Most international students look for part-time jobs. It is a good way to integrate into 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 for finding a part-time job in Finland.
You can work up to 25 hours a week as a student. 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 software engineering and information technology sectors 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 your motivation 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, which 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 working in a restaurant or cafeteria might wash dishes, wait, or help in the kitchen. If you would like to work in a restaurant or a coffee shop, you must have a certificate called a hygiene passport demonstrating that you know how to handle unpacked and easily perishable foods. Employers prefer to recruit students who already have a hygiene passport. Therefore, getting a passport before applying for a job is wise. It will be an asset to 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 from 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 company’s own websites. The government’s job search portal is called TE Services. Private job-seeking pages include Monster, Barona, Adecco, and The Hub. Some portals, such as Indeed and Duunitori, use mostly the Finnish language in the announcements, so turn on Google Translate to find a suitable job for you. Well-known cleaning companies in Finland, such as Sol and Freska, and food delivery companies, like 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 day one and proactively utilize the career services at your university.
Some degrees are particularly in high demand in Finland. According to Business Standard, there is a need for more than 50,000 immigrants yearly till 2050 to work in many industries, such as the information, communication, and technology sector.
Generally, software programmers and IT students working in digitalization, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and robotics get well-paid part-time jobs already while studying. Also, the tourism and healthcare sectors need skilled workers. However, you must have basic Finnish language skills (B1 level) in the healthcare sector. 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 the way to a successful career in computer science and information technology. These include:
- Bachelor of Engineering in ICT at Turku University of Applied Sciences specializing in cybersecurity and the 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 of Helsinki.
Read more about working in Finland on our blog.
Finally, book a counseling today to start your life-changing journey in Finland – the happiest country in the world!
