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Ella Ahmas graduated with a Master's degree in 2021, specialising in Management and International Business. She ended up at her current job at the European Commission in Brussels through various diverse turns, and she currently works on the administration of reform projects and leads them together with project partners. In addition to project work, she is involved in Finland's recovery and resilience plan, which is funded through the EU's recovery instrument created during the coronavirus crisis (NextGenerationEU).

Ahmas initially chose to study business because she thought it would not exclude any options and would offer an opportunity to understand the world from many different perspectives. She first applied for undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Business Studies at Tampere University, from where she then applied for a master's programme at Aalto University School of Business. 'I knew that Aalto had a high level of teaching on corporate responsibility and, having become interested in the topic during my undergraduate studies, it was clear that I wanted to apply for the master's programme at Aalto. I also thought that studying in English would support my dream of an international career.'

'However, I must admit that business studies were never a passion for me, and at the beginning of my studies I even considered changing my field. However, I was able to combine interesting minors and emphasised the specialisation options related to sustainability in my master's studies, which has taken me in the direction I wanted to go in my career,' adds Ahmas.

'I would like to say to everyone who sometimes wonder if business studies are the right place for them, that these studies are always useful and offer many opportunities – and certainly do not close any doors.'
 

'Additionally, I particularly remember my thesis process, which I was able to do as part of a 'real' research group under excellent supervision. I felt that my supervisor Tiina Ritvala was genuinely involved throughout the process, providing lots of help and support. After the thesis, I also participated in writing a book chapter with my supervisor Tiina Ritvala and Professor Rebecca Piekkari. These inspiring experiences have stayed with me and even made me consider an academic career at some point.'

Gaining more work experience through internships

Ahmas mentions that she utilised various career services during her studies, particularly through internships. 'At the beginning of my bachelor's studies, I headed to Berlin for about 6 months for an Erasmus internship, where I got my first experience in sales and marketing at a small Finnish start-up (at the time named Finnchat). Before moving to my master's studies, I spent six months as a communications intern at the National Defence University in the Defence Forces, and my time there piqued my interest in the public sector. I vividly remember feeling somewhat uncertain about the suitability of business studies to such a different context, but the reception was the opposite – colleagues there were quite pleased with my skills and what I could offer with a business background.'

At the beginning of the master's studies, Ahmas secured a position as an intern at the Finnish embassy in Seoul, but unfortunately, it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, later she got an internship at Miltton, where she could apply the sustainability studies for the first time in practice. The internship ended positively with signing a permanent employment contract, and Ahmas returned to Miltton immediately after graduating, first as a project manager, and later advancing to a sustainability expert. 'I am particularly glad that I tried different internships during my studies and found my path through them. Aalto University and its staff clearly understand the various situations of master's students, and internships can be flexibly arranged alongside studies.'

Leading and planning reform projects in a unique work environment

Ahmas ended up working at the European Commission also through an internship. Her original idea was to go to Brussels for a short period to see what working at the Commission is like. Soon after returning home from the internship, her former superior called and tipped off about an open position. Ahmas applied for it and got her current job. 

'I currently work as a project officer with the EU's Technical Support Instrument (), through which we support EU countries in various reform needs. My job involves managing and leading reform projects together with project partners. My projects, which are based in different member states, relate to, among other things, administrative development, green public administration, judicial system reforms and other topics. The projects combine both national reform priorities and EU policy priorities.'

Ahmas mentions that a typical workday includes discussions with different ministries or agencies of member states about the progress of projects, coordination with current project partners (e.g., OECD, World Bank, consultancy firms) and planning new projects from finding a suitable partner to creating a detailed project plan. 'Sometimes I travel on-site to participate in workshops or high-level project events. I work almost 100 percent in English. Additionally, I coordinate the TSI support provided to Finland in collaboration with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.'

In addition to the Technical Support Instrument, Ahmas partially works with , coordinating its progress in collaboration with the Commission's directorates and the Ministry of Finance in Finland.

The Commission offers the opportunity to study languages while working, and Ahmas has enthusiastically taken advantage of this. She has studied French since graduation. 'It has been wonderful to realise that even as an adult, one can start a completely new language, and at the same time, it has been a great way to network between EU institutions, as the courses are shared by everyone. I recommend studying languages if an international career is in your plans. Although I don't need French for work, it has significantly supported my adaptation to Brussels.'

Future plans and more than just work

Ahmas ended up at her current role through several twists and believes that general curiosity and interest in seeing different things have been common denominators. 'I try to think about my career flexibly and that the things that motivate me now may possibly change in the future, and I might change my field. Moving to Brussels was a big deal for me, and I believe younger Ella would be very proud of me.' Ahmas believes that she will be abroad for some time, but has not ruled out returning to Finland or working for a Finnish employer. 'I could see myself in the future, for example, in the domestic public administration dealing with international affairs, but time will tell! The interface between the business world and the public sector still interests me as well.'

Ahmas feels that it is important to have things in life that take your mind off work. 'For me, such things are related to moving in nature or sports. Even though I may stress quite a lot at times, I try to prioritise things and, even during busy times, to exercise and rest. In my spare time, I enjoy sports and spending time with friends and family. I started playing football a couple of years ago, and whenever I play, work topics are completely forgotten.'

Learn more about Ella's career path and studies on !