Tip 1 - Finnish for the win: Learn the Language
Why It Matters: Finnish proficiency opens doors. It’s not just about communication; it’s about cultural integration.
Even though many international companies have English as a working language, Finns are notoriously shy to speak English because they are afraid to showcase too strong an accent, or “rallye English” as they call it.
Even though most Finnish people speak English perfectly fine, conversations over lunch, at watercoolers or a cup of coffee are likely to happen in Finnish. Recruiters know this, and want to make sure new hires have a chance at integrating into the work community. That is why they scan application materials for efforts put into language learning.
What You Can Do:
- Free Language Courses: LUT offers free language courses to students. Take advantage of this resource.
- Weekly Language Café: Practice speaking with fellow learners to boost your confidence!
- Find Finnish Friends: Immerse yourself in conversations. Your Finnish friends will be the best language mentors and culture guides.
Tip 2 - Burst the International Bubble: Make Finnish Friends
Why It Matters: Finnish friends provide insights, connections, and a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Other cultures utilize third spaces and public places to socialize, Finns prefer to open up behind closed doors. Preferably naked and sweating in a sauna. No wonder, with cold temperatures as low as -30 degrees and short days in the winter.
Finnish culture is full of hidden gems, fun quirks and secrets to enjoying Nordic Nature to the fullest, but it often takes a local to unlock all this knowledge.
On top of increasing your quality of living, your Finnish friends can help you prepare for job interviews, understand cultural subtext and who knows – maybe even acquaint you with your future employer.
On a small job market like the Finnish one, not every open role makes it to the job boards, that is what we call the hidden job market.
Of 360 000 open positions in 2016, 270 000 were not publically advertised.
- How to Do It:
- Guilds and Clubs: Join student guilds and clubs. They’re hubs for socializing and networking. Common interests connect, so finding a club for your hobby might be a good way to connect with like-minded Finns.
- Language Practice: More Finnish friends mean more language practice. Conversations outside the classroom matter.
- Networking Allies: Your Finnish friends can introduce you to professionals and potential employers.
Tip 3 - Use What You’ve Got: Leveraging LUT Services
Why It Matters: LUT has your back! There are plenty of services available for students that help you navigate Finland and its job market. If you use what you can, you can improve your chances and enhance your quality of life.
- What’s Available:
- Free Finnish Courses: Attend language classes and language cafés.
- Guilds as Gateways: Guilds connect you with peers and potential friends.
- LUT & LAB Career Services: Seek advice how to best break into the Finnish job market. Our LUT&LAB Career Services will provide you with the inside scoop and actionable advice
Tip 4 - Make hay while the sun shines: Summer Jobs and Traineeships
Why It Matters: Summer jobs and traineeships pave the way for future employment.
Work experience is an invaluable part of a well-rounded candidate profile. If your work experience during your studies is not streamlined with your academic specialization, it still adds to your toolkit of transferrable skills and general proficiencies that are needed at work.
In Finland, summer jobs have a long standing tradition and can be a gateway to a permanent position or traineeship.
- Action Steps:
- Start Early: Look for summer jobs well before Christmas. Companies plan ahead!
- Networking: Join excursions the university offers, connect with recruiters, leverage your department’s network and keep a close eye on our internal job board called Job Teaser to get a coveted traineeship. The job teaser is only accessible to LUT and LAB students, The invaluable work experience is worth the effort.
Tip 5 - Your Network = Your Net Worth: Build Industry Connections
Why It Matters: Your network can open doors to internships, job referrals, and career growth.
On the hidden job market, your connections are the key to open roles that might not be publically advertised.
People hire people, and an early investment in building your network will pay off with an easier start into the working life.
- How to Build It:
- Career networking events: Meet company representatives face-to-face at networking events like DuuniDay.
- LinkedIn: Optimize your online profile and connect with professionals in your field.
- Company Excursions: Participate in excursions. Learn about real-world operations.
You can find all the networking events and open roles on the Jobteaser.
Breaking into the Finnish job market requires persistence, cultural adaptability, and a proactive mindset. Remember, you’re not alone—LUT’s resources and your Finnish friends are here to support you.
