Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Career Cast - Finland Edition

In this 23rd episode of the Career Cast - Finland Edition, we talked with Astrid Puumala - Thévenet, Development Manager for Immigration at City of Espoo.

This first part of our conversation with Astrid covers her own Finnish learning journey and her experience of working in a Finnish work environment.

Among the topics:

- How long it took to learn Finnish and what helped her

- What does fluency really mean and how to work with the our idea of it

- How multilanguage environemnts work and how to adjust to them

- How to deal with spoken language vs formal language in a workplace

The second part of the episode will be released next week and will include a deeper conversation on the need for building work environments where internationals professionals who are learning Finnish can thrive and progress. It will also cover how to understand our own Finnish skills and decide what jobs are worth pursuing, and how to interpret language requirements in job advertisements.

Job searching can be exciting, but it can also be emotionally exhausting. Uncertainty, rejection, long application processes, and the pressure to "keep going" can take a real toll on our mental well-being, especially when the search stretches from weeks into months.

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked emotional side of job seeking. Together, we discuss the impact of prolonged job searches, common misconceptions about how people "should" feel, and practical ways to cope with stress, rejection, comparison, and self-doubt.

Our guest is Hope Makara, a sosionomi by education and co-founder of MIELI Without Borders, an initiative within MIELI Mental Health Finland dedicated to promoting the mental well-being of internationals living in Finland. Through low-threshold support, community-building, and accessible mental health information, MIELI Without Borders helps create spaces where people feel connected, understood, and supported.

In our conversation, we cover:

• How job seeking affects mental well-being
• The emotional challenges of long-term job searches
• Recognising signs that your mental health may be suffering
• Coping with repeated rejection and lengthy recruitment processes
• Managing comparisons and external pressure
• Building resilience and maintaining motivation when progress feels slow
• Practical habits and tools to celebrate small wins and rebuild confidence

Whether you're just starting your job search or have been navigating the process for months, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical strategies to help you protect your well-being along the way.

Important note: We are not mental health professionals, and this episode is intended for informational purposes only. If you are struggling with your mental health or need immediate support, please reach out to professional services.

Support is available in Finland:

• MIELI Mental Health Finland Support Services – Information about crisis support, chat services, remote appointments, and local crisis centres.

• Contact your local health centre (terveysasema) or occupational healthcare provider (työterveys) if you need ongoing support.

You do not have to navigate difficult times alone.

In the 21st episode of our podcast, we had a honest discussion about transitioning from Academia to the private sector and to a research organization. Our guests are Anastasiya Sergievskaya, PhD in Chemistry, Process Development Engineer at Beneq, and Arpa Ghost, PhD in Chemical Engineering, Research Scientist.

By sharing their stories, Anastasiya and Arpa have talked of their journeys from academia, and shared their experiences and thoughts on topics that many academic researchers go through, among which:

- How to switch to industry and how to gain/present the necessary skills?

- Does having a PhD equal to being overqualified and dificult to employ?

- How to present yourself differently to employers

This episode is not only for those who are already trying to switch, but to everyone who is in academic research and want to know about other options and how to approach them.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushik-lakshman/ (Editor)

The 20th episode of The Career Cast - Finland Edition marks the second part of the first thematic episode of a new series! In this we had as a our guest Delfin Vassallo, a Marketing guru, who has worked across several countries and for all kind of company sizes.

This episode is for you if you are interested in working in marketing or if you are also working in marketing, or considering what's the future of the field. Delfin has shared his knowledge, expectations on tips.

With him, in this second part of the recording, we explored:

- AI in Marketing

- Tips to marketing styudents and recent graduates

- Tips to career switchers

- Future of marketing roles in the next 5 years

- Final considerations

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushik-lakshman/ (Editor)

The 19th episode of The Career Cast - Finland Edition marks the first thematic episode of a new series! In this we had as a our guest Delfin Vassallo, a Marketing guru, who has worked across several countries and for all kind of company sizes.

This episode is for you if you are interested in working in marketing or if you are also working in marketing, or considering what's the future of the field. Delfin has shared his knowledge, expectations on tips.

With him, in this first part of the recording, we explored:

- The Finnish marketing landscape

- How has marketing evolved so far

- If and how sales and data analysis play a role in marketing

The second part will include the use of AI, tips for students and career switchers, and the future of marketing.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushik-lakshman/ (Editor)

In this 18th episode of The Career Cast - Finland Edition, our guest, Jenny Moran, communication expert with over 20 years working in major corporations across the US and Finland, has discussed with us about personal branding, starting from the moment she realised it was so crucial for her to build her own.

With her, we discuss of how internationals can get noticed in Finland and what opportunities can arise when people recognise you, both online and offline. This episode does not focus only on LinkedIn but covers the whole area, with an emphasis on how to build your visibility from scratch when you move abroad.

Jenny is also a certified ICF ACC coach and founder of her communication agency cocomoco.co.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushik-lakshman/ (Editor)

In this new episode, our 17th, How volunteering can open your doors in Finland, we interviewed Ash B., who has worked in Talent Acquisition for the past four years.

Ash has actively volunteered in Finland and has shared what projects she worked on, what skills she developed during her volunteering, how powerful networking is, and how the experiences led her to switch her career and start as a Talent Acquisition Specialist.

Ash has also shared tips to people who plan to volunteer or are considering volunteering, also a means to develop networks, build skills and move forward, besides contributing to causes that are close to our hearts.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushik-lakshman/ (Editor)

In our 16th episode, ATS, AI and CVs: What happens after you click ‘Apply’, we have interviewed Markus Gerstler, Account Executive at TeamTailor, who has explained how ATS systems works.

ATS systems can be very confusing for job seekers and everyone who has not used them for recruitment. What happens to your documents after you apply? Is AI making automated decisions? Is there a better format to use? Can complicated Canva design reduce your chances of getting an interview? He answered these and many more questions!

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushik-lakshman/ (Editor)

In this 15th episode, Jobs without Borders, we had a chat with Julia Zhukova, founder and CEO at Nerdsbay, a company who offered EOR services (Employer of Records), supporting international professionals in Finland with remote opportunities abroad. We talked about what roles and skills are in demand abroad, what employers from abroad expect, how to look for jobs abroad and how to discuss remote work options, among other topics.

If you are considering working remotely from Finland, this episode is for you! You will get insights based on years of experience.

Nerdsbay also offers free events to job seekers: https://luma.com/nerdsbay?k=c

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this 14th episode, we discussed a hot topic: how to talk money in job interviews. Our guest, Leo Johansson-Stockford, is an experienced recruiter, and talent partner, who has lived in Finland for around ten years, and has worked both in-house and as a consultant.

One of the most common questions when discussing job interviews is how to negotiate a salary and how to know what we are worth. We have covered both aspects, including common mistakes, need for transparency, and more.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this 13th episode, we discussed with Wei Cui, Business coordinator at the Economic Development and Employment unit of City of Espoo. Wei has a long experience in B2B customer acquisition and for the past four years has been, among other tasks, focusing on sales and account management for international recruitment events.

In this episode we discuss making the first move at events and on the phone! Speifically, how to approach companies at events (recruitment events vs social events), and then we dive into sales techniques when it comes to cold calling. How to start a cold call? What to say? How to answer to objections? How to follow up? Wei has answered to these and many more questions! If you don't know how to talk with companies at events or you have never approached companies directly (or you did it wrong), this is for you!

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this new episode of the Career Cast - Finland edition, our 12th, we interviewed Mcha Ame, an enterpreneur, co founder of a research to business project named SPAI-DT, an innovative, three-stage system designed for intelligent predictive maintenance of structures by combining sensors, artificial intelligence and digital twin technology.

We discussed his enterpreneurial journey: how it started, what it took to push it forward, and how he switched from being a long-term software developer and scrum master to lead a team. If you are interested in enterpreneurship, this episode is for you! You will also hear about the importance of networking, resources, and the various stages of the journey.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this 11th episode, we discuss one of the most demanded topics: hidden jobs, or better need-based job opportunities. Is it true that up to 80% of opportunities are hidden? Where are they and where to find them? We dive into the private, the public and the NGO sectors, with concrete tips on how to go get your next hidden opportunity!

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-lindberg-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

The 10th episode of "The Career Cast - Finland Edition" is now out! Career Switchers' Tales focuses on what to do when you are switching career. The guest of this episode is Alessia Porazzi, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Vend (Schibsted).

Alessia is a career switcher and she has given us her view of being a career switchers as well as of being a recruiter. How to increase your chances of getting hired when switching? What changes to make to your documents and how to strategise?

We briefly touch upon related topics, such as jobs that will be in-demand in 2030, what educational path to take when switching career, and also labour markets and work try outs programmes.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In our ninth episode, Don't be afraid of networking - part 2, we continue our conversation with Erica Terranova, Head of Growth at Moomin Characters and public speaker who has been extremely active in the scene of supporting international talent in Finland.

We move onto more concrete steps on how to start networking, how to face networking when one is an introvert or shy, whether or not it's a good idea to attend events with friends. We go through what not to do when networking and we conclude reminding that not having a job doesn't have anything to do with bringing or not value to a conversation.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In our eight episode, Don't be afraid of networking - part 1, we discuss with Erica Terranova, Head of Growth at Moomin Characters and public speaker who has been extremely active in the scene of supporting international talent in Finland.

In this first part of our conversation, we talk about what networking really means, what's different in Finland. Among the topics, we explain why going to an event does lead to getting a job and networking is an exchange, even when we think we have nothing to offer.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this 7th episode, our 2nd part of How to ace job interviews, we continue our conversation with Ludmila Lumi Tomperi, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Wolt.

What's the role of body language? How to answer about salary expectations? What are red flags in a candidate? Is feedback honest at the end of a process? These topics and more covered in the exciting converstion! Do not miss it out!

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In the sixth episode, we share the first part of our conversation with Ludmila (Lumi) Tomperi, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner HQ at Wolt. Ludmila has over 8 years of experience in recruitment. We discussed about interview stages, what are the expectations from each stage, how to prepare in a smart way for any interview, but also about the magical STAR method and more!

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this 5th episode of the Career Cast - Finland Edition we discuss one of the most recurrent topics when it comes to job search: cover letters. Most job seekers do not enjoy writing them, but they could play a great role in the selection process. How to structure it? How to make the reader fall in love with your cover letter? Can ChatGPT fully write it? These and most questions answered in this episode.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this fourth episode, How to charm a recruiter - part 2, we continue our very interesting conversation with Jenny Fast, Tech Talent Acquisition Lead at Smartly, who shared her personal opinions on several topics, including ATS a& AI, what is relevant in a CV, why job ads do not have a deadline for applications, and more!

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this third episode, How to charm a recruiter - part 1, we have had a very interesting conversation with Jenny Fast, Tech Talent Acquisition Lead at Smartly, who shared her personal opinions on several topics, including ATS a& AI, what is relevant in a CV, why job ads do not have a deadline for applications, and more!

The second part will be available in our next episode, next week.

You can find us on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

After discussing the labor market situation in Finland and the challenges that immigrants face, in this second episode we bring a success story. With Zindaba Mwanza, Operations Specialist at Oura, we discuss tips and tricks on how to land a job in Finland. In particular, his three core focus areas when applying for a job.

You can find us on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolkkonen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/

In this first episode, "The spooky job market," we cover the unemployment situation in Finland and the specific challenges that highly educated immigrants face in the labour market. We discuss the language barrier, the lack of networks, and cultural differences in the job search. We also have a sneak peek at the next episode and future topics.

You can find us on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-curci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maija-makinen-sp/