Finland has one of the best education systems in the world and Finnish companies are short of talented workers.
Vaasa’s goal is to be the happiest city in the world with a thriving and diverse student city culture.
The rector of the University of Vaasa, Jari Kuusisto, has set a goal, that half of the students will in future, come from outside Finland. According to a survey conducted by the Ostrobothnian Center for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in 2019, about 60% of foreign students see Finland as a possible country of employment after their studies.
This should be great – foreign students, refugees or those who might have moved to Finland for love come to Vaasa. They thrive and would like to stay in Vaasa. If they do stay, the future labour shortages would be resolved.
Unfortunately, this does not work. Foreign residents living in Vaasa say that it is very difficult for them to get employment. What is it that we need to do differently in Vaasa?
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Finnish students integrate into working life by working during their studies. Students from outside Europe can also work part-time during their studies or full time during the Summer. Experience of basic work in Finland during studies makes it easier to get jobs in your field after studies. Concrete “Job Search ABC” should be included in the curriculum for foreign students. Action point for universities and other education providers, and maybe also for labour unions.
Let’s give people a fair chance
After graduation, a degree student is granted a one-year residence permit for job search or starting a business. Why not two years? Getting a permanent job is difficult for anyone. Action point for Finnish parliament.
Job skills before language skills
Job advertisements require proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, even if the job is not dependent on language proficiency. I urge companies in Vaasa and Ostrobothnia to have the courage of their convictions – do not just hire a familiar and safe people but dare to broaden your horizons to give opportunities to international job seekers. This will help to fill the shortage of talented workers, for many years.
Language skills
Language is the key to settling into a community and feeling at home. Are the language courses offered, up to date and easily accessible? Petition for employers – hire a foreigner and let him/her learn Finnish or Swedish along with their work. For us Finns, again a reminder: do not always switch to English when talking with people who are learning our languages.
Reality check
Of course, most of the work is left to international students themselves. If you want to stay in Finland, you must be persistent and proactive. Ask a trusted Finnish friend to check your CV and job application. Present your studies and work experience abroad, in a form that is understandable to the Finnish recruiter. Learn Finnish or Swedish.
International Vaasa
A lot of good integration work is already being done in Vaasa but we need to do better and more creative. Otherwise, foreign students graduating from Vaasa educational institutions will go elsewhere. If that happens, Vaasa and the Finnish society will lose these highly educated and talented people.
To me, equal opportunities means that everyone – regardless of background – receives information and support to learn languages, study and create a career.
I want to use my seat at the Vaasa City Council to improve work-life integration in Vaasa. That is why I am running as a candidate in the municipal elections in Vaasa, Finland. You are welcome to follow me at www.johannakauppinen.fi.
Johanna Kauppinen
Legal Counsel
Candidate in Municipal Elections (SFP-RKP)
Finnish version of this article published 19.11.2020 in Mega-media
http://www.megamedia.fi/fi/
(English adaptation 31.01.2021)