Kiana – Master's student in Information and Communication Technology

Meet Kiana Aghajani, a current master's student at the University of Turku and an UTUambassador 2026-2027!

My name is Kiana, and I am currently a master's of Software Engineering student here at the University of Turku.

I moved to Finland when I was 18 and started my bachelor's in Information Technology.

Since then, I had to study in a completly different educational system, with a language other than my mother tongue which could be hard at times, but I absolutely loved Finland and its culture!

I have been an active student since my very first years, and through that I have very good friends, both Finnish and International.

I enjou getting to know poeple and learning about their cultures, specially learning about card games in different countries.

If you see my around campus or in events come and say hi, I am always happy to have a chat about any topic that is in your mind!

Kiana's study experience

How is your study experience at UTU and what services/aspects have influenced that the most?

I have had a very positive experience in UTU so far. Both from my courses and program, and the student lif in UTU. Going to classes and learning from professors who are genuinely passionate about their subject has been the highlight of my days here. The courses have a balance between theory and hands-on experience, you learn how to implement your knowledge. And then after the classes, there is always a studen event happening! Students wear their overalls and join each other to have a good time after a full day in classes. Other than student organisations there are many other ways to be active throughout your studies, tutoring international students for example, and you will always have the supposrt of UTU staff in your chosen activity.

To whom would you recommend your programme to?

To anyone who is interested in learning and wants to have a deeper understanding of technology and reaserch around it. The program is multidisciplinary and supports a students journey of finding their interest field. So if you are someone who gets excited about technology and any fields related to it, want to work with both theory and impactful projects, this program is for you!

What is your background and how did you end up choosing your programme?

My bachelor was in Information Technology, with a major in Software Engineering. My interestes were in UI/UX, quality assurance, testing and user centered design.

What I wanted from a master's program was something that combines my interest but also let's me explore different sides of engineering and the Software Programm in University of Turku was a combination of both. The courses all seemed interesting and they allowed knowledge from varying sides of engineering and technology, so I decided to choose this program and I am so happy about it!

What have you found special in the study experience at UTU?

The professors are very strong in their fields and they teach with a passion, they always make time for the students and offer them advice and just a quich chat. The courses are organaised in a way that both dives deep into theory but still there is enough oppurtunity for project work and gaining more hands-on experience.

What are your future career plans?

I am hoping to continue to my PhD studies and start researching on interesting but impactful topics!

In the industry, I would be looking for an opportunity to become a project manager or a quality assurance lead.

How do you balance your studies during your free time?

I operate on a work hard, play hard mindset :D

I try to study ahead so I am familiar with the topics thought and I start the assignments as soon as they publish, so I have enough time to plan the rest off my time around my hobbies or events. I have found that I study better when I can see others who are focused on their work, so most of the time I go to a library or do a study session with my friends.