My Journey
From -30°C to Professional Success
The journey of persistence, networking, and strategic pivots that shaped my career in Finland.
The Journey: From Survival to Success
The -30°C Reality Check
Arriving in Finland in the dead of winter at -30 degrees Celsius with a two-year-old child was a visceral shock—both climatically and professionally. Like many international talents, I sought shelter in academia, enrolling in language courses and then a Master's degree. But I quickly learned that a Finnish degree alone isn't the silver bullet for employment.
Key Insight: Academic excellence in a vacuum is insufficient. In Finland's 'hidden job market,' social capital is the primary currency.
High Scores Are Only Half the Battle
Achieving high scores in my ICT Master's program at JAMK did nothing to alleviate professional isolation. When courses are remote and online, students lose the opportunity for accidental professional endorsements—those organic interactions that build trust.
Key Insight: High scores are merely a baseline; without a network, they are invisible. Remote learning doesn't just hinder networking; it kills the 'visibility' required for a referral.
The Geography of Opportunity
Most international graduates fail because they restrict their search to major urban centers. Through the JAMK Talent Boost program, I shifted from passive applications to active 'career trips,' physically visiting regional companies in places like Viitasaari.
Key Insight: Smaller municipalities are often more desperate for specialized talent and offer a faster track to integration. By visiting regional companies, you stop being a name on a PDF and start being a solution to a local business need.
The Hackathon as a High-Stakes Audition
The Viitasaari Hackathon was the strategic pivot that changed my trajectory. Traditional applications are static, but a hackathon is a live demonstration of agility, craft, and collaborative problem-solving.
Key Insight: Hackathons function as high-stakes auditions, allowing you to 'de-risk' yourself in the eyes of an employer. They provide a platform to demonstrate real-time problem-solving that a CV can never replicate.
The 100km Commute: Investing in Hope
I accepted a trainee position at Digikeskus (Witas Company) that offered zero university credits and required a 100-kilometer commute from Jyväskylä. While many students refuse any work that doesn't count toward their degree, I knew this was my chance to prove my value.
Key Insight: This wasn't a loss of time; it was a three-month 'test drive.' While on vacation, I saw a vacancy for the remainder of the project and dared to apply. That proactive move, built on a successful trainee period, secured me the contract.
Sharing the Journey: ELY-Keskus Presentation
I was honored to receive an invitation from ELY-Keskus to share my success story as an international student in Finland. My message was simple: the path from student to professional is built through connection and opportunity.
Key Insight: These programs and events are more than just items on a calendar. They are genuine pathways to meaningful careers. Persistence and networking facilitate success.
My Work Philosophy
Connecting People & Technology
Being a project specialist means connecting people, technology, and business together—from the very first idea to the final delivery. I work hands-on with both software development and project management, helping teams and companies transform their digital goals into successful outcomes.
Mentoring & Motivation
Mentoring and motivating students to reach their goals is something I'm truly passionate about. With nearly a decade of experience working with clients, I've developed a strong ability to consult, advise, and align software solutions with customer goals. I love the process of listening, brainstorming, and finding that 'aha!' moment where everything starts to make sense.
AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
Every day, I test new AI tools and technologies to explore how they can help people start new businesses, grow existing ones, or fill the gaps in their work processes. Yes — AI is a big part of my life. I use it every minute, but I never fully rely on it. I believe that when the human brain and AI creativity work together, BOOM 💥 — faster, smarter, and more innovative results appear.
Let's Build Together
So, if you're thinking about growing your business or starting something new from scratch, I'd love to help. Let's grab a coffee, share ideas, and make great things happen. 🚀
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
Whether you're an international student navigating the Finnish job market or a business looking for AI-powered solutions, I'm here to help.