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How did you end up studying chemical engineering?

"I was a pretty hands-on type of person already as a child. For example, I tried to open batteries and make new year's rockets even bigger. Dad forbade both, which is probably a good thing.

In upper secondary school, I decided to study physics and chemistry because I thought that they would involve less reading than history and similar subjects. It was not quite true - in science subjects, we had to read books and do a lot of assignments. 

Nevertheless, I was really interested in chemistry, and after general upper secondary school, I first intended to apply to study chemistry at a university. However, my friend convinced me that studying chemical engineering would open up even broader employment opportunities. I also visited the Aalto campus event and Aalto seemed like a nice place. I decided to apply ɫɫ��, and I got in.”

What was studying like?

“In chemical engineering studies, I particularly enjoyed the fact that it combines theory and practice. My major subject was factory design, for example. 

There is a strong sense of community in Aalto. During my studies, I participated in community activities a lot and enjoyed it very much. I went to a lot of events during my first year. The second year, I was a tutor and on the third year a fuksi captain.”

What kind of work have you done in your career?

“During my studies, I already had summer jobs in companies in the field. After my first year of study, I was at a metal refinery and, the second summer, at my current workplace at Borealis, which produces chemicals and plastic raw materials. After graduation, I briefly explored the start-up world, after which I went back to Borealis to work on chemicals legislation.

As a research engineer, I particularly research recycled and bio-based raw materials for the production of chemicals and plastics. I also assess how these raw materials can be deployed in our production facilities.”

Why is your work important?

“I contribute to solving the circular economy challenges of plastics. If my work enables us to get a shipload of renewable or recycled raw material for our factory, I think that is a significant thing.

In my work on chemicals legislation, I was able to monitor and influence the direction in which recycling legislation develops. For example, I was able to influence the mechanical recycling of plastics.”

What kind of career skills did you gain by studying chemical engineering? 

“Chemical engineering is extremely practical. I wasn’t always that interested in math and pure chemistry, but every time I got to combine chemistry with practice, I enjoyed it. In my summer job at Borealis, I got to see how the acquired skills could be put into practice in real life.

Indeed, chemical engineering studies provide an extensive and comprehensive skill level for many different things. The principles of physics and chemistry apply in many different industries.”

What would you like to say to young people considering their choices of study?

“Chemicals affect 95% of all products produced. They will always be needed globally, so there will be plenty of employment opportunities in the field of chemical engineering.

My friends include consultants, researchers and chemical production workers. Some of my fellow students have combined their chemical engineering studies with commercial studies.

Chemical engineering offers nearly endless opportunities for various jobs, and your own interest determines what you end up doing in the end.”