Working in Vaasa

Here are some things to keep in mind while working as a student and looking for a permanent job after graduation:

• The residence permit for studies enables you to work without restrictions if your work is related to your degree. This means practical training and thesis work (https://migri.fi/en/studying-in-finland).
  • You also have a right to have other jobs but the following restrictions apply: You may only work for an average of 30 hours per week during the academic terms. NB! Working must not disturb your studies.
  • However: You can work without restrictions at the times when your educational institution offers no instruction. This mostly implies summer jobs. Remember to apply for summer jobs in good time (already in December/January).
• After graduation: You can apply for an extended residence permit to look for work or to start a business. Maximum two years (https://migri.fi/en/extended-permit-to-look-for-work).

For updated further information and questions related to these issues please be in contact with the Finnish Immigration Service.

There are limitless methods of finding a job and no way is necessarily better than any other. Jobs can be found through a wide range of different channels. To make things a bit easier, we have split it up into two different categories.

Official Channels:

TE-Services

TE Services is the official national authority for public employment and business services. A lot of very useful information can be found on their website. They offer various services and programs related to employment issues, such as a database of vacant positions, guidance, webinars, and courses for job seekers, etc. This is the first place to familiarize yourself with when looking for a job.

Recruitment Sites

There is a wide variety of Finnish recruitment organisations and websites. Some sites are maintained by governmental organisations, while others are managed by private companies. We recommend that you find these sites on the internet.

University’s Career Service

Some universities have their own career services for students. If your university has such services, it is recommended to be in contact with them. If your university doesn’t offer these types of services, you can always get in touch with your teachers to inquire if they happen to know about any suitable vacant positions.

Unofficial Channels: 

Jobs can be found through various unofficial channels, such as friends, teachers, acquaintances, contacts, or friends’ friends – in other words, through networks. Therefore, it’s advisable to actively network and keep your eyes open for opportunities. Your friend might have a connection who knows someone that could be your future employer. Networking can be done face-to-face or, for example, on social media.

Every now and then, there are also various job fairs, recruitment matchmaking events, or company visits. These are places where it’s good to be if you’re looking for a job.

Another useful approach is to directly check the websites of companies. Usually, they post their vacant positions online, and it’s often possible to submit open applications. A good site for finding companies and organisations in the region is the website of the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce.

Keep in mind that companies in a certain sector may need people with different educational backgrounds – they might have a need for your skills!

• You’re special! Let the recruiters know that.
• Even though a company specializes in a certain business, they still need people with diverse educational backgrounds.
• A well-written resume (CV) and application letter is extremely important. Find models and tips online.
• Demonstrate your activity and interest by leveraging on social media as a powerful tool. Always inquire within your network to discover potential job opportunities.

• Promote your own language skills! You might be the only candidate speaking this language in the organisation.
• Knowledge in Finnish or Swedish is not mandatory for all jobs in Finland, but definitely a plus → Try to learn the basics of at least one of them.
• Find language courses: Your own university, open university courses, Alma Adult Education Centre, online courses, audio guides etc.

Summer jobs are very typical among students and young people in Finland, usually occurring between May and August. They are fixed-term, and although the actual work takes place in the summer, the application period can start as early as December.

These jobs are commonly found in sectors such as tourism, restaurants, municipalities, agriculture, and other entry-level positions. The City of Vaasa, for example, offers a wide range of summer jobs across different sectors.

Engaging in summer work is an excellent way to establish initial connections with the Finnish working life. A summer job allows you to acquire valuable references and broaden your professional network.

It’s important to note that as a summer worker, you have the same rights as a regular employee. You can find more information about your rights as an employee on the summer job helpline.

Given the intense competition for summer jobs, remember this: the earlier you start looking, the better your chances of securing a summer job.

The TE-services offers more information about summer jobs.

In certain educational programs, internships are mandatory, while in others, they might be optional. In any case, internships provide excellent opportunities to gain relevant work experience in your field of study.

The process of searching for an internship is usually the same as searching for a regular job. It is crucial to check with your teacher, supervisor, or career service to confirm whether the internship qualifies as part of your degree. Even if it is not mandatory in your program, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers about internship opportunities.

Internships can be either paid or unpaid. If it happens to be an unpaid internship, there might be possibilities to obtain a scholarship or funding through an internship voucher. Seek guidance from your teacher or the career service at your university for more information.

Concerning thesis work, it is advisable to first contact your supervisor to discuss this possibility. Many companies and organisations offer fixed-term positions for students working on their theses, so be sure to ask around and keep your eyes open for vacant positions.