Marvels and Quirks of Multilingual Living
Think about the last time you have met someone who only spoke one language. Do you even remember when that was? Being bilingual has become a norm in modern society, and many people have started adopting even more than just two languages. Whether it be for work, studies, or as a hobby, learning different languages is now understood as a normal, if not even a required thing to do. However, most people in their pursuit of learning tend to glance over the side effects that learning a whole different language brings. After all, languages, not unlike music, or even trade skills, are an integral part of the culture they are associated with. Language is More Than Just a Set of Rules Language serves as a reflection of our thought processes and stands as a crucial means through which we convey the intricacies of our cognitive realms. Language is way more than a mere tool for communication; it is an integral element of culture that imparts uniqueness and specificity. We could state that language is culture and culture is language. There is an inseparable connection between these two. It implies that the language mirrors our values and beliefs. The manner in which individuals conceptualise the world is directly shaped by the language they employ to articulate their thoughts. Knowing at least two languages affects cognition and interaction with the environment. It for sure broadens your horizons. Each language reflects the history, traditions, customs, social consciousness, religion and way of life of the society where it is formed. Language can convey both the collective characteristics of nations and peoples, and the individual, specific perception of the real picture of the world by different individuals. (1) Language connects a person with the surrounding world, reflects their worldview and is in constant dialogue with culture. The role of language in the formation and development of personality is huge. When an individual communicates in a specific language, the associated cultural norms and stereotypes come to the forefront. Research of this nature reveals that our personalities are not as steadfast as we might believe. Instead, we adjust our behaviour and even our thought patterns based on the social group with which we are presently engaged (2). Moreover, some individuals assert that their personalities undergo changes when they switch between languages. Some bilingual people do experience the feeling that they have a separate "personality" for each language. However, this may be because speaking different languages, they behave according to different cultural norms. A change in language leads to a change in cultural expectations. Using Language to Convey Emotions Bilingual people often experience varying emotional intensities when communicating in their primary language compared to their secondary languages. Substantial research suggests that individuals feel a greater ability to express themselves in one language over another, or they find comfort in using a specific language in particular situations. The daily use of language to convey emotions is a common practice, yet there is limited and vital research on the diverse emotional reactions of bilingual individuals. Numerous factors come into play when examining fluctuations in emotional states during language use. Researchers endeavour to uncover the reasons behind the disparities in emotional experiences, alterations in modes of expression, and even distinct decision-making when utilising different languages. These disparities may hinge on cultural influences, personal backgrounds, and the events that individuals encounter. Given the subjective nature of bilingual experiences, a more profound exploration is warranted. The self-identification of bilingual individuals by language is crucial, as it profoundly influences their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. (3) For example, parents consistently employ words to convey and explore emotions with their children. They make it clear that emotions such as affection, encouragement, and criticism can be communicated using various words or expressions. Additionally, it is proposed that the utilisation of different languages by parents to convey emotions carries significant implications for their children's emotional experience, regulation, and comprehension. However, in families where two or more languages are spoken, the impact of parents' choice of emotion-related language is much more complicated. (4) The choice of emotion-related language can shape overall family dynamics and communication. It may influence how emotions are expressed, understood, and responded to within the family, contributing to the overall emotional climate. Children might develop a preference for expressing specific emotions in one language over another, based on the family's emotional communication patterns. What Struggles Come with More Than One Language? While multilingualism is typically linked to cognitive advantages like improved executive functions, there can be challenges or misunderstandings related to memory in multilingual individuals. One prevalent issue is known as the Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon. This occurs when a person is temporarily unable to recall a word from memory, even though the word is familiar. For all our monolingual friends: no, we are not stupid, we have just forgotten this one specific word in all the languages we know! Besides, multilingual people can sometimes experience interference between languages. This can lead to the unintentional use of words in one language when speaking or writing in another, especially if the languages are closely related. It is worth noting that this may possibly lead to the unintentional use of "false friends", words that look or sound similar in two languages, but have completely different meanings. Confusion of these words can lead to misunderstandings or even humorous situations. (You better give your German bestie the most boring "Geschenk" than some breathtaking "Gift".) Moreover, many individuals who are fluent in multiple languages often experience a diminished emotional impact when expressing themselves in their second language. Profanity in a foreign language tends to lack the intense emotional resonance that it carries in one's primary language. When acquiring a new language, people often quickly commit swear words to memory. However, the challenge lies in discerning the appropriate context for using these "taboo" words during conversations. Even native speakers find it difficult to articulate why a particular word is chosen in a given situation over another. Translating such words proves insufficient, as some lack equivalents due to cultural nuances in word formation. Occasionally, uttering a swear word in a foreign language may feel awkward, as the emotional connection associated with those words differs from that in one's native language. Consequently, an emotional gap emerges between languages, leading to instances where the use of swear words in a foreign language may sound disconnected or even offensive to native speakers. (5) Individuals who grew up being exposed to multiple cultures as opposed to having developed their personality through only one often identify with the term Third Culture Kid. Third Culture Kids (and Adult Third Culture Kids) often find themselves struggling to express their thoughts and emotions well. Since knowing and understanding more than one language and culture changes a person’s worldview, they find it difficult to relate to people who have grown up surrounded by only one language and culture. (6) Lastly, grammar varies vastly between different languages, and as a result a bilingual speaker may be harder to understand, as they tend to mix not only the words, but entire grammatical structures between the languages they speak. Switching languages on the fly is not only challenging for the speaker, but for the listener as well, because hearing a sentence built in an unusual way may distract from the conversation. Finland as a Multilingual Nation The vast majority of people living in Finland speak Finnish, however, quite a few of them also speak Swedish as their first language. The number of foreign speakers coming into the country has also increased the amount of people who speak a different language, thus enabling a much more diverse language pool. In that regard, communicating in Finland has become much easier, as a large amount of the population speaks at least two languages well (Finnish, English). English in all its varieties has long been mixed with other languages, creating a number of English-hybrids, so to speak. At first such entities may seem chaotic, but confusions of this kind are inevitable in areas where two or more commonly recognized languages are in extensive daily contact. (7) As a result, people in Finland may naturally integrate English words or expressions into their conversations, creating a dynamic and evolving linguistic phenomenon known as Finglish. This is often seen in urban settings, among the younger generation, and in contexts where international communication is prevalent. Finglish allows individuals to express certain nuances or concepts that may not have direct equivalents in Finnish. English words or phrases are sometimes used for their specific connotations or cultural associations. It includes using abbreviations, slang, or unique and modern expressions that resonate with a diverse audience. Much like with Finnish, bits of English have also made their way deep inside many languages in Eastern Europe creating nothing short of new dialects. For instance, while Surzhyk, a pidgin language formed from combining Ukrainian and Russian languages has been long used by a large amount of the population, mixing English into the conversation is a relatively recent trend, especially with young people. As a result, many young people end up with nothing short of a whole dialect that combines three different languages together. Multilinguism: To Be or Not to Be? Ultimately, no matter how challenging it may seem, learning a second language is an incredibly important and useful thing to do. And what is even better, it is a lot more fun than you can imagine! Besides, depending on what your native language is and what language you choose to learn second, it could be quite simple, as neighbouring countries have long had histories of sharing grammatical structures and language fundamentals. However, whether or not it is difficult or easy, it is definitely something that everyone should at least give a fair try. Authors Anastasiia Chasovskykh is a Social Services and Healthcare student at PreProg preparatory programme, book translator and linguist. Her particular research interests include manifestation of bilingualism, and impact of language learning on cognitive brain function and human identity. Arthur Shengeliya is an Engineering student at PreProg preparatory programme and a tinkerer who loves tools, and considers language to be the most important tool of all. Falling in love with English at a young age, Arthur spends every day trying to learn something new about it. Outi Lemettinen works as a specialist and project manager in the Continuous Learning team at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. She works in development projects concerning the education of immigrants. She has a master's degree in economics. References Smeets, R. (2004) Language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage. Museum international, LVI, 1-2 / 221-222, p. 156-165. (Accessed 14 December 2023) Ludden, D. (2015) The Psychology of Language. 1st edn. SAGE Publications (e-book). (Accessed 14 December 2023) Marian, V., Kaushanskaya, M. (2008) Words, feelings, and bilingualism: Cross-linguistic differences in emotionality of autobiographical memories. The mental lexicon vol. 3,1 p. 72-90. (Accessed 29 December 2023) Ylänkö, M. (2017) “Bilingual is our identity”: exploring identity construction in bilingual families. University of Jyväskylä, Master´s thesis, 97 pages. (Accessed 6 December 2023) Yezhyzhanska, A. (2021) Languages and Emotions: How Languages Impact Different Emotional States for Bilingual People (Contains thesis, project and project documentation). University of Europe for Applied Sciences Visual and Experience Design, Master´s thesis, 44 pages. (Accessed 30 November 2023) Denise A. Bonebright (2009) Adult third culture kids: HRD challenges and opportunities. University of Minnesota, 359 pages. Palmgen, N. (2007) Ammattislangina finglish – Teknisten viestijöiden anglohybridi osana globalisaation diskurssia. Tampere University, Master´s thesis, 97 pages. (Accessed 30 November 2023)
Five Effective Ways to Learn Finnish
Have you recently moved to Finland or are you currently trying to learn Finnish? Good, then you are at the right place! Language courses and classes are unquestionably the best ways to learn a new language, but there are also many other ways to enhance your learning along the way and implement the new language into your life. And to be fair, learning Finnish can be a bit intimidating at times, so here are five ways to boost your learning journey! Try to Speak Finnish with Finns First, let’s state the obvious. Even Finns themselves think that Finnish is a bit of a complicated language to learn and speak, so don’t worry. You don’t have to speak it perfectly to be understood. Speaking a foreign language for the first time can be daunting! However, you’ll learn the language faster when you use it on a daily basis (1). So, when you are at the grocery store, for example, bravely say “kiitos” and “hyvää päivänjatkoa!” to the cashier. In general, we Finns are really friendly and kind, contrary to all stereotypes, so don’t be afraid and just go for it! If you can use Finnish every day, even in these little moments, you’ll become more confident using it, and in the long run, you’ll end up learning it faster. It’s also worth mentioning that in Finland, everyone speaks English quite well, so sometimes when we want to be friendly, we switch the language to English quite easily. But if you want to talk in Finnish, just do it! Watch Finnish TV Shows and Movies This may seem obvious, but I still want to mention it. To learn a new language, you need to read it, write it, speak it, and hear it (2). That being said, it is a great idea to watch TV shows and movies in the language you want to acquire. It doesn’t matter if you have the subtitles on; you just need to hear Finnish. Even though you don’t understand everything they say in the shows and movies, you’ll still hear the language, and it will help you learn. Another way to do this is to watch a movie or a show you have already seen, dubbed in Finnish. This way you already know the plot and it’s much easier to follow along! Listen to Finnish Podcasts This is also an excellent way to hear Finnish and learn to comprehend it little by little. The same goes for podcasts as with TV shows and movies; you don’t have to understand everything, you just have to listen! There are plenty of good options when it comes to podcasts. If you want to listen to a learning podcast, then there are, for example, Opi Suomea -podcast and Random Finnish Lesson -podcast, which can help you learn Finnish faster. In these podcasts, the language used is simple and easy to understand. Then, of course, there are multiple other Finnish podcasts on different topics. You can find them on Yle Areena or Spotify. If you are interested in history or true crime, you can listen to a Finnish podcast about these topics and learn a lot. Watch Finnish Children’s TV Shows This may seem really silly at first, but it is actually a helpful way to boost your language learning. The reason is that the language in children’s TV shows is way simpler and easier to understand. Therefore, it’s a great way to improve your language learning, plus it’s really fun! For example, the Moomins (Muumit in Finnish) are a great option for this. The Moomin characters speak very simple and basic Finnish, making it easy to follow along. You can watch The Moomin series on Yle Areena for free, so check it out! In addition, you get to know the Finnish culture since the Moomins are a big part of the Finnish cultural identity. Use Post-it notes to Learn the Finnish Vocabulary When you need to learn Finnish vocabulary, post-it notes can useful. For example, write the Finnish words for different furniture items and stick them to the furniture. You can start with five words for instance and then change the post-it notes when you already know them. You can also try saying the words out loud to practice the pronunciation of the words. You can apply this method to other things, too. If you want to learn food vocabulary, stick post-it notes to the items in your fridge. This can really speed up your learning as you see the Finnish words every day in your home! Let’s Get to Learning Finnish There are many ways to learn a new language, and different things work for different people. You can use one of the ways mentioned in this blog post to boost your Finnish, or you can even try them all if you’d like. The key to learning Finnish is to immerse yourself in it! And in no time, you’ll notice yourself getting better and better in Finnish and soon enough you’ll be a fluent speaker. And in case you are looking for Finnish language courses, please take a look at Metropolia’s Finnish language courses for immigrants. We’d love to have you here in Metropolia! Author Jenni Savolainen is a communications intern at the Learning Networks and Services team at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and a master’s student at the University of Turku majoring in the Finnish language. Sources: Tandem 2017. Want to Learn a Language Quickly? Get Speaking! Web page. Viewed on 18th of October 2023. UNC Learning Center 2015. Learning Languages. Web page. Viewed on 25th of October 2023.
Unlocking Employment Opportunities – Best Tips from Successful Job Seekers in Finland
Looking for a job in Finland as an international job seeker can be challenging. Especially if you are highly educated and wish to find a position that matches your education and expertise. To succeed, you need to overcome many obstacles, such as learning the language, building new professional networks and understanding the local work culture. It’s also possible that your foreign qualifications don’t align with the employer’s expectations, and you’ll need to update your skills or, at the very least, learn how to showcase them better. Metropolia offers personal SIMHE guidance discussions aimed at helping highly educated immigrants to map their competences and identify suitable study and career paths in Finland. As a SIMHE career coach, I get to see only a small part of my coaching clients’ job-seeking process, and rarely hear about their success stories. To uncover the primary factors contributing to successful employment in Finland, I contacted professionals I had a privilege of meeting in my role as a Career Coach. Five professionals, all of whom have secured jobs aligned with their education and expertise, were kindly willing to give their insights and top tips for those currently seeking employment. Katja works as a Project Coordinator in Finland with a Master's in cultural services and tourism. She has over 10 years of experience in organizing events of different scales, from small workshops to large cultural festivals and international trade shows and a working proficiency in 4 languages, including Finnish. Mazen works as Product Engineer in a large Finnish international manufacturing company. He came to Finland to study a Master’s degree after years of various engineering roles in Sana´a, Yemen. Nadiia works as Researcher and Recruitment Consultant in a Finnish recruiting company. She holds a Master's in organizational management and has a decade of HR/Admin/Operations experience in international and national organizations. Clara works as Associate UX (User experience) product designer remotely from Finland. She first came to Finland to work as a business developer at a spin-off start-up in Aalto University but has now changed her career to UX product design. Clara has a background in business and marketing, specializing in consumer psychology and behavioural decision theories. Carol works as a senior HR Manager at a Finnish MNC, with a Bachelor's in Journalism, an MBA in Project Management, and over 20 years of expertise spanning media, management consulting, public relations, capability building, and commercial excellence. Factors that lead to employment Networking, participation, activity, learning and development In Finland, many job opportunities are hidden (1,2) and networks play a crucial role in the job search (3). A study by Rolle Alho found that especially contacts with people from the majority population provided valuable information that helped job seekers find work. The information about job opportunities in the ‘hidden’ job market also increased the number of potential job options for job-seekers. (4). Marjo-Riitta Poutiainen, in her thesis, noted that useful information often spreads through networks of acquaintances and less-frequently-seen connections, rather than with close family and friends (5). Keeping this in mind, getting to know new people is important for professional development and acquiring information about the job openings. The professionals interviewed also emphasized the importance of taking an active approach to networking and connecting with other professionals in the field. Particularly, learning and professional development were identified as essential components of networking. Mazen: “Staying up-to-date with the latest industry changes was essential for my success. I achieved this by participating in various university programs and events, collaborating with the TE office, engaging in self-study, and focusing on personal development. I believe that every program and voluntary effort played a role in my success. These initiatives helped me stay informed, keep pace with industry trends, enhance my communication skills, and I gain a better understanding of Finnish work culture and norms.” Nadiia: “To succeed, attending special events, workshops, and staying updated on industry trends and the local job market was crucial. Networking, meeting new people, and building valuable connections were also vital. Being proactive, communicative, and open-minded, and sharing knowledge and experiences with others, were important aspects of my journey.” Katja: “The most significant moment in my job search was when I participated in a Talent Match recruitment event organized by Espoo Talent Hub. It completely transformed my journey. During this event, I had the opportunity to deliver a quick 2-minute pitch, and, thanks to the connections I made that day, I secured an interview and ultimately landed an 8-month full-time job contract. If I could do it all over again, I would prioritize connecting with professionals on LinkedIn and participating in live events, which are more accessible once again.” Clara: “My second job in Finland was a project coordinator position at a recruiting consultancy company. I wasn't actively seeking a new role at that time, but I became aware of this opportunity through a friend I had met at a previous company. She recommended me for the position, and after the recruitment process, I secured the job. Working in various fields in Finland has taught me a great deal about Finnish working culture, about the ecosystem of the Finnish startup scene and about managing large global projects. It has also given me a wide network of international professionals in IT and business management sectors.” Investing in the right kind of job search strategy There is no one-size-fits-all job search strategy. The most effective approach depends on various factors, including the skills, experience, and the specific position you're seeking. However, it's crucial to communicate your skills effectively in a way that captures the employer's interest (6) and to tailor each application to the particular job you're interested in. Here are two contrasting approaches to job search strategies, both of which led to success. Carol “I found that the career advice I received at various talks and programs didn't quite align my situation as a highly experienced professional with over 20 years in the field. Suggestions like seeking internships or applying for any available position didn't make sense for me. Instead, I chose to focus on my true passion: exploring the field of HR. I became more selective in my applications, conducting thorough research on each company's financials and corporate mission. I ensured that each CV and cover letter were tailored to match the specific job requirements by using tools like Jobscan.co. I listed my work experience based on relevance to the role rather than chronologically, to avoid highlighting gaps in my work history. Even when work samples were not requested, I included them. These strategic steps yielded results. Out of nine applications, I received callbacks for interviews from four companies. I also diligently prepared for tests and interviews, which paid off.” Clara: “When transitioning to a career in UX design and applying for entry-level positions, I received advice to focus solely on the most interesting opportunities and not play a numbers game. But I was a junior designer with zero years of experience, a full-time job seeker and kept getting rejection emails. I ended up applying for around 120 job openings. In retrospect, it turned out to be a significant learning process. Each application provided an opportunity to practice articulating what I could bring to the prospective company. The more I applied and researched companies, their missions, products, and values, the clearer my vision of my dream job became. As a result, out of the 120 places I applied, I had interviews with 16 companies, reached the second round with 7, the third round with 4, and received offers from 2. After this journey, I ended up at the company I wanted to work for the most, and I continue to learn and grow every day in my dream job.” Overcoming the language barrier Numerous studies have highlighted the significant role of language skills as a key factor in the employment challenges faced by migrants. For instance, Arajärvi (2009) found that in Finland, the strict language requirements for jobs and the cost of on-the-job training may influence employers' willingness to hire immigrants (7). Kangasniemi (2022) also pointed out that highly skilled immigrants face challenges due to the demand for excellent Finnish language skills in jobs and the lack of services tailored for them. (8). Among the interviewees, all encountered difficulties in their job searches because of language requirements. Notably, despite intensive Finnish language studies, four out of five interviewees secured positions in companies where English is the working language. Mazen: “The greatest challenge I faced was the Finnish language barrier. I dedicated a year to studying the Finnish language. At the same time, I took on some temporary jobs while continuing to search for a permanent position in my field. Ultimately, I was hired by a company where the working language is English.” Carol: “I have always worked in people-oriented roles, but it was really rare to find a job opening in my field that that didn't require native-level Finnish proficiency. I invested my time in intensive Finnish classes and online courses at Aalto University in my first year in Finland. However, after adjusting my job search strategy, I focused exclusively on roles and companies where English was the working language. I also targeted companies with a sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) agenda to minimize the risk of discrimination.” Katja: “I relocated to Finland in 2020 amid the pandemic. Events were restricted, and job opportunities in my industry were non-existent. After 3 months of fruitless job searching, I made the decision to use this crisis period to learn the Finnish language. It took me two years to reach B2 level. During my language studies, I diligently applied for all suitable job and internship openings I could find. From my experience I strongly encourage investing time in learning the Finnish language, as it significantly improves your chances of finding a job in Finland.” Taking care of mental well-being and building support networks Unemployment, especially when prolonged, can lead to significant emotional stress. Good relationships are particularly important for coping with this stress. Other protective factors include good health, a strong social and economic status, effective life management skills, and nurturing relationships. (9). Several interviewees emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of hope, confidence, and perseverance in their job search. Giving up was not an option, and good support networks played a crucial role during challenging moments. Clara: “Job seeking requires you to be resilient and mentally strong. And yet, sometimes rejection emails hit you hard. I managed to establish a support group of friends who were also job searching in the same field. We supported each other, provided feedback on practice interviews and portfolio sites, and shared information about the latest design trends and techniques. I also had a mentor who gave me constructive feedback on interviews and design in general. All of this was immensely helpful during my job search process.” Carol: “Job searching can be daunting, especially if you're new to Finland. Begin by networking and becoming part of a community with people who share common interests. This is crucial for your psychological well-being and emotional health. These networks can also offer valuable advice on navigating the job search successfully in this context.” Mazen: “In essence, I kept applying and never gave up. Not even during the most discouraging times. I maintained my belief that the right opportunity would eventually come my way.” Best advice for someone who is looking for a job right now I asked interviewees what advice they would want to share with people who are currently looking for a job in Finland. Here are their answers. Mazen: “My advice is to start your job search actively. Focus on where to look for jobs and understand the strengths that are most sought after by employers in specific areas. Identifying your weaknesses and actively working to improve them is equally important. Stay informed about the latest developments in your industry. Never underestimate any effort; it can either lead directly to employment or add to your knowledge, open up other opportunities, or expand your network. If you are a student, seek opportunities already while studying! It's clear to me now that it's much easier to secure opportunities as a summer employee, thesis worker, or intern while you are still a student.” Carol: “Find out what you really want to do based on your passion, skills and experience. Then make a detailed but pragmatic plan of how to achieve it. Put in extra effort to make sure you shine above other applicants!” Clara: “Have the right support system. Develop a cycle of applying, practicing, attending job interviews and getting feedback and you will keep on learning new things through the whole process. For me the momentum of learning something new throughout the job search experience kept me going. What I regret a lot is that during the journey, I forgot to also have fun. If I could go back, I would respect myself more and enjoy my free time more.” Katja: “Never give up! Utilize all available opportunities, stay proactive, and expand your network. Check the services provided for job seekers by your city, the TE office, and various employment-related organizations. I got lot of help from KOSKE (Competence Center for Highly Educated Immigrants in Espoo). Make a list of recruitment events in your region and actively participate and approach employers with a concise pitch highlighting your professional strengths. Attend networking events organized by your professional communities to make valuable connections. Explore Further Education with Companies (FEC) programs, as they often lead to employment opportunities. Whenever you apply for a job, meticulously tailor your CV and cover letter according to the job description and the company profile. Nadiia: “Remember it’s worth aiming for a job at your level or even higher. Your attitude is one of the most important things - do not let it kill your dreams. Set up a clear goal and be confident and honest, and accept that you can´t know everything.” Sources: Sitra (2017). Työelämätutkimus 2017: Somen kautta voi löytää töitä tai tulla löydetyksi https://www.sitra.fi/uutiset/tyoelamatutkimus-2017-yli-puolet-suomalaisista-vahtanut-ammattia-tai-alaa/ Luoma, T. & Vaittinen, J. (2023). Playing hide and seek with hidden job markets. Blog post. Various variable, Metropolia. https://blogit.metropolia.fi/variousvariables/2023/01/25/playing-hide-and-seek-with-hidden-job-markets/ Finnwards (2020) Job hunting In Finland: the importance of networks in job hunting in Finland. Blog post. https://www.finnwards.com/working-in-finland/job-hunting-in-finland-the-importance-of-networks/ Alho, R. (2020). ‘You Need to Know Someone Who Knows Someone’: International Students’ Job Search Experiences: Array. Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.18291/njwls.v10i2.120817 Poutiainen M-R, 2011. Verkostot väylänä työelämään. Pro Gradu. University on Helsinki. https://helda.helsinki.fi/server/api/core/bitstreams/f6bd60e1-a159-4abe-b7ad-9e497a947a73/content Hoppania, R. (2021) Knowing your skills is crucial for your career ‒ how to get started? Blog post. Various Variables, Metropolia. https://blogit.metropolia.fi/variousvariables/2021/11/15/knowing-your-skills-is-crucial-for-your-career-%e2%80%92-how-to-get-started/ Arajärvi, P. (2009). Maahanmuuttajien työllistyminen ja kannustinloukut. Sisäministeriö. Kangasniemi, R. (2022). Maahanmuuttajien työllistymisen haasteet ja tuki Suomessa – Ohjaajien ja korkeasti koulutettujen maahanmuuttajien kokemuksia. Master’s thesis. Jyväskylä University. https://jyx.jyu.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/81664/1/URN%3ANBN%3Afi%3Ajyu-202206133273.pdf Kannisto-Karonen, T. 2015. Urana työllistyminen. Väitöskirja. Turun yliopisto, kasvatustieteen laitos. Pysyvä verkko-osoite: https://www.utupub.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/117697/AnnalesC414Kannisto-Karonen-diss.pdf;jsessionid=BA229B323F43F88E00CA0573B2AB63E8?sequence=2 Blogger: Riia Hoppania works as a Career Coach in Metropolia supporting highly educated immigrants with their employment and study paths in Finland. She has years of experience working in a collaboration project with the employment services supporting job seekers with different backgrounds.
Blog introduces information, tips and insights that help international talents with a higher education background to integrate and find their study and career paths in Finland. The blog is part of Metropolia’s #talentboost actions.
Outi Lemettinen (head editor)
Riikka Wallin
Anu Luoma
Email addresses: firstname.surname@metropolia.fi
Editorial Board handles all the publications of Various Variables blog before publishing.
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