Meet Nga and hear about her journey from Vietnam to Vaasa
Nga is one of the participants in the Vaasa International Talents programme, Round 6. Originally from Vietnam, she moved to Finland to pursue a Master’s degree in International Business. Drawn by Finland’s high-quality education system, safe environment, and supportive atmosphere for international students, Nga was also excited by the opportunity to experience Nordic culture and build an international career in Finland.
Her journey in Vaasa International Talents programme
Nga joined the Vaasa International Talents programme because she wanted to better understand the Finnish job market and expand her professional network. As a newcomer to Finland, she found it challenging to know where to start and was eager to learn more about working life and career opportunities in the region. After meeting the programme coordinator at an international welcome event, she became interested in the programme and decided to apply.
According to Nga, the programme has provided her with valuable insights into Finnish working culture and practical advice for job seeking. Through the sessions, she learned how to improve her CV, develop her interview skills, and communicate proactively with employers during the job search process. She also gained a better understanding of the importance of language skills and employer expectations in Finland.
One of Nga’s favorite aspects of the programme was meeting fellow participants from different backgrounds and professionals who shared their own career journeys in Finland. She found these stories inspiring and appreciated the practical advice they offered for navigating working life and building a career as an international talent.
Like many international students, Nga initially found it difficult to build a network in a new country. Through the Vaasa International Talents programme, she was able to meet new people, make friends, and gradually expand her professional connections. She has also taken part in student and social events, which have helped her become more integrated into the local community and meet people from different backgrounds.
Professional journey
Currently, Nga is working as a Summer Trainee in Process Automation at Wärtsilä. In her role, she has the opportunity to learn about robotic process automation, intelligent automation, and data analytics in a real industrial environment.
She found the position through active job searching, regularly following company career pages, social media channels, and LinkedIn. After improving her CV and submitting a standard application through the company’s recruitment system, she was invited to an interview and eventually secured the role. Her experience demonstrates that while networking can be helpful, opportunities can also come through traditional application channels.
Nga hopes to continue developing her professional expertise and build a long-term career in Finland. She is eager to contribute to meaningful projects, grow professionally, and continue learning throughout her career journey.
Discovering Finnish work culture
Working in Finland has introduced Nga to several aspects of Finnish culture that she finds particularly positive. One of the biggest differences compared to her home country is the low hierarchy in Finnish workplaces. She appreciates being able to communicate openly with managers and colleagues, share ideas freely, and ask for advice when needed.
She has also been impressed by the strong emphasis on punctuality, honesty, efficiency, and respect for work–life balance. In her experience, Finnish workplaces value employees’ time and personal lives, creating an environment where people can focus on their work while maintaining a healthy balance outside of it.
Nga’s advice to newcomers
Her advice to other international students and professionals is to start exploring the job market early, stay proactive, and be patient. She encourages newcomers to attend events, build connections, and take advantage of opportunities such as the Vaasa International Talents programme. Most importantly, she believes people should trust their own abilities and continue developing both their professional and communication skills.
Nga’s story shows how determination, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone can open doors to new opportunities. Through the Vaasa International Talents programme and her own active approach, she has gained valuable insights into Finnish working life, built meaningful connections, and taken important steps toward achieving her career goals in Finland.