In Eastern Finland, many international students encounter a significant challenge in securing internships – a crucial step toward integrating into the Finnish workforce. Despite their qualifications, international talents often struggle to gain a foothold due to limited networks, language barriers, and unfamiliar hiring practices.

The Talent Hub Eastern Finland project aims to bridge that gap. One key tool in this initiative is the Talent Pool. In this growing database, international students can showcase their skills and experiences in hopes of connecting with local employers.

However, while the tool shows promise, its impact still depends on active collaboration and open-minded recruitment – as illustrated by the case of Sandesh Neupane, an international student from Nepal who secured an internship with the Talent First project at the City of Kuopio.

Sandesh’s story: “Without the Talent Pool, I wouldn’t have found it.”

Sandesh, a bachelor’s student in Information Technology at Savonia, entered his information into the database to get an internship.

“Even though I had relevant skills, it was difficult to reach employers as I didn’t have the connections,” he recalls.

Things began to change when he entered his details into the Talent Pool. He was contacted about a position through Savonia, applied, was interviewed for the Talent First project, and got the job.

As part of the project, Neupane works in content creation. One of his primary tasks has involved researching how international residents perceive Kuopio and what they expect from the city. He also designed social media posts encouraging international students to embrace nature to manage job-hunting stress.

“The internship has met my expectations. The Finnish work culture is friendly and low-pressure, very different from Nepal. I’m also learning Finnish, even though it’s challenging.”

“I’d love to stay if I find a job after graduation. I believe Finland is one of the best countries in the world.”

A learning process for employers, too

The Talent First project’s process of hiring an international intern wasn’t initially driven directly by the Talent Pool.

“We discussed hosting an international intern in various networks and explored different practices. We heard about the Talent Pool and received Sandesh’s application”, explains Reetta Airaksinen, Project Manager at the Talent First project.

Hiring Sandesh turned out to be a great decision.

“Sandesh brought a fresh kind of energy and new ideas. It’s not just about skills – different cultural backgrounds can inspire perspectives that enrich our team.”

She emphasises that international collaboration offers long-term benefits. Working in English enhances everyone’s language skills, and international students contribute valuable insights, especially in creative and developmental projects.

Tools help, but mindset matters more

Reetta believes databases like the Talent Pool can be useful, especially when employers seek specific skills. However, she also cautions against overly narrow selection criteria.

“Sometimes the best match isn’t the one with the exact qualifications. It’s important to remain open as real potential might be hiding outside the filters we’re used to applying.”

Sandesh agrees. “Employers need to give international students a chance. Tools like the Talent Pool are important but must be used and followed through with action.”

For now, his three-month internship is wrapping up, but the experience has left a strong impression on both sides.

“This is our moment to prove ourselves,” Sandesh says.

The region might just be better off if more employers start paying attention. The Talent Pool provides information about UEF and Savonia students, their areas of expertise, and previous education and work experience. With this information, we can find suitable talent options for your organisation’s needs as interns or employees. In the future, this model will also extend to vocational colleges involved in the Talent Hub Eastern Finland project.

Ask for more information: Johanna Taavitsainen, johanna.taavitsainen@savonia.fi, +358 44 785 6142 Eini Puhakka, eini.puhakka@savonia.fi, +358 44 785 6825 Marko Pietilä, marko.pietila@uef.fi, +358 40 355 3039

Talent Hub Eastern Finland is a cooperation of UEF, Karelia, Savonia, Riveria, Sakky and YSAO. We aim to ensure that international students who come to our region find their place, secure employment, and integrate into Eastern Finland. The project is co-funded by the European Union. You can read more about it here: https://talenthubeasternfinland.savonia.fi/en/front-page/