Difficult economic situation highlights the importance of networking in job search

On 24 November, the Dipoli building in Otaniemi was filled with an enthusiastic and lively buzz as employers searched for new talent and students got to know potential employers. Aalto Talent Expo brought together employers and students from the fields of business, arts and design and technology.

Finland's weak economic situation is also making it harder for students and recent graduates to find jobs. Between 2021 and 2023, 1-2% of Aalto University alumni were unemployed, which is still one of the lowest unemployment rates compared to other sectors. Over the past year, unemployment among university graduates in Finland has grown much faster than the average unemployment rate. 

The importance of networking and outreach events is even greater during a recession. The annual Talent Expo provides an opportunity for employers and students to meet face-to-face.

Flovio, which specialises in process and operating model development, was looking for enthusiastic and skilled people from all fields and stages from bachelor’s to PhDs.

"The fair provides an opportunity to get to know students and listen to their wishes. Flovio already has several Aalto University students working for us and we believe that we will find great new candidates at the fair. As an employer, we offer the opportunity to develop and take responsibility and let your creativity sing," says Miki Karlö, a consultant at Flovio.

Hanna Mustaniemi, a fifth-year student at the Aalto University School of Business, came to Dipoli looking for a job in information and service management.

"There are fewer jobs available today than in previous years and the job search process has also become longer. Here you can get inspiration on what kind of companies to look for jobs in, as there are a lot of companies that I haven't necessarily heard of before," says Mustaniemi.

Building contacts and networks

Aalto University students and alumni are a desirable and important target group for many employers. At Aalto Talent Expo, employers of all sizes and from all industries presented their job and career opportunities. For students, the fair was an expected opportunity to meet face-to-face with company representatives and share their expertise.

OP Financial Group, which employs around 14 000 people in Finland, is looking for students from all of Aalto's Schools for trainee programmes and summer jobs. There are also thesis projects, through which many people end up working for OP Financial Group.

"University students are our main target group, from which we want to attract new talent. At the fair, we will be able to show the wide range of jobs we offer, from technology development to marketing and from basic banking services to design," says Aku Buckbee, Employer Branding Specialist at OP Financial Group.

The ability to express one’s own skills came out on top of the list in a survey of university alumni on the factors that influenced their employment after graduation. In addition to previous work and internship experience, Aalto alumni also stress the importance of contacts and networks. 

In addition to employer meetings, Aalto Talent Expo gave students the opportunity to hone their job search skills, chat with alumni about career paths and update their CVs. Students also met employers in advance in virtual JobTeaser meetings.

The working language can also be English

Around 5 000 students attended the Talent Expo organised by Aalto University Career Design Lab. Among them were many international students from Aalto University. Many of them headed for the stands where employers' signs announced their willingness to hire non-Finnish-speaking students. The signs also communicated the need for doctoral graduates and thesis opportunities.

Timi Turpeinen, a third-year engineering physics and mathematics student at Aalto, came to the fair with a summer job in mind.

"I'm looking especially for data analytics-related positions. Now, during the recession, I'm interested in what kind of companies are offering jobs to students in my field," says Turpeinen.

Now in its fifth year, Aalto Talent Expo has an established reputation among students and employers. See you again next year!

Text by Marjukka Puolakka