“Your network is your net worth” – empowering international talent at collaborative alumni event

Second time organized international alumni event Build Your Network, Build Your Career – From Breaking In to Moving Up at Helsinki City Hall brought together international alumni and soon-to-be graduates from five universities of applied sciences in the Helsinki metropolitan area: Arcada, Diak, Haaga-Helia, Laurea, and Metropolia.

Through keynote speakers, a workshop and a set of pop up stands the event aimed to support international professionals in navigating the Finnish job market, building networks, and advancing their careers.

From integration hacking to language practice

Takura Matswetu, Head of International Talent & Softlanding team at Business Helsinki, opened the evening with reflections on the power of networking and investing time in others to build a future in Finland.

"Your network is your net worth. Doors often open not because you’re the smartest in the room but because someone trusts you, remembers you, or believes in you."

Matswetu introduced the term integration hacking which he defined as harnessing of relationships, communities, values and opportunities to accelerate access to a new society.

"By meeting people outside your course, your comfort zone, your culture, you’ll find new directions you never imagined", he concluded.

Entrepreneur and stan-up comedian, Ali Jahangiri, brought warm humour and energy on stage by sharing his personal journey and encouraged participants to practice the Finnish language in order to be successful in the job market.

"Worst thing for your career is learning English – if you don’t practice Finnish at the same time. The importance of learning the language is huge."

Jahangiri also encouraged the participants to widen their horizons when it comes to job markets.

"A lot of companies for example in the Northern Finland are constantly looking for employees and might offer possibilities for international professionals."

Practical strategies for labour market

Chloe Järvinen, Specialist at Monika-Naiset Liitto ry, offered practical strategies for thriving in the Finnish labour market. She focused on identifying strengths, staying motivated, and finding meaningful employment.

"All skills – also those from the personal life, hobbies or volunteering – can be considerd work skills. You should think about a job ad as a question your job application is the answer to", she said.

She also talked about how to avoid imposter syndrome and reminded that rejections in the working life can also teach resilience and adaptability.

"Your voice belongs in Finnish workplaces: Keep going, keep learning, keep supporting each other."

The event also included a networking workshop led by Career Services Specialist Esa Hukkanen, where participants practiced crafting concise self-introductions and received feedback. In addition, attendees explored a variety of pop-up stands offering career advice, skill development tools, and opportunities to grow their professional networks.

Networking opens doors

The atmosphere was warm and encouraging, with participants expressing appreciation for the chance to connect, learn, and be inspired. The alumni and soon-to-be-graduates especially took home the invitation to learn Finnish and network actively.

"I learned that it’s very important to learn the Finnish language as an international student living in Finland. I also learned that networking is essential for opening great doors of opportunities when you want to work in Finland. It was definitely worth it and I’m very happy I came to learn new things and meet a lot of people", said Hope Nwosu from Laurea University of Applied Sciences.

Attendees emphasized the importance of embracing challenges and adapting to the realities of studying in a new environment.

"I learned that in order to be a better version of yourself you have to be out of your comfort zone. It was worth coming because you can build a whole new network by getting to know a lot of new people", said My Do from Arcada.

"It was very informative and timely and gave us realistic tips. I invite all of you to come, if it is organized next year!", Iliesha Perera from Diak concluded.

The career event was organized for the second time in collaboration between universities of applied sciences, and we hope it will continue next year. Thank you to all participants, speakers and partners of the event.