Aalto Fellows –more than just a course!
The Aalto Fellows Program is a six-month study and work program designed to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of entrepreneurship and its context. It is a 10 credit course, but it can be much more than that. This is how one of last year’s Fellows reflected on the Aalto Fellows journey:
Overall, the course and the trip was one of the most important time periods of my life. It definitely increased my ambition level when I met many passionate and smart people and learned so many things about entrepreneurship. I have a feeling that everything is possible now and I am ready to start my journey. It also helped me to build self-confidence. I am now wondering why I hadn’t aimed so high before. Sky's the limit!
This quote really embodies what we wish to accomplish through the program. Our hope is that through learning about entrepreneurship in its widest sense together with 11 other brilliant students you will discover new things about yourself while learning about the world around us. Our goal is not to convert 12 startup founders before the beginning of the fall, but rather to have 12 people embracing an entrepreneurial attitude. A willingness to look for new combinations to solve hard problems.
Even though last year’s Fellows have already taken some truly inspiring steps, some through starting their own companies and others through taking key roles in the ecosystem, such as Kiuas and Wave Ventures, our hope is that the true learning outcomes will only bear fruit in a decade or two.
The Aalto Fellows program consists of three parts:
two weeks of intensive lectures and workshops,
a paid summer internship at a startup or venture capital firm, and
a project centered around organizing a study trip to a prominent startup hub.
Participation is limited to a group of 12 outstanding students, and our goal is to get an as diverse group of students as possible. You can read more about the selection process at: https://www.aaltofellows.com/apply-now/. Last year four out of Aalto’s six schools were represented and we’re aiming to get students from all six this year.
Having a highly diverse group can be quite daunting from a teaching perspective. Last year, the mix included people that had little to no exposure to the startup ecosystem, and people that had been in key positions in the ecosystem. It was a relief to be able to provide new insights for both ends of the spectrum, but especially to see them learn and grow together. Last year’s Fellow and Chairman of the Aaltoes 2017 board reflected on his experience:
Aalto Fellows has a very interactive classroom setting and is focusing more on the actual development and concrete stuff compared to traditional courses. The best thing was to get to work with diverse, talented people in their own fields. Aalto Fellows gave me a lot of resources that I’ll most definitely put to use.
– Anttoni Aniebonam, Aalto Fellow ‘18
Aalto Fellows is like a puzzle, we give you pieces of information and knowledge, but it is up to you to evaluate and piece together the puzzle against the backdrop of your own competences and experiences. A bulk part of the pieces comes through the intensive weeks, last year (see program below) we had over 30 speakers. Everything from founders and investors to lawyers and body-language experts.
No matter how familiar you are with the startup ecosystem, we can guarantee you that your learning curve will be steep. We hope to strengthen a growth mindset (Carol Dweck) and engrain a giving outlook on life (Adam Grant). The most valuable thing you will get through Aalto Fellows is the network of peers, speakers, and the internship companies. The best way to leverage that network is through giving back!
We’re looking forward to your application and an exhilarating summer,
Ghita and Josefiina
For more information on Aalto Fellows check: aaltofellows.com.
Application is now open, apply here!
