Over 200 Business Projects Carried out under ITP as a Minor Subject

24.02.2015

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Information Technology Program, an academic summer program organised by the School of Business.

The program is also attracting international interest.

Information Technology Program (ITP) offers intensive teaching during the summer months, amounting to 24 ECTS, which are recognised as a minor subject. The teaching method is phenomenon-based – over the summer, students work on an extensive, 3-month project.

Students have felt that project work is a rewarding form of learning in many ways. It offers students both sought-after work experience and a vantage point into organisations’ processes. The summer program, established in 1995, has fostered over 200 extensive business projects.

− Many companies have wanted to participate in our program one year after the other. Our students’ creative thinking combined with guidance from the best experts in the industry yields new solutions and concepts, says Program Manager Laura Sivula, in preparation for the upcoming summer.

− We strive to train IT and design talents to meet companies’ needs. As the number of unemployed academics is high, it is also important to offer specialised studies in universities.

In ITP, students have always come first. The staff has paid particular attention to the quality and methods of teaching, as the goal is to provide an encouraging learning environment and a holistic learning experience.

− These days all the information you need is just a couple of clicks away. That is why teachers need to spar their students. The lecturers and project coordinators challenge you and take your thinking to the next level, Ms Sivula describes the coaching methodology.

The program attracts international interest

The multidisciplinary program is one of a kind in Finland and it has also attracted international interest. − We can take in university students from all over – and they do come from all over, Ms Sivula adds. The teaching staff of this international program also represents a variety of nationalities.

24-year-old Ms Sivula’s personal goal is to increase equality and encourage women to work in IT.

− ITP is a great opportunity to deepen your IT and digital skills irrespective of your academic path. The program’s gender distribution is on average 50/50, and last year we had more female than male students for the first time.

In honour of the 20th anniversary, a new track, Digital and Interactive Entertainment, is in the works. It will respond to the increasing need to develop expertise in digital marketing and analytics.

Further information:
Program Manager Laura Sivula
laura.sivula@aalto.fi
+358 50 312 0934
itp.aalto.fi

Department of Information and Service Economy

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