Most international students look for a part-time job. It is a good way to integrate into the Finnish society and start networking outside the campus. It is also a way to cover your living costs in Finland. This article compiles the best tips on how to find a part-time job in Finland.
As a student, you can work for up to 25 hours a week. During the summer months when there are no classes, there is no limit to the working hours. Finnish law does not define a minimum wage, however, the lowest salaries range between 7 to 8 euros per hour. Students usually earn between 9 to 13 euros per hour depending on the sector and working hours. Evening shifts and Sundays pay better, and sectors such as software engineering and information technology pay well for students.
There are two peak seasons during the year when employers are looking to recruit new staff: the time before the winter break (December) and the time before the summer break. Your chances are higher if you try to apply during these times of the year, but it is advisable to do it well in advance.
Try to apply to as many jobs as you can. While waiting for the reply, call the recruiter directly to demonstrate that you are really motivated for the job. The phone conversation will give you a chance to give a good impression.
Types of part-time work
Working in a restaurant, cleaning or delivering food or newspapers are common part-time jobs for both Finnish and international students. Part-time cleaners usually work through a reputable Finnish company and it is not a job to be frowned upon. Students that take up cleaning as a part-time job tend to work in locations such as hotels, restaurants, ferries, shopping malls or company offices.
Students that choose to work in a restaurant or cafeteria might wash dishes, waiter or help in the kitchen. If you would like to work in a restaurant or in a coffee shop, you must have a certificate called a hygiene passport that demonstrates that you know how to handle unpacked and easily perishable foods. Employers prefer to recruit students who already have a hygiene passport. Therefore, it is wise to get the passport before applying for a job. It will be an asset in your CV.
Where to look for a job
Probably the most important thing is to be active and keep networking within and outside the campus. Word of mouth is a very powerful tool and people tend to find a job through a recommendation of friends or acquaintances. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and utilize the career services at your university. Let everybody know that you are looking for a job.
Job announcements are published on job seeking websites and on the companies’ own website. The government’s job search portal is called TE services. Private job seeking pages include Monster, Barona, Adecco, and The Hub. There are some portals such as Indeed and Duunitori that use mostly Finnish language in the announcements, so turn on Google translate to find the suitable job for you. Well-known cleaning companies in Finland such as Sol and Freska and food delivery companies such Foodora and Wolt are often looking for new staff.
How to find a part-time job in your field
If you want to find a job related to your major, it may take more time and effort to get the job. It is particularly important to start networking from the day one and proactively utilizing the career services at your university.
Some degrees are particularly in high demand in Finland. For instance, according to the Technology Industries of Finland, there is a need for more than 53 000 new employees within information, communication and technology sector by 2021. Generally, software programmers and IT students working in fields such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, data analytics and robotics tend to get a well-paid part-time job already while studying. Also tourism and health care sectors need skilled workers. However, in health care sector you must have at least basic Finnish language skills (B1 level). Hence, be sure to develop your Finnish skills in the first years to ensure good job prospects in the future.
Edunation offers several degree programs that pave your way to a successful career in computer sciences and information technology sector. These include:
- Bachelor of Engineering in ICT at Turku University of Applied Sciences specializing in cybersecurity and internet of things, both very relevant skills in the future.
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Applications at Häme University of Applied Sciences combining business innovation and programming.
- Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences located in the capital city Helsinki.
Read more about working in Finland on our blog.
