The first graduates from the international double degree programme MITIM obtained their degree from Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) on 26 August 2009.
The LUT School of Business organises the Master’s programme in Russian business together with the St. Petersburg State University Graduate School of Management (GSOM). The two-year double degree programme in English provides a Master’s degree in economics and business administration from both universities.
The second graduation ceremony, following Russian traditions, was organised on 3 July 2009 in St. Petersburg. GSOM traditions include that graduates wear a cape and hat to the ceremony. Also professors are dressed in festive academic attire. At the end of the ceremony, the graduates release balloons into the air and toast on Russian sparkling wine.
The core courses and degree structure of the MITIM programme have been tailored in cooperation with our partner university. Education is based on the key areas of expertise of both parties. The programme has been developed to generate experts in Russian business to meet the needs of the corporate world. The cross-disciplinary major subject, International Technology and Innovation Management, has been designed to support this goal.
”Our programme has been well-received by both students and business enterprises,” says the academic director of the Master’s programme, Professor Minna Martikainen. A full 100 per cent of the first class graduated.
The first 21 students began their studies in the programme in autumn 2007. They studied the autumn semester in St. Petersburg, and transferred to Lappeenranta for the spring semester. In the second year of studies, some of the students took part in international student exchange, whereas others completed elective courses in their home university or partner university. The third class started this autumn. The next application period for the programme is in January-February 2010.
Student Milla Laisi says that the double degree gives graduates an edge on the labour market. ”When you obtain a degree from both universities, it shows you have what it takes to work in international expert and management positions in the world of business.”
Irina Savitskaya looked forward to seeing all of her fellow students from the MITIM programme in the graduation ceremony after working on her thesis during the spring. ”We have become a close-knit group. I’m glad the MITIM programme also has alumni activity that will allow us to keep in touch after graduation.”
”Regardless of the global economic situation, our first graduates have been successful in finding employment,” states Professor Minna Martikainen. She is convinced that the need for experts in Russian business will continue to grow.
Further information: Head of Study Affairs Minna Ranta, 040 5100597, firstname.u.lastname@lut.fi
http://www.lut.fi/fi/business/major/mitim/Sivut/Default.aspx