From networking to language practice
Takura Matswetu, head of Business Helsinki's International Talent & Softlanding team, opened the evening by talking about the power of networking with the provocative headline "Your network is your net worth."
– Doors often open not because you are the smartest person in the room, but because someone trusts you, remembers you, or believes in you.
Matswetu also introduced the concept of "integration hacking," which he defined as leveraging relationships, communities, values, and opportunities to accelerate the achievement of a new society.
– When you meet people outside your course, comfort zone, and culture, you can discover new directions, he reminded us.
Entrepreneur and stand-up comedian Ali Jahangiri brought warmth and humor to the stage by sharing his own story. He encouraged participants to practice Finnish in order to succeed in the job market.
– The worst thing for your career is that you only learn English – if you don't practice Finnish at the same time. The importance of learning languages is enormous.
He also encouraged broadening the perspective towards the labor market.
– For example, in northern Finland, many companies are constantly looking for employees and can offer opportunities to international professionals.
Practical learnings for working life
With speakers, workshops, and pop-up stands, the event aimed to support international professionals in navigating Finnish working life, building networks, and advancing their careers.
Diak alumna Chloe Järvinen, an Expert from Monika-Naiset Liitto ry, offered practical tips on topics such as identifying strengths, maintaining motivation, and finding meaningful work.
All skills – including those gained from personal life, hobbies, or volunteer work – can be seen as work skills. Think of a job advertisement as a question that your job application is the answer to, she said.
She also spoke about how to avoid imposter syndrome and reminded listeners that setbacks encountered in working life can also teach perseverance and adaptability. International experts are needed in the Finnish labor market.
– Your voice belongs to Finnish workplaces: keep going, keep learning, keep supporting others.
The event also included a networking workshop led by Esa Hukkanen, a Career Services Specialist from Laurea. The workshop focused on practicing concise presentations and receiving feedback on them. In addition, participants visited pop-up stands offering career advice and networking support. Thank you to our partners for participating!
Networking opens doors
Participants in this encouraging and warm-hearted event praised the opportunity to meet, learn, and be inspired. Many were particularly impressed by the encouragement to learn Finnish and actively network.
– I learned that networking is essential if you want to open doors in your career. The event was definitely worth attending, and I'm really glad I came to learn new things and meet lots of people, said Laurea alumna Hope Nwosu.
– Although I have a job already it was nice to meet new people in a new environment, continued Elena Richter, alumna of Haaga-Helia.
The participants reminded everyone that it is worth approaching challenges with an open mind and that it is always worthwhile to participate.
– I learned that I need to step outside my comfort zone. It was worth coming, because here you can build a whole new network by meeting lots of new people, said Arcada's My Do.
– The event was very informative and topical, and we got some realistic tips. I would recommend the event to everyone if it is held again next year! encouraged Diak's Iliesha Perera from a student's perspective.
Build Your Network, Build Your Career organised for the second time, held at the Helsinki City Hall, brought together international alumni and students nearing graduation from five universities of applied sciences in the capital region: Arcada, Diak, Haaga-Helia, Laurea, and Metropolia. We hope to continue this event in the future.
Authors: Helka Repo (Diak) and Elina El Amrani (Haaga-Helia). Photos: Miia Huomo, communications and marketing student at Haaga-Helia.
