Now that you have settled in Finland and begun your studies, congratulations!
Finland is becoming a hub of international education and business. The country is in an increasing phase of economic expansion fueled by a strong economy, low unemployment, and a large pool of highly skilled workers. Finland offers excellent opportunities for international students, including the possibility to obtain a quality position while studying abroad.
Finding a job in Finland as an international student can be challenging, but it is possible with some planning and effort. Luckily, we have done all the hard work for you. Find out how we can help you obtain a career in Finland here:
INFORMATION ON WORKING AND LIVING IN FINLAND
Finland is known for many things, such as high-quality education, decent living standards, and work conditions. Finland has also been recognized for sustainability, green nature, fresh air, and equality. Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world five times by the United Nations World Happiness Report in 2018-2022. When you study and live in Finland, you experience the country’s charm. There is always something to do and share in Finland, whether you want to be outside or indoors. Finland has a lot to offer its citizens. While living in Finland and learning about the culture, there are a few things you should know about.
5 FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN FINLAND:
- Punctuality is essential in daily life in Finland.
- Finn’s trust authorities.
- Equality is highly stressed in Finnish society.
- Finns greet with handshakes in formal settings.
- There are more saunas than cars in Finland.
WORK CULTURE IN FINLAND
Working in another country means working in a different environment from your own culture. Work culture is different in every country, and to adapt better, it is crucial to understand the culture you are surrounded by. Work culture in Finland differentiates between job sectors, markets, and companies. For instance, the work culture is significantly different when comparing startups with big companies. Finnish work culture has been described as balanced, flexible, and transparent.
The working conditions are worldly known to be decent in Finland. There are collective labor agreements, trade unions, occupational safety and health regulations, law-set mandatory breaks, and minimum salaries. In working life, the employer and employee have responsibilities that they need to acknowledge and regulate.
When understanding and learning about the culture, you should know Finnish culture is highly focused on individualism. Individuals are expected to be self-directed, capable of working independently and looking after themselves. Hierarchy is also generally lower than in many other countries. Power distance is standard in Finland, meaning the culture is more engaging and considerate. Instead of leading, Finnish society relies more on coaching. Equality is also appreciated and presented in different settings. Also, Finnish culture is more feminine, focusing less on competitiveness, success, and merits. More emphasis is on living a pleasant life and enjoying what you do.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT FINNISH WORK CULTURE IN THE SURVEY, SOME OF THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS DESCRIBED FINNISH WORK CULTURE IN THE FOLLOWING WAY:
“In Finland, people are way more approachable, and the organizational structure is more relaxed (despite the possible existing hierarchy). There’s also this practical yet trustworthy atmosphere. People are well-grounded and respectful in their exchanges”.
“People here are very laid back about work. Work is not their whole life. This has good and bad”.
“The work balance ratio is one of the biggest differences; Finland does a great job providing their workers a good schedule and possibilities on choosing how to do a job (Office work).
“Finland has a much better work culture than my home country, such as the flexibility of the working hours.”.
“Jobs come to me in my home country. But in Finland, I have to apply repeatedly. Work culture-wise, I think Finland has priorities in work-life balance”.
PART-TIME WORK IN FINLAND
In Finland, employers value all work experience acquired. Especially individuals who do not have previous work experience should also acknowledge this and look for lower-level positions. It is essential to be flexible and open regarding job search. International students may first be offered short-term jobs, which should be considered an opportunity to gain work experience and new skills. Many students in Finland work part-time alongside their studies during the evenings and weekends; approximately 55% of university students and 58% of UAS students had an employment contract in 2019. This means that more than half of students work while they study. Working alongside studies is also a great way of gaining valuable work experience that employers appreciate. This is a great way to experience Finnish work cultures and learn the skills needed in work life. Part-time work is also a great way of networking and gaining references for your future resume. There are several benefits of having work experience from lower-level jobs as well. For instance, working in a café can demonstrate and develop your customer service skills. Having work experience in a fast-food chain can prove that you can work in a fast-paced environment. If you want a part-time job, be prepared to work during the evenings and weekends. During the week, students can study at the university from 8 AM- 4 PM and work their evening shifts. You can work 30 hours a week during your semester as a student. During holidays, there is no limit on the hours. Typically, students work from 4 to 15 hours a week.
POSSIBLE PLACES TO WORK PART-TIME DURING STUDIES:
- Bars
- Cafe’s
- Cleaning companies
- Food couriers
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Warehouse
These workplaces are popular amongst students because they offer flexible working hours and a minimum salary. The salary is usually between 8 to 12 euros per hour. Depending on the hours and job sector. You can get a little extra money during evenings and weekends. The reason why students prefer these types of workplaces is that they provide evening and weekend shifts. They are also flexible with their schedules. Finding a work position in your field can take time, but work experience is always appreciated in Finland. You should keep this in mind!
JOBS FOR NURSING STUDENTS
Finding a job also depends on the job sector and education. Nurses are highly in demand in Finland, and there are currently more jobs than workers. Job markets follow the supply and demand pattern regarding the labor force. If the need for employees is higher, it is easier to find a job. It was reported by Yle (2021) that in the following nine years, the estimated number of nurses needed to be recruited is 30 000. Recruiting new nurses could help balance the aging population and meet the requirements of the job sector.
The nature of a job search differs for a nurse. When you are studying, you have several mandatory internships. Internships are even more crucial when networking as a nursing student since there is a higher chance that you may be offered a job.
Nurses in Finland may work in various positions in the healthcare sector. Possible places where you can become employed as a nurse in Finland:
- Disabled care
- Elderly care
- Emergency duty
- Healthcare center
- Home care
- Pharmacy
- Private healthcare companies, for instance, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo
- Rehabilitation center
- University hospitals, in cities; Helsinki, Kuopio. Turku, Oulu & Tampere
Edunation Recruitment and Workforce Solutions for students and graduates
In collaboration with its partners, Edunation organizes foreign student training and recruits them for education programs in Finland. The best candidates are selected based on their motivation and previous competence. Students complete a Finnish language course upon their arrival in Finland and cultural and customs orientation. They gain a deeper understanding of the Finnish language and work habits by studying theoretical and practical subjects in Finland. Our programs aim to prepare students for part-time employment in Finland during their studies and a full-time job after graduating.
With a student residence permit in Finland, students can work 30 hours per week before graduation.
Nurses in Finland may work in various positions in the healthcare sector. Possible places where you can become employed as a nurse in Finland:
The purpose of the agreement:
- Establish a cooperative relationship that promotes and facilitates recruiting students for various positions in Finland.
- Create career promotion opportunities for students in cooperation with employers and assist them in starting a career.
- Creating a high-quality, safe, and efficient employment process to hire students and graduates.
- Prepare students for the Finnish learning and working environment by helping them with their academic/work skills.
Areas of responsibility:
- With the cooperation of Finnish vocational schools and universities, Edunation organizes training programs for students recruited from abroad.
- Edunation is responsible for the student recruitment and selection process.
- Edunation is responsible for teaching the Finnish language and orienting students to Finnish culture before they begin their studies and careers.
- Edunation ensures that students are prepared for the working world upon arrival in Finland.
- Edunation provides the required information about the students, such as resumes for the recruitment decision, to partners in monthly reports or any other way.
- As part of Edunation's student support services, students are provided with advice on residence applications, apartment searching, banking, Kela, tax issues, and other practical assistance.
- Private healthcare companies, for instance, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo
- Edunation markets the jobs offered by employers to potential students or student groups.