Global Opportunities
When considering where to find a work placement or your first real job, it is also worth looking further than your local area. Going abroad to work has never been easier. To work in another country within the European Union, you do not need a work permit, for example.
In today’s world, carrying out an internship or work period abroad constitutes excellent work experience. More and more companies value foreign experience and good language skills.
Living and working abroad provides great, eye-opening experiences. A foreign language is quicker and easier to learn when you are surrounded by it rather than just learning it by rote. In addition to work experience, you gain experience of life, make new friends and learn to understand different lifestyles.
There are many ways of doing it. EURES, the European Job Mobility Portal, offers possibilities for applying for jobs around the continent. The CIMO Centre for International Mobility provides multiple opportunities, including exchange studies, internships and volunteer work abroad.
The current recession means that finding your first job is not easy as a young person. Be persistent and active in sending out job applications. Look at various types of jobs and at other alternatives with an open mind. Your dream job may not immediately fall into your lap, but diverse experiences are always beneficial in job-seeking.
The population is aging quickly in Finland, as in the rest of Europe. That means that a lot of jobs will become available to young people in the coming years. This is not the time to rest on your laurels at home, but to set out into the world!
Anni Sinnemäki
Minister of Labour