From a social media post to a career in Finland: Hamza’s story
Hamza is one of the participants in the Vaasa International Talents programme, Round 6. Originally from Pakistan, he recently graduated with a degree in Information Technology from Novia University of Applied Sciences. His journey to Finland started unexpectedly while scrolling through social media, where he came across content about Finland and its education system. Curious to learn more, he began researching the country and soon discovered opportunities that aligned with his goals and ambitions.
What attracted Hamza most was Finland's approach to education and working life. He was impressed by the possibility of studying independently, gaining practical work experience alongside studies, and collaborating with industry during university education. After being admitted to Novia University of Applied Sciences, he moved to Finland and successfully completed his studies in Information Technology in June 2026.
His Vaasa International Talents journey
Moving to a new country also meant starting from scratch. Building connections and learning how Finnish society and working life function was not always easy. When friends who had participated in previous rounds recommended the Vaasa International Talents programme, Hamza saw it as an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone.
"What attracted me most was that it gave me a chance to connect with people and show who I am," he explains. As a newcomer, he felt that VIT was one of the few places where international students could directly meet professionals, build networks, and become visible in the local community.
Through the programme, Hamza gained insights that went beyond job applications and networking. What stood out to him most were the values that shape Finnish working life. "Be honest, be on time, and never break someone's trust," he says. These principles may sound simple, but they helped him better understand Finnish workplace culture and the expectations employers have for their employees. Another concept that resonated with him was Sisu, the Finnish mindset of perseverance and determination. Although he feels he had been practicing it for years without knowing the word, learning about it helped him recognize the importance of continuing forward even when things do not go according to plan. "Don't get discouraged. Keep learning and keep trying," he says.
Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them
Today, Hamza works as a Summer Trainee at Wärtsilä in the Mechatronics, Analytics and Innovation team. His work involves maintaining proof-of-concept technologies, analysing data, and collaborating with experienced colleagues on technical projects. Interestingly, he did not find the opportunity through a traditional recruitment add alone. Instead, he took the initiative himself and reached out to a manager on LinkedIn. One conversation led to another, followed by an interview and eventually a job offer. For Hamza, this experience reinforced an important lesson: opportunities often come to those who take the first step.
Hamza hopes to continue developing both his technical expertise and his ability to work collaboratively with others. He believes the best learning happens when people share knowledge, ask questions, and work together toward common goals. His long-term ambition is to build a professional career in Finland and continue growing both personally and professionally.
The Finnish work culture
One of the biggest cultural adjustments was the way people interact at work. In Finland, hierarchy feels much less visible than he was used to back home. "Everyone calls each other by their first name," he explains. "We work in the same spaces, collaborate together, and managers are approachable." The openness surprised him at first, but it has become one of the things he appreciates most about working in Finland.
Building a community
Outside studies and work, Hamza has built a network through a variety of activities. Badminton games, lunch breaks, coffee discussions, university events, and volunteer work have all helped him meet new people. One particularly memorable experience was volunteering during Energy Week, where he met professionals and participants from around the world. The event helped him expand his network far beyond the classroom and introduced him to people from different industries and backgrounds
Advice for newcomers
Looking back, Hamza believes that one of the biggest challenges international students face is understanding how to navigate a completely new environment. His solution is simple: stay active. His advice to other internationals is to participate in events, join communities, make connections, and not be discouraged by rejection. "You are starting from zero in a new country, and that takes time. Keep going, stay motivated, and don't let setbacks stop you.
For Hamza, the journey from a social media video in Pakistan to studying and working in Finland has been full of unexpected opportunities. What began as curiosity became a new chapter in his life, one defined by initiative, persistence, and a willingness to embrace challenges.