Finland is an appealing destination for international students seeking work opportunities. With a diverse and innovative environment, this nation offers plenty of job options across various industries and sectors. Whether your interests lie in technology, education, healthcare, or entrepreneurship, you can discover suitable employment options that align with your skills and passions.
Throughout this article, we will present an overview of various work opportunities in Finland that are suited to international graduates. Hopefully, you will gain significant insights into the eligibility criteria, advantages, and potential visa challenges associated with working in Finland. You will also learn about valuable platforms and resources that can aid you in securing your desired job!
Do You Need a Visa to Work in Finland?
You will need to obtain a work visa to hold a job in Finland. It is especially necessary if you plan to work for more than 90 days and do not hold citizenship in the Schengen area, the EEA/EU, the Nordic countries, New Zealand, the Vatican, San Marino, Japan, the US, or the Republic of Andorra.
The work permit or visa requirements in Finland vary based on different factors. Thus, to successfully apply, you will need to complete an application form, provide a work contract, demonstrate your qualifications, provide proof of no criminal charges, submit travel paperwork and proof of no travel ban, fulfill trade-specific requirements, provide passport and identifying photographs, present financial statements, and show proof of residence.
In-Demand Job Opportunities in Finland
1. Nurses
A registered nurse is a medical professional who works under the direction of a senior nurse or doctor and gives patients the basic medical attention they need. In the healthcare industry, nursing is one of the most popular jobs for international graduates in Finland because of the country’s high demand for nurses. In fact, as per the Finnish Nurses Association, Finland will need about 30,000 more nurses by 2030 to meet the needs of the aging population and the increasing number of immigrants.
It is also a rewarding profession that offers opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as a market-competitive salary. These nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or home care settings.
2. Programmers or Developers
Programming is a popular work opportunity among international graduates in Finland because there is a high demand for skilled programmers in the country. A programmer or program developer writes, tests, and maintains computer programs and applications. Using various programming languages, they create software for different purposes like gaming, web development, data analysis, or artificial intelligence.
The most in-demand programming languages in Finland are C++, Unreal Engine, Python, Azure, and HTML. It will earn international graduates a competitive salary, especially if they have experience. In addition to getting lucrative wages, they also have the opportunity to work on innovative projects, collaborate with talented colleagues, and learn new technologies. While the profession can be challenging, it is also a rewarding one.
3. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and equipment across various sectors, including energy, telecommunications, automation, and transportation. They utilize a range of tools and employ varying methods, like circuit analysis, simulation, testing, and programming, to craft solutions for a diverse array of electrical challenges. In Finland, though, the most sought-after electrical engineering skills encompass power electronics, renewable energy, smart grids, embedded systems, and signal processing.
Electrical engineering ranks among the most sought-after professions in Finland for international graduates. This strong demand for qualified electrical engineers makes it an attractive destination for international engineering graduates seeking opportunities. Additionally, securing a job in urban and suburban cities like Helsinki, Oulu, and Rovaniemi is highly likely, given the industrial activities in and around these areas.
4. Accountant
Accounting is one of the most popular jobs in Finland after graduation because there is a high demand for qualified accountants in the country. As an accountant, your job would be to prepare, analyze, and report financial information for individuals, businesses, or organizations. You may also be expected to perform tasks like bookkeeping, auditing, tax preparation, budgeting, and financial planning. You will also work in a variety of settings that include accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
Accounting is a challenging and rewarding profession that will earn you an average salary of around 8,000 euros per month in Finland. It also offers opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and international exposure.
5. Kindergarten Teachers
Kindergarten is a joyful and memorable period in a child’s early learning journey. During this phase, teachers play a crucial role in planning and implementing educational activities for children aged six and under.
Finland is renowned for its exceptional education system, which commences with early childhood education. Kindergarten teaching is often pursued by many international students in Finland, primarily due to the shortage of young Finnish job applicants capable of providing attentive care to young children.
Additionally, kindergarten teaching offers a rewarding career path. For one, kindergarten is a joyful and memorable period in a child’s early learning journey and many teachers find satisfaction in being able to contribute to it. In addition, the profession encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning, as kindergarten educators spearhead the planning and implementation of educational activities for kids 6 and under. Lastly, it provides a competitive salary.
Where Can You Find a Job in Finland
If you are looking for a job in Finland after graduation, several recruitment agencies and job search websites can help you find suitable opportunities.
Some of the most popular and reliable ones are:
- TE-palvelut: This is the official website of the Finnish Employment and Economic Development Offices (TE Offices). You can register as a job-seeker, search for vacancies, apply for jobs, and get information and guidance on working and living in Finland. You can also access various services and benefits, such as integration training, career coaching, and unemployment allowance.
- Duunitori: This is one of the largest job boards in Finland, with hundreds of communities on social media and partner sites. You can browse jobs by location, industry, or keyword, and apply directly to the employers. You can also get useful career advice and tips on job hunting, CV writing, and interview skills.
Finland offers a wealth of work opportunities for international students after graduation, with a focus on in-demand fields like nursing, programming, electrical engineering, accounting, and kindergarten teaching. With its high standard of living and strong demand for skilled professionals, the Finnish government is all set to welcome and support those looking to contribute to its growing young workforce!
We hope this article has been helpful to you as a fresh international graduate. For more insightful articles, valuable tips, and educational opportunities, head on over to the Study in Finland! Also, check out the Available Programs in Europe for more study options!
