Benefitting previous experience and going towards hopes for the future

Tam Le from Vietnam found an internship placement through International Job fair organized by the University of Oulu in spring 2024. While doing her internship for Finnoschool Tam was studying in Learning Education Technology programme and already had experience in the field. She is hoping to find employent in the future doing consulting in the field of education. Finnoschool as internship placement fits this perfectly.

While doing her internship Tam was responsible for doing market research and developing services for international students. In practice her task was to develop first modules for a new course and a handbook for teachers about Finnish pedagogy approach.

While searching for an internship placement Tam heard about the difficulties of finding a placement form other international students. Without having Finnish language skills finding a paid internship is challenging for many students. As an advice for other students Tam mentions: “Start looking early and be proactive. Build networks and make a strategy where you analyze your own strengths and be creative. Define to yourself what is it that you want to learn. And of course, focus on building your CV and if possible, attend workshops and short courses where you get guidance.”

For companies which have not yet employed international interns, Tam has a message: “Having an international student working for your company may be the bridge to international markets. Also, international students are very willing to learn.”

Before entering Finnish working life Tam had heard many rumors about Finns as co-workers. The reputation of Finns not being approachable turned out to be not true. What Tam want s to share is: “The important thing is to be open minded and proactive. Also being self-directed is very much valued in Finnish working life.”

Mikko Lumme, Education Export Director of Finnoschool shares that this was the first time Finnoschool had an intern from the University of Oulu. He was informed about the possibility via direct email from the University and was interested immediately. “There are many international students at the University of Oulu. To us this also means business opportunities”, Mikko explains. He continues: “We were interested in the education background and the wide international view Tam had to offer. She also has previous experience in the field. The experience overall has met all expectations and the services from the university have been good.” Finnoschool is warmly recommending companies to be creative while hiring an intern. Especially when the company needs international viewpoints and skills.

The advice Mikko wants to give to employers are as follows: “wake up early enough, ask for possibilities and support in hiring, join internship fairs, be open minded and don´t get stuck in language challenges. Working remotely can also be a possibility – consider it. Working with young professionals is always empowering and can give new viewpoints.”