UTUambassador Asanka smiling, with autumn leaves on the background

Getting an internship in Finland as an international student: Asanka’s story

Asanka Pathirana

When I first moved to Finland, I didn’t know exactly what to expect when it came to finding a job or internship — especially as an international student still learning the language. In 2023, I began studying at the University of Turku, and from the start, I often heard things like: “It’s really hard to find an internship or job in Finland.” While that can be true in some cases, I also started seeing examples of people who made it work — and that gave me hope.

By August 2023, I was already thinking about how I could find something meaningful in my field. I began exploring open positions right after starting my studies, and while juggling a job alongside full-time coursework seemed intense, I decided to focus my energy on landing a summer internship instead. I thought: Why not aim for a summer job? I’ll have a break then, and I can focus entirely on working.

That’s when I really started searching seriously. I checked company websites and used LinkedIn almost daily. I wasn’t exactly sure which field I would end up in, but I did have over five years of work experience from back home, so I figured: Maybe I should stick to something that connects to that experience. I knew that as a non-EU student without Finnish skills, I needed something to give me a competitive edge — and my background was the one thing that could do that.

I applied to around 30 positions. Nothing happened at first. But then suddenly, I got an invitation for an interview — and not just any company, but a reputable Finnish one. I was shocked. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

The interview lasted a whole hour. It was intense, but here’s what helped me: I stayed genuine. I wasn’t afraid to say “I don’t know” when I didn’t know something. That’s one thing people forget — you’re applying for a traineeship, not a senior role. You don’t have to know everything. In fact, the whole point is that you’re there to learn.

Here are a few things that made a difference for me — and I hope they help you too:

  • Be on time. It matters in Finnish work culture.
  • Be genuine and clear. If there’s something you don’t know, admit it. But also show your willingness to learn.
  • Don’t overtalk. Answer questions clearly, but don’t take forever either.
  • Prepare for more than one interview. Some positions include a technical or second-round interview, especially if the role is more specialized.

The competition for internships in Finland is very high. If you get an interview, don’t panic — but take it seriously. Come prepared. Bring your A game. Be confident — but not arrogant. Sometimes being too confident can come off the wrong way. On the other hand, being too flexible or saying “yes” to everything might make you seem desperate.

Know what you want. Know why you want it. And be able to explain it clearly and with purpose. That makes a huge difference.

One more thing I realized early on was how much of a difference your choice of minor or additional studies can make. In Finland, your degree structure gives you a lot of flexibility — so use it to your advantage. I made sure to pick courses that were in high demand, Even if your main field is specialized, adding something practical and job-market-relevant can really boost your profile. I expressed how my extra studies bring value to that position.

Now, a quick word about appearance: Finnish culture isn’t superficial, and most companies won’t care too much about how you dress — but I still think your outfit should match the company’s vibe. Do your homework. See how the company presents itself and tailor how you present yourself to match that.

Lastly, if your Finnish isn’t fluent (or you can’t speak it at all), and they still invited you to an interview, be honest. Let them know that Finnish is still a work in progress, but you’re ready to work and communicate in English. Don’t hide it. Be upfront.

Confidence and transparency go a long way.

I followed these principles, and I not only completed my first traineeship, but I also did my master’s thesis at the same company. That experience gave me a huge edge for the future — an industrial thesis teaches you practical skills and exposes you to real-world challenges, which is something employers really value. Plus, you get paid well while earning study credits — so it’s a win-win.

What’s even better is that by applying the same strategy, I landed another internship at a different Finnish company — this time also a well-known corporate. So yes, opportunities do exist. They might not come every day, but if you prepare well and stay ready, one good opportunity can open many doors.

And if you don’t get a job right away, or if an interview doesn’t go well, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The Finnish job market is challenging for everyone — even locals. The key is your resilience. How fast can you bounce back? How smartly can you reflect, learn, and adjust your approach.

Also — use the resources you have. Most universities in Finland offer free career guidance. For example, at the University of Turku, I used Rekry services. They help you with your CV, give tips for writing cover letters, and explain how to tailor your application for the Finnish or Nordic job market. If you’re an international student and unsure where to start, this is a good place to get help.

All the best! Keep a positive attitude. The tougher things get, the stronger you’ll be. 💪