Innovation and Technology Management alumnus story

Ulvi Guliyev, an alumnus of Innovation and Technology Management

I was fascinated by the Innovation and Technology Management (ITM) master’s programme at the UT, where tech meets business. I knew I didn't want to be a pure coder or a traditional manager, but rather the bridge between them. ITM was perfect; it promised the toolkit to understand emerging tech and the strategy to bring it to the market. Plus, Estonia's digital-first reputation sealed the deal. It felt like learning innovation in the heartland of it.

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This journey was challenging in the best way possible. It wasn't just theory; we dove into real case studies, ran simulations, and debated the technology news over coffee. The lecturers weren't just teachers; they were practitioners who pushed us to think critically. It was intense, collaborative, and honestly, super fun.

Academically, I loved the hands-on projects, and developing tech solutions felt empowering. Student life in Tartu is magical. It's a compact, vibrant student city. Cheap student lunches, cozy cafes perfect for study groups, the legendary student traditions, and spontaneous gatherings. The community is incredibly welcoming – you feel at home instantly. Plus, exploring Estonia on weekends was easy and affordable.

I volunteered at sTARTUp Day Tartu – Estonia’s biggest innovation festival! For three days, I helped coordinate pitch sessions, set up networking zones, and assisted keynote speakers backstage. Being behind the scenes was incredible: I soaked up insights from founders, investors, and tech visionaries from all over Europe. I gained a huge appreciation for the startup ecosystem and made connections I still tap into today. It was exhausting but totally energising, and it gave me a whole new perspective on what we were learning in our ITM courses.

ITM was my career rocket fuel. It gave me the exact hybrid skillset that companies crave nowadays: understanding emerging tech (like AI & blockchain), strategic roadmapping, product development, and leadership. Courses like Business Analysis and Software Product Management are directly applicable to my daily work. Crucially, it taught me how to learn fast in a field that never stands still. The network, both peers and faculty, is also an invaluable long-term resource.

I'm currently a Business Analyst at Nordea Bank, which is the biggest bank in the Nordics with more than 35,000 employees. I work in a stream named “High Risk Credit Management” and together with the team, we analyse risk exposure, optimise credit decision processes, and translate regulatory needs into tech-driven solutions. Long-term, I plan to grow in finance, but who knows? Maybe I’ll launch a fintech venture someday. The agility and systems-thinking from ITM make me confident to pivot anywhere!