Expert training helped integrate into Finland 

Turku University of Applied Sciences organizes expert training for highly educated immigrants. The aim of the training is to help them integrate and find employment in Finland. 

Text and photo: Siiri Welling 

How to get a grip on Finnish working life? This is what Noel Kenny from Ireland and Zoi Theofilakou from Greece pondered when they decided to make Finland their new home country. 

“Finland is a safe country and many things here are good, so that’s why living in Finland is desirable. But the Finnish language is of course difficult. In Greece, I worked as a speech therapist, and at first, I wanted to continue the same profession in Finland, but the language caused difficulties,” says Theofilakou.  

Kenny, who has had a long career in HR and sales, also came across language requirements and how difficult it is to find employment in Finland.  

“That’s why it was great that I came across the Networks for a career in Finland by chance on Facebook,” says Kenny.  

The internship was definitely the best part of the training. In addition, the training allowed me to create my own network. Networks are very important in Finnish society and in finding work.

Networks for a career in Finland is aimed at highly educated immigrants, and its purpose is to help international experts network in working life through career guidance and internships. Depending on the student, the training lasts from six months to about a year. The expert training does not lead to a degree, but it offers individual and group-based guidance on matters related to studying and working life.  

“After seeing the advertisement, I contacted lecturer Tiina Hirard, who told me more about the training. The discussion convinced me, so that’s why I applied. It was worth it,” Kenny continues.  

Through expert training, Kenny got an internship at the Työelämäpiste. The internship also led to a part-time employment contract.  

“The internship was definitely the best part of the training. In addition, the training allowed me to create my own network. Networks are very important in Finnish society and in finding work. In addition, I learned about the Finnish education system, and it was interesting to compare it with the Irish education system,” says Kenny.  

Career change is possible 

Theofilakou’s expert training did not lead directly to a job, but it took her to a new career. Now, Theofilakou is studying to become an ICT engineer at Turku University of Applied Sciences.  

“I specialize in health technology and have completed studies at the Health Technology Laboratory of Turku University of Applied Sciences. I thought that I could make use of my previous work history in my studies. So far, the studies have been interesting, I have been involved in project work. I try to graduate as soon as possible,” says Theofilakou.  

Theofilakou previously worked at Valmet Automotive’s factory while studying. She praises the work environment and the Finnish working life culture: the work-life balance and how well people treat her at the workplace. The Networks for a Career in Finland expert training helped Theofilakou to broaden her horizons and find a new direction for life.  

“I’m in my forties, so changing careers at this age doesn’t seem like the easiest thing to do. But Turku University of Applied Sciences did encourage career change and were encouraging in other ways as well, also in terms of learning Finnish. I’ve tried to open as many doors for myself as possible. And through the training, I have of course met a lot of good people and been involved in many different situations. Of course, the darkness here in Finland is the worst, but that’s why I bought a bright light lamp,” says Theofilakou.  

According to Kenny, Finnish labour market training should guide highly educated international experts directly to the Networks for a Career in Finland expert training at Turku University of Applied Sciences. Through the training, it is possible to learn Finnish.  

“My advice to new students is not to get confused with all the new systems related to studying. You can get help with those.  But remember to network, it will help you find a job or study place!”