To help our startups learn a bit more about Lina, we held a brief interview with her.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Lina and I’m a Master’s student in Aalto University studying Information Networks with a major in User, Data and Design. This spring, I’m working as a Design Trainee in Aalto Startup Center, working on visuals and marketing materials for social media and different communication channels as well as assisting with events.
2. What is your role in Aalto Startup Center?
As a design trainee at Aalto Startup Center, I’m working in the Community and Communications team on design materials and updating social media channels, branding strategies as well as marketing materials such as flyers and posters. I also assist the team in organizing events and projects.
3. Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?
My major User, Data and Design focuses on how design processes and data are used to create digital products and services that are usable, valuable and functional. Information Networks educates cross-disciplinary thinkers and innovators with technical yet human-centric skills. It offers comprehensive understanding of the interaction between human beings and digital technologies on an individual, group, organizational and societal level.
4. What brought you to Aalto Startup Center originally?
Entrepreneurship is something that has always interested me. Creating a startup to solve a real life problem and to improve our world is very fascinating to me. This position allows me to dive even deeper and learn more about startups and work closely with them as well as develop my design skills.
5. What is your impression of Aalto Startup Center？
The atmosphere here is really warm and welcoming. Everyone seems to enjoy their work and are happy to help the startups grow.
6. What have you been working on recently?
We just wrapped up our From Ideas to Impact® Demo Day where startups presented their innovations and connected with investors, mentors, media, and all ecosystem players. It was great to see how weeks worth of work paid off and we had an amazing event with great atmosphere and many participants.
7. What’s your work style?
I really enjoy team work and ideating concepts with other people which is what I have had the chance to do plenty at Aalto Startup Center. I also enjoy individual tasks and focusing on them at a quiet environment. I believe greatly in work-life balance as it’s vital for one’s wellbeing.
8. What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time in nature and painting. I also play padel regularly and love snowboarding in the winter.
9. Do you want to say something to our startups?
Your innovations are outstanding and they’re really making a good impact on our world. Keep doing what you’re doing and utilize the resources Aalto Startup Center has to offer to grow your startups.
10. How should our startups reach out to you?
Please contact me by email if you have any design-related questions or reach me on LinkedIn.
Email: lina.makela@aalto.fi
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lina-mäkelä-34b626158/