The number of TalTech School of Business and Governance alumni is impressive - it totals almost 30,000. Cooperation with alumni is essential for creating new values for the school students and alumni. Kirke Saar, our alumnus and the head of information technology at Nordic Investment Bank, participated in the experimental mentoring program launched at the School of Business and Governance: "Alumni Connecting with Students." We asked her why she enjoyed cooperating with the university and what led her to study at TalTech.
What study programmes did you pursue?
I earned my bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in public economics. In addition, I studied law at the University of Tartu.
Why did these fields of study appeal to you?
First, why did I choose business administration at TalTech (TTÜ then), even though economics was taught everywhere? The reason behind my decision was that the TalTech study programme enabled studying additional IT, construction, etc. courses, and the curriculum was more mathematics and statistics focused.
Where do you work today, and what journey led you to your current position?
I currently work as a head of IT at the Nordic Investment Bank. I became involved in IT because after graduation I joined Oracle, and my position there required an understanding of business, legal, processes and IT. Since then, I have been in IT, worked in various managerial positions and kept developing my skills.
Can you recall a funny story or memory from your time at university?
Not specifically, but I remember that all the lecturers were always ready to crack a joke, or everyone had some cutely quirky trait.
You have joined the TalTech School of Business and Governance mentoring program "Alumni Connecting with Students". What value does the program provide for you, and why did you decide to participate?
I was on TalTechDigital, and university affairs have always been close to my heart. In my job positions, I have always tried to contribute to the university (as the CTO at Telia Eesti, the projects related to TalTech were important to me). Being employed by an international organization for several years, I can see it as an opportunity to help young people with their career choices and share my experience.
Could you name one thing that a university or the school could do differently today so that students could have clearer goals in mind?
We could help even more with the so-called internships. Nowadays finding their first job is challenging for young people, and they often are concerned about how they will manage. I am very interested in the micro-degrees offered at TalTech because it is an excellent opportunity to upgrade myself.
I think it's great that TalTech is strengthening its relationship with Alumni. This connection can be beneficial for both the university and current students.