How to find work in Finland? International alumni share their advice
Finnish work culture is based on trust – that’s why networking pays off
Knowing and respecting cultural norms is important when you want to make a good impression of yourself for a potential employer. This is why learning some basic things about the Finnish culture and values can help you in your job search.
– My advice to you is to be yourself but to respect Finnish values. It is important to leave people a deep impression of yourself, but in a positive way. Show that you care about other people’s feelings and habits too. For example, in Finland, it’s important to keep your promises and be on time and to respect other people’s private life, says Xiaotian Bi.
One of the aspect alumni have noticed in the Finnish work-culture is trust. Finns tend to trust one-another.
– The Finnish work culture is trust-based, just like the society. If someone says something, they mean it. In my observation, honesty and integrity are the most essential criteria in any workplace. I shall put it like this: mistakes are acceptable but lies are forbidden, says Mustafizur Rahman.
Because of the trust-based culture, networking in relevant occasions such job-fairs can be very beneficial: they allow you to get to know potential employers, discuss about their needs and expectations and leave a positive impression about yourself.
– In January 2023, I attended a job fair arranged by the University of Vaasa. From there, I managed to get a trainee position at Wärtsilä. The traineeship continued throughout my study period. After that, I continued to work full-time on the same team in Wärtsilä with Prohoc, says Mustafizur proving that attending a job fair can make a difference.
Before you start promoting yourself to potential employers, it’s good to reflect on what you are looking for and what steps you need to take to achieve that.
– Be clear about what job you want to do, study on the recruitment requirements, and prepare yourself to be qualified, says Xiaotian.
Even if you have a clear goal, sometimes it can be a good idea to try something else to get your foot in the door. From the point of view of learning the Finnish way of working and getting to know people, all experience is beneficial.
– Although you have your long-term career goal, you should be humble enough to start with something else whilst working your way towards the position you are aiming for. As a student, take every opportunity that comes your way – it will help you to reach your ultimate goal, advises Lukumanu Iddrisu.
According to alumni, learning the local languages can also help you land a job. You don’t have to worry about being extremely fluent in Finnish or Swedish since there are several companies that operate also in English but learning the basics will help you interact with locals and thus build networks and trust.
Good work-life balance, flexibility and low hierarchy
We also asked the alumni, how they find working in Finland and how the Finnish culture differs from other countries they have worked in. They appreciate good work-life balance, flexibility and low hierarchy in Finland.
– In Finland, people don’t have to work overtime, which provides us better chances to enjoy our personal life. The hierarchy in Finnish society is relatively equal compared to other countries because of Finnish culture, values, tax and welfare system. For example, employees could easily reach managers with a conversation in the company, says Xiaotian.
– Colleagues are treated as colleagues rather than based on their job titles. I like how everyone enjoys the coffee break together with laughter and joy. Additionally, in Finnish working culture, colleagues help each other if needed. My colleagues are extremely helpful, says Mustafizur.
The low hierarchy allows open discussion on the workplace which makes it easy to address issues.
– In the Finnish working culture, supervisors always welcome questions and seek authentic feedback, says Mustafizur.
Xiaotian has similar experience:
– I can always find a way to communicate with my co-workers and managers easily about my own thoughts, making me feel that my voice can be heard.
She is also happy about the flexibility in the Finnish work-life.
– Most Finnish companies allow hybrid working mode, which is very flexible and target-focused. It’s also family-friendly since people can be sometimes interrupted by kids’ issues. In summary, my experience of working in Finland is very relaxed and enjoyable, she concludes.