How to improve your career prospects?
Based on a recent survey half of the companies in North Savo area feel that the lack of skilled work force is the major limitation to their growth and development of their business. This fact clearly show that there is jobs available for new talents — you just have to find these jobs. Even in the time of severe shortage of skilled labor most of the jobs are not readily advertised. The employers are relying more to their own contacts and networks in their recruiting process. Meaning that your own networks and your own visibility are the keys to your success in job hunting!
A great way to network is being active in your student organization activities — your fellow students are your future colleagues and they have the best information about study field specific job opportunities. Join in to some free time activity, to some sport club or other hobby group. You might meet your future employer there. Joining a trade union of your own study field is also a good idea. The fees for students and unemployed are usually very low or non existing. The trade unions organize events where you can meet your future colleagues and they usually offer career services for free. More info about Trade unions.
Get most of the career services what your own educational institution has to offer. Make a appointment to the career counselor — a chat with your career counselor helps you to recognize your own strengths and opportunities. Your local employment services can also help. For example Navigator in Kuopio is an easy to approach place offering career services, and even personal tutoring for job hunt. From Navigator you can also get help with other everyday issues.
Internships and training
Nothing compares to real job experience in the eyes of a recruiter when trying to get a work. A recruiter wants to see references from other employers, and the best way to get these references during your studies is to have an internship or summer job. An internship is also a safe way for a employer to get to know you and your skills.
An internship in a work place of your own study field is always a good option. You´ll get real work life experience, and you´ll see how to apply the knowledge gained from studies in real life situations — a great booster of your study motivation as well! Often you can include internships of your own study field to your studies, and get study credits. Just remember to discuss about the opportunity with your study counselor or training coordinator in your study programme before starting the internship.
If you have a residence permit for studies, then you can work 30 hours per week on average. The number of working hours can be exceeded in some weeks, as long as the average working hours are no more than 30 hours per week at the end of the year. There is no limitations on working hours if your internship is part of your studies and you´ll get study credits from it. The same applies also to other project works and thesis work.
