10 Questions for Shuangyi, Aalto Startup Center’s New Business Project Coordinator

Give us a short introduction about yourself (Name, position in ASUC, maybe something about your experience in Finland or current study status)
Moi/Halo/Nihao, I am shuangyi, a recent BIZ graduate from Aalto University and come from China. My position in ASUC is business project coordinator. I’ve been in Finland for almost three years with my master’s studies, where I majored in International business, and minored in Information and Service management.
What is your role in Aalto Startup Center?
My current role in ASUC is business project coordinator and will help with different tasks for our amazing programmes and projects (ESA BIC Finland and Urban Tech Helsinki), such as Deal-flow management, CRM operations for event support, some data collection and analysis, communication with startups and support their application process, so many project-oriented and communication stuff ongoing.
Can you tell us a bit about your professional background? (For example, what the Master’s study is about or any previous work experience related to your role)
Back to my bachelor’s study in China, I had several summer internships in different Internet companies, like an edu-tech startup Meisha and a global e-commerce company Alibaba. I think those are really rewarding experience for helping me to develop competencies in digital product support as well as being able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds(tech, design or marketing). The master’s study journey in Aalto University also further enhanced my soft skills and gave me a broad perspective on key issues at organizational level and international business dynamics.
What brought you to Aalto Startup Center originally ?
I have some friends who are active in AVP, Aaltoes, so they encouraged or invited me to join related student startup events, from which I got to know that Aalto provides a highly supportive and vibrant ecosystem to support startups. Then it comes naturally that I applied to Aalto Startup Center. Last time for me to visit AGrid was to join a photo-shooting for Aalto Squad, where I was working as a part-time marketing trainee for Aalto University. So, kind of magic destiny 😃
What’s your work style?
I actually feel comfortable with both teamworking and sometimes work on tasks individually, but learning new things from others is always a catalyst to my work motivation. I also enjoy multicultural and multidisciplinary collaborations, where I can always get fresh perspectives and interesting insights.
What inspires you in your work?
Work in a vibrant ecosystems and help with deep tech startups, also learn new stuff and create happy memories with those great people in Aalto Startup Center.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like exploring and visiting various city-events, museums, music festivals, jogging, cafes and sometimes travel to other countries.
Do you want to say something to our startups?
Starting and running a startup is definitely not an easy thing. Just last night, I listened to a speech by Lei Jun, the Founder and CEO of Xiaomi, who said that setbacks or challenges can actually be seen as a gift reflecting on life’s highs and lows. More importantly, always believe something wonderful is about to happen. Ofc, anytime you need support, feel free to check our services and programmes, Aalto Startup Center are here to provide our startups with a wealth of business experts, networking and funding opportunities.
How should our startups reach out to you?
I usually work in the 1st floor in AGrid, Otaniemi and sometimes pop up in Maria01 Helsinki, so welcome to meet me if you have any concerns. You can also contact me via phone +358503431462 or email shuangyi.chen@aalto.fi
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise us.
I am really museum-person and like watching documentaries a lot. Every time I go out to travel somewhere, the museums are always marked on my google map beforehand. I once visited the Louvre Museum alone, three days in a row