Heikki Koponen for SYL’s President 2016

proposes:

HEIKKI KOPONEN for SYL’s President 2016

Renewable syl 2016 I am an engineer of a new generation, who has the desire and ability to listen and understand people. As the chairperson, I am calm even when placed in difficult situations. The development of organisations is my favourite interest, which can be seen in my field of study. I believe in diverse discussion and preparatory work, but at the same time I am firm with my decisions. When leading the changes, you need a sensitive ear, good eye for the game and good nerves. I am ready to devote myself to this work next year as the chairperson of the National Union of University Students in Finland.

In the current situation, it is more important than ever for SYL to renew itself in an open-minded and controlled manner. On one hand, unforeseen amounts are cut from education and research; on the other hand, the rapidly changing political situation complicates traditional advocacy.

The range of measures in the union’s advocacy should be extended in the coming years. The know-how and networks of the student unions could be utilised more effectively in advocacy. When objectives are clarified with the student unions, we can find the best means to cooperate with the student unions and organisations with an

active attitude familiar from the student culture.

In addition to its role as students’ interest representative, SYL should adopt an identity as the highest expert in Finnish higher education in its communications. When the education budget is cut, SYL should clearly bring up the social value of equality and strong higher education as well as its essential role for Finland. This idea should be further developed into a basic message, which is repeated in all communications, as also demanded by the working group for organisational development.

SYL’s policy paper describes the desired state of affairs from a student’s point of view. The policy paper should continue to be the description of an ideal situation and should not become a non-policy paper that varies in changing situations. At the same time, I recognise that SYL Board and secretaries should also have consistent and democractic support for realpolitik advocacy. That is why SYL needs a mediumterm advocacy strategy updated according to the parliamentary election terms, which determines priorities for advocacy work in the electoral term and preparations for the elections based on the policy paper.

comments on heikki

”Over the years, Heikki has shown an incredible ability to approach difficult and sensitive issues with his pragmatic and solution-oriented manner. Perhaps the most memorable example was the well-being research for the students of Aalto School of Science, which Heikki started, implemented and finished with his uncompromising and untiring touch.”

Eero Eloranta, Vice President (Education), Aalto University

“I cooperated with Heikki in parliamentary election campaigning in the spring and I was delighted to see what an excellent organiser he is. Heikki combines the ability to organise effectively and the skill to focus on essential matters. At the same time, he spread a good atmosphere in the entire group.”

Mari Lehtoruusu, Chair of the Board, Student Union of the University of Helsinki HYY ”I’ve come to know Heikki as a great, reliable friend.

Heikki’s way of doing things is selfless, which is highly respectable to me. Heikki will always be welcome to Tsinghua University and Beijing.”

”Heikki is a new generation engineer, who approaches entities through people. He wants to improve the world and gets people involved with his reliability and calm appearance. He is a great character.”

Esa Saarinen, Philosopher

Chang Liu, Chairman of the board, Student Union of Tsinghua University. Beijing

“In our choir, Heikki has taken the role of an initiative leader in a wide range of development projects. In addition, Heikki is of course a great guy and an excellent 1st bass.”

Ilmari Pärnänen, Chair, The Polytech Choir

”I have known Heikki for several years as an effective, positive and humane operator. Heikki sees the forest for the trees and justifies his views strongly.”

Riku Mäkelä, CEO, Slush

EDUCATION

CURRICULUM

M. SC. (TECH.) Aalto University, Strategic Management, 2014 – 201X B. SC. (TECH.) Aalto University, Industrial Engineering and Management, 2010–2014

WORK EXPERIENCE ANALYST TRAINEE, Finnish Industry Investment, 2014 EVALUATOR, Finnish Ministry of the Environment Green Economy Projects, 2014 PROGRAM COORDINATOR, Aalto University, 2012–2013 SALES ASSISTANT, Huhtamaki Finland, 2011 WAREHOUSE WORKER, Huhtamaki Ronsberg, DE, 2010

PLACES I’VE CALLED HOME

HOBBIES

VITAE AYY EXPERIENCE

VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, Aalto University Student Union AYY, 2015 1st DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, Aalto University Student Union AYY, 2014 (DEPUTY) MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, Aalto University Student Union AYY 2012 – 2015 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, Tuotantotalouden Kilta Prodeko ry, 2013 MEMBER OF THE BOARD, Academic affairs, Tuotantotalouden Kilta Prodeko ry, 2012

AALTO PROJECTS OTANIEMI RANTASAUNA HOT TUB, 2014 AALTO FELLOWS PROGRAM, 2014 PRODEKO PROJECT ASIA, 2013 AALTO SCI STUDENT WELLBEING SURVEY, 2012 – 2013

STUDENT ADVOCACY AALTO SCI ACADEMIC COMMITTEE, 2012 – 2013 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT STUDY COMMITTEE, 2012 – 2013 SCI DEGREE REFORM COMMITTEE, 2012