Working life orientation for students

Finding Employment: Securing a job is very challenging for several reasons. In this region, there are many small and medium-sized enterprises that currently lack the capacity to hire new employees. Additionally, proficiency in the Finnish language has been identified as one of the key requirements. Furthermore, many local companies still have limited experience in employing international talent.

At SeAMK, we are actively working to improve employers’ capabilities and encourage them to embrace the benefits of a more diverse workforce. However, it is very important to understand that finding a job is by no means guaranteed. If you come to study in Finland, this is a reality you should be aware of. Due to the general economic downturn, job opportunities are limited nationwide, and even local residents are currently facing unemployment.

Here are a few key aspects of applying a job or getting to know the working life in Finland:

Curriculum vitae (CV): Create a CV that details your history, interests, and previous experience. A CV is a crucial document in the Finnish job market. It provides a concise overview of who you are, your educational background, skills, and any previous work experience. If you lack prior work experience, mention the type of work you can do or are eager to learn. Being able to identify and articulate your skills and competence is essential. Search “how to write a CV” on Google to learn more and draft your own. Maintain and update your CV regularly, tailoring it to suit specific job applications. These CV skills are also studied at SeAMK certain courses.

• Assess your skills and competence: Consider your skills, the types of jobs that interest you, your past experiences, and the new things you want to learn through work.
• Gain diverse work experience: It is beneficial to accumulate work experience in various roles, from production to specialist tasks, as this will help you understand the entire work process in Finland.

Job application: Each job requires a unique application letter document. In your job application letter, politely address the employer, specify the job you are applying for, explain why you are interested, and why you would be a good fit. Look up examples by searching “how to write a job application letter” on Google.

Finnish language: In this region, Finnish is widely spoken. While there are some jobs where you might manage with English, it is common for the working environment to require Finnish. Therefore, start learning Finnish immediately – even a basic vocabulary can help you get started and improve your employment prospects. As you may see, most of the job announcements are also in Finnish. Read more about studying Finnish at SeAMK here.

Start by creating your CV and application letter in your native language, then translate them into English, and finally into Finnish. This step-by-step process not only helps you reflect on your skills and experiences but also offers a valuable opportunity to practise the kind of Finnish used in the workplace. Keep your documents up to date, and always tailor them to suit the specific job you are applying for.

Summer jobs or part-time jobs

Sometimes students take on part-time jobs alongside their studies, although such opportunities are also very difficult to find. Nevertheless, part-time work can offer valuable exposure to Finnish work culture, provide a chance to practise the Finnish language, and help build meaningful connections with local people. That said, it is essential to prioritise your studies to ensure you graduate on time.

It’s worth noting that most Finnish university students already have diverse work experience before they even begin their higher education. This typically includes grassroots-level jobs such as cleaning, factory or warehouse work, retail, or other practical roles. In Finland, we have a well-established summer job  culture (kesätyökulttuuri), where young people begin applying for and taking on summer jobs independently from their early teens.

Work experience of all kinds is highly valued in Finland. Gaining practical experience before and during your studies is considered important, and part-time jobs can be a suitable way to build this. So-called low-paid or entry-level jobs can teach a wide range of skills: understanding workplace culture, time management, independence, employee and employer rights and responsibilities, perseverance, and above all, they demonstrate motivation to work.

After graduation, it’s time to transition into working life with your newly acquired professional qualification! We hope you choose to stay in our region, that you’ve learned Finnish, and that you’re ready to succeed here with us.

The same principles discussed earlier still apply — but now, you can proudly state on your CV that you have completed your degree and are a qualified professional in your field.

It’s essential to begin building your professional network during your studies. This can make the job search much easier after graduation. You may even secure employment during your studies, for example through practical training placements or by completing your thesis in collaboration with a local employer. These are often excellent pathways to full-time employment.

However, finding a practical training placement can be just as challenging as finding a job. It requires initiative, commitment to the opportunities offered, and persistence on your part. While we support you through various processes and guidance, the most important keys to success — whether in securing a work placement or a job — ultimately lie in your own hands.

Even with a degree, the first steps into working life are still part of a broader learning journey. Beginning a career is also about learning how to work — developing routines, understanding workplace expectations, and growing in professional confidence. This phase is often referred to as the next stage of professional development and growth.

We encourage you to find your own, unique path and a meaningful way to stand out in the job market. Our high-quality education equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in working life. The practical components of your studies — such as applied learning and practical training — are key to helping you understand the real-world skills needed in the workplace.

Read more:

Work in Finland

Job application and CV (infofinland.fi)

Work and Enterprise (infofinland.fi)

International talents for South Ostrobothnia | SeAMK.fi