| Kartik | Host: Hello and Good morning, everyone, Hyvää huomenta! I hope you’re all doing well. Welcome to our podcast series, How to Attract and Retain International Talents in Ostrobothnia. I’m your host Kartik Sharma working as a Project Assistant for the Ready for Talents Project, which is funded by the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia and VAMK.
So today’s episode is something special. We are going to talk about the value of international talents in Finland, challenges and funny and inspiring stories that comes with living abroad. |
| Kartik | Our guest is about to drop some valuable insights that you don’t want to miss, so stay tuned. Today we are joined by Khin, who has made an incredible journey from Myanmar to Finland Hi Khin. How are you doing today? |
| Khin | Hello, Kartik. Thank you for having me. Today I’m doing great. The weather is perfect outside with the sun, as they say, the Vaasa is the sunniest city after all. |
| Kartik | Looks like you had an amazing day. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience? |
| Khin | Yes. Thank you. I come from Myanmar. I moved to Finland in 2022 August to start my studies here in Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and working and studying together. |
| Kartik | It’s fascinating, but you certainly have come a long way, and I’m sure it was not smooth at all. So can you share what originally brought you to Finland and how did you manage to land your first job here? |
| Khin | Definitely, So, In my country, I was studying civil engineering. Also, I was partly remote working in social enterprise, and I actually realized that I’m more of a people person and a communications person, and I liked working in an international setting. So, I was like okay, I will go abroad and restart a new study. And that’s basically how I chose to study international business in Finland. |
| Khin | Of course, choosing Finland, there are a lot of factors depending on like the safety of the country and the happier city. So yeah, with a lot of factors. I chose to come to Finland, but I know nobody. So just like you said, it wasn’t smooth at all. So, I just came to Finland with some three luggages into my hand and landed in the city of Vaasa at railway station. |
| Khin | So, while studying I start to look for work alongside my studies. And it wasn’t an easy process because I wanted to work in the fields of marketing or communications, which also requires maybe more language skills. So, it was very difficult for me. But in one way, Vaasa has a lot of opportunities for international students here, so I start to do like, for example, a student ambassador for VAMK and like just posting some social media contents. |
| Khin | So that’s where I started, just a little bit like where I also enjoy doing and also one day contract which is organized by the Chamber of Commerce like the Ostrobothnia. So, I had to go to work to a company for just one day and learn about the company and things like that. So, I take the opportunity of this and then start my first year while of course at the same time trying to see which job positions would be suitable for me. |
| Kartik | I think that was the first step towards your, you know, working life in Finland. |
| Khin | Yes, that’s true. That’s true. So, it was like just for me to get an insight of how things work, like just a little bit of interest, what kind of companies also exist. It also opened up my mind because I actually did not know anything about these energy companies or areas like that are available here. So, it opened up my mind a lot for sure. |
| Khin | As an international and as a foreigner, it is important for us first to learn like how things work here. So, I get to learn a lot during the process, of course, and before the second year starts, I actually found this job opportunity for like International Marketing Trainee, by VAMK. So that was my real first job and I was able to start working in a Finnish working environment. |
| Kartik | I think it worked best for you studying and working at the same place. |
| Khin | Exactly right. So, I was just doing some classes and then also at the same time, my work office is just in that school, so it was very convenient. |
| Kartik | Well, that’s such a relatable journey Khin and I’m sure many of our listeners are nodding along, thinking about their own experiences at the same time. Can you walk us through your job search process? How and what worked best for you and some key takeaways which can be used by others as well? |
| Khin | I would say, first of all, is that you need to be active in following the channels where they distribute information. So, either it is a job opportunity or internship position, trainee position, etc. I think that’s very important. It is good to look at the job platforms, but not all jobs are listed on the job platforms. |
| Kartik | Very true. Very true. Yeah. And also it’s good to keep on scrolling the news as well so that you can be aware of all the facts or like things going on around you. |
| Khin | Exactly. Exactly. So even whether it’s LinkedIn or Instagram or even like cus it really helps a lot. And secondly is that I take opportunities from the ones that are available for the students. So, for example, I was a student ambassador at VAMK. So this actually already helps me to build like a foundation of like my skills as in a marketing and international setting. |
| Khin | So that would be the number two tip. Kartik, you have also, you know, relatable experience that I’m talking about. |
| Kartik | So much almost same. The best thing is like to apply for the jobs which are available in the market. Of course, you have to check on different websites and not all the jobs are always posted on the LinkedIn or these platform. So you have to be active and follow the news along. |
| Khin | Yes, that’s true. So another one would be like also like this networking. So for example, when one job is posted, even if you don’t follow the channels, one, you know, a lot of people, they will be like, Oh, this job is actually open. Do you want to apply for it? So when I’m being a student ambassador, I get to meet like a lot of people from VAMK. |
| Khin | Also, I get to know like other students who are also staying either Finnish or international, and they are also technically can tell me like this position is actually open. Are you applying for it? So, from there you can also get the information which actually helps. Another one is to have like clear CV. Of course that’s often the very here heard, but in addition to the CV, I would say like having a portfolio would be very helpful as well because in portfolio you can write as much as you want or it could be a video portfolio also. |
| Kartik | Very true, and you can write some of everything in a civil of course that really helps and I think it really builds the foundation for the employer. |
| Khin | Yes, that’s true. Everything you did as a student, it’s also an experience. |
| Kartik | Well, listeners, please take notes. These tips might come in handy for your own job search. Now, Khin I know job search is not as easy as it sounds, but what are the biggest challenges that you face along the way and how did you manage to overcome it? |
| Khin | Of course it wasn’t easy. Like I said, the biggest challenge would be actually I would say because I don’t know, Finnish yet. So that’s like that’s very limiting, even not just for the job employers, but also for myself. I’m like, oh, I don’t speak Finnish, so how can I apply? Maybe I will not get accepted. So even it puts a stop for me. |
| Khin | Like I’m like, maybe I shouldn’t apply to this, but actually it’s not like that. Even though if you do not know Finnish, there are roles in a company or in an institution or in an organization that actually require minimum Finnish. The challenge for me was to finish, but I eventually got over it when I found this job position and also, I did not know like how job application processes work here in Finland. |
| Khin | It’s very different. So, getting to know the job seeking process itself is a challenge because we’re not in our own countries anymore and things work differently in a different setting. So, it is important to know what does works here and what doesn’t so we can follow it and these can be gone through like workshops or just career counselling. |
| Khin | And that’s very important part, I think, yeah. |
| Kartik | Well, that’s truly inspiring and it’s amazing how persistence and dedication can make such a huge difference. Well, speaking of dedication, I know you also had some prior work experience. So did your previous work experience play a big role in securing your current job or not? |
| Khin | Yeah. Okay. So of course, now I was talking about my first job involved, and now I’m actually working as a trainee in like, HR and communications in Hitachi energy. So that’s where I am working at the moment. So, if I see an even in my back in my home country, I have had work experience in an social enterprise. |
| Khin | So, I worked in the role of like business development, also marketing and communications and also some other work experience in a more youth organization. And I believe that these skills have helped me to build a strong foundation when I started finding this job. But as much as your experience can help, we also have to keep our expectations a little bit low because we’re in a new place where we don’t have any connections with or it’s a different setting. |
| Khin | But always remember whatever we do in class or just volunteering. These always help a lot. |
| Kartik | Everything counts. Everything. It’s it’s like a great reminder to keep owning your skills and growing no matter where you are. |
| Khin | That’s true. Like, for example, and after I finished the work, I wanted to explore like corporate version, and especially because vaasa is the energy city. So that’s why I also look for opportunities. And then I also now continue to work here. |
| Kartik | Ofcourse, now If you had to summarize your success factors in the Finnish job market. |
| Khin | Yes, I think, of course I will be a little bit repeating myself over again. Number one success factor would be networking. Networking has been a really important factor and how you do networking. It’s simple. We can participate in programs, networking events, for example, in Vaasa we have like this Vaasa International, Talents, also Energy Academy mentoring program and job fairs in like summer time. |
| Khin | Also Springtime and in autumn time, a lot of job fairs and for example, also like breakfasts that are organized with companies that actually helps you to do a lot of networking. Like when you tell when you talk with people, even if you do small talks, a lot of conversations are exchanged and a lot of things can be known about yourself and you can know about other person also. |
| Khin | So I think networking is very important. I have tried to be as much as active in networking as much as possible, like by being participant of like these different programs and fairs and events. So I think this has helped me a lot and again, the number two would be like choosing the opportunities available for a foreigner, because now if you’re in a city that doesn’t have any opportunities, it would be really hard right? |
| Khin | But now since in Vaasa, there are some opportunities. So even if it’s one or two opportunity, we have to use it. So that’s that’s really important. And number three would be communication skills. And I would, I would say like adaptability, because you also have to know about how things work here. So I think being able to adapt to the country that you moved. |
| Khin | So for example, in this case, Finland being adapting to the Finnish culture has also helped me a lot to understand about how things work here. So I think adaptability and communication skills are also very important. Yeah. |
| Kartik | well, thank you so much, Ken, and I’m sure our listeners are feeling more confident about tackling their own challenges now. Okay, so let’s switch the gears a bit and talk about life outside the work . And testing life to Finland can be quite a cultural experience, I guess. How was it for you? |
| Khin | Yeah, so we were just speaking about like adaptability and adjusting. So I think this is like the perfect time to talk about it. So of course it’s very different from my own country where I come from, because in Myanmar it’s more hustling and bustling. And here when I came here it’s very calm, peaceful. And while we had a community focused culture, here it’s more individualistic. |
| Khin | I think one of the main thing is the adaptability again. So and for to be able to adapt is having an open mindset. So when we have an open mindset, it’s actually much easier for us to see things and oh, maybe this is how they do things here. So I think that is very important because when we are thinking just from our own culture perspective, we might think that, oh, we this maybe the Finnish culture is not welcoming, maybe, but actually it’s not is just their own culture and the way how they communicate. |
| Khin | So I think having the adaptability mindset and also like an open mindset is one of the most important factors to kind of adjusting to the life in Finland. Yeah,. |
| Kartik | I think yeah, you should be open to all the things when you go and explore like new places or new countries, of course, that really helps and honestly, there’s something magical about the mix of Finnish calm and quirkiness, right. |
| Khin | Hmm hmm. Definitely very much. I think I can agree that after staying two years here. |
| Kartik | Okay. So what advice would you give to the others who are in those first few months of navigating a new life in Finland? |
| Khin | Yeah, I think first few months it’s very important, just like I said, to have an open mindset again and to see as much as possible how things work and not just staying in your own room and just, you know, like if you have, for example, if you come to school not just going to class and come back to your room, that not that it, but I would say try to explore as much as possible about the Finnish culture, then you will get to understand how things work here. |
| Khin | So I would say try to explore the city. For example, in my first year I went to a lot of free events that is organized by the city of Vaasa also. |
| Kartik | The museum is also there, you know. |
| Khin | Yeah, exactly. Museums and even like there’s going to the replot bridge you know that so a lot of things and these are free for newcomers so I think you should explore the city and subscribe to the newsletter so you know what is available at. Just explore as much as you can to get to know the city that you will be living in. |
| Khin | So I think that’s the most important part. Yeah. |
| Kartik | And I guess every now and then City of Vaasa or maybe Student Union or the university, they organize small trips or events free for the students. |
| Khin | That’s true. That’s true. |
| Kartik | You just have to be active and then stay focused on these things in news going around. |
| Khin | And in my country, we don’t use email for these kind of things, you know, So that’s a different thing. So you have to start adjusting to yourself how things work here. |
| Kartik | Well, it’s such a solid advice. And just for the fun, do you have any memorable moments from when you first arrived in Finland? I’ve got a few of my own, but I’m dying to hear some from yours. |
| Khin | I have a lot. Also, I think it will take so many if you if we see. But one of the funny things was first time I went to the swimming hall. I think that is very funniest till now, like to the swimming hall like I, I went to the bathroom like there was public and I see that it has no borders between any showerheads and and I was like, oh, because, you know, we for us that’s very new. |
| Khin | It’s very different. Like we don’t have we always have separated, you know, the separations or even rooms for like a shower. And everyone was just showering like, normal. Of course, it’s like a different gender. So female and female, you know. But at the same time, I was still shy. So I had my swimsuit on and just one for shower. |
| Khin | But then one lady came up and told me, like, you have to take off your swimsuit. So, you know, so these kind of things. So when you think that you might think like, Oh my God, this person is rude to me, they don’t even understand. But actually it’s not. They are just trying to tell you how it is actually done here. |
| Kartik | This is what we call a cultural difference. So exactly, you have to accept it anyways because they are not being rude, they are just introducing you to their own culture. That might be different from yours, but it’s not always rude. |
| Khin | Yeah, exactly. So you know, these kind of things. But that was for me at first it was very shocking. Like, Oh, I have to be like, you know, like this. So but now I understand, you know, how things work. And it is not very a shocking thing to me when you finally understand the culture. And it was not being rude also, but it’s just culture shock. |
| Kartik | Well, I had some similar experiences as well. |
| Khin | I would like to know more. |
| Kartik | Maybe some other time. Yeah. But yeah, thank you for sharing this. I think a lot of us can relate. And finally, what’s one thing about life in Finland that you have truly come to love? |
| Khin | I think there’s a lot of things that I like about in Finland and since day one until now, the very thing that I like is the nature and the environment, because it’s so clean and you’re so close to nature. So it’s it’s something that I really appreciate because you you see how Finns love their nature also and you come to appreciate the nature more and plus also the safety. |
| Khin | So I think that’s really one of the main things that I really love about the way of life here in Finland, because even if you go out at night alone, you don’t really feel unsafe, like you’re safe. That and even if you lose something, you know that you will find it back. Very true. Yeah, exactly. So, you know, safety and like sense of security, I would say. |
| Khin | Yeah. So these kind of things, I think sense of security, safety and the nature and environment are my favourite things in Finland. |
| Kartik | And is there anything which you hated when you first arrived in Finland and then you started accepting it or liking it? |
| Khin | I think that is actually with the Finnish people. I would say that because at first, I thought they were very cold and they don’t really want to mix or talk. But even I get to know that they are actually really kind and they are just more individualistic people, so you don’t really know, get to know. So now I know that they are nice and I’m more fond of like being initiating the conversation and get to know people and they are actually willing to help you and they are genuine people. |
| Kartik | And I think silence is a part of their culture. They say do not disturb the silence. |
| Khin | That’s true, but it doesn’t mean because they don’t want to talk with you. It’s just that it’s just their way of communication style. |
| Kartik | Well, thank you so much Khin for sharing your stories and experiences with us today, and you have given us a real look into what it’s like to build not only a career but also a new life in the new country. And your story is sure to inspire many. |
| Khin | Thank you so much. It actually has helped me to reflect back on my journey here in Finland. And of course, there’s so much more to say, but this is a brief, and I hope it will be helpful for who is coming to Finland. |
| Kartik | No doubt it will be. And that’s a wrap up for today’s episode. We have talked about the incredible values of international talent in Finland, and we have heard an inspiring and success story that shows just what is possible when you take that leap. For those of you starting your journey, remember, Finland has got a place for you and it’s all about finding the right fit. |
| Kartik | A huge thanks to our wonderful guest for sharing their insights, stories, experience and of course, a few laughs with us today. And to all our listeners, thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more insights and stories in our next episode. Until next time, keep exploring. Keep growing and remember to take Care of Yourself. |
| Kartik | Moi, Moi. |
Smart Insights – Älykkäitä näkökulmia
How to Attract and Retain International Talents in Ostrobothnia – Voices of Tallent 1
SARJA | How to Attract and Retain International Talents in Ostrobothnia
JAKSO | 1
KESTO | 18:13
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