afghanistan, I moved to Iran when I was 6, and then to Finland when I was 12. Our international MBA group enriched the study experience. During conversations and group work my understanding of different cultures was greatly increased. I have extremely fond memories of the marvelous comradeship in our group,” he underlines.

Hashimi affirms that he is pleased to endorse the Aalto MBA program.

“My new position as Development Manager is definitely a result of my MBA diploma. The program gave me a new kind of self-reliance, an enormous amount of knowledge – and new friends from around the world,” he says.

“If you are even only slightly considering studies, I want to encourage you to go for it. Sure, it is tough at times and it costs, but the experience is remarkable. Aalto EE’s wonderful staff will help you overcome any challenges”, he concludes.

Aalto MBA Program

Since this interview was conducted, Masud Hashimi has moved to another organization.