Audio Version
Hope moved to Finland 13 years ago from South Africa, with a baby in her arms and no job waiting — just perseverance and a willingness to start from scratch. Despite having a university degree, the lack of Finnish language skills and work experience here meant she faced rejection after rejection.
She didn’t give up.
She:
✅ Learned Finnish independently
✅ Volunteered and worked part-time while studying
✅ Built networks through giving, not just asking
✅ Gained insights into Finnish society and working culture
Her story highlights what many immigrants face: the Finnish language requirement for many jobs is often unnecessarily high for what the job actually demands. Models like Sweden’s — where language can be learned on the job — could help bridge this gap.
🔑 Key takeaways for newcomers:
- Start learning Finnish early
- Volunteer, network, and stay active
- Stay positive, be open-minded, and don’t give up
Employers, policymakers, and society: let’s recognize the value and potential of immigrants — and create room for them to grow 🌱
#Immigration #Integration #DiversityAndInclusion #Finland #WorkingInFinland #FinnishLanguage #HopeAndResilience #Networking #HiddenJobs #VolunteeringMatters #StreamOfThoughtsPodcast