Savonia’s student Kolindo Nika recently graduated as an engineer from the Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology (Internet of Things) degree programme. A significant milestone was followed by another one when the young man secured himself a position as an R&D Software Engineer at Genelec.

Kolindo Nika, originally from Albania, developed a passion for technology as a young child. His father worked for an internet services company, and the family was technically oriented. When Kolindo got his first computer, he didn’t just play with it but opened the gadget to see what was inside. At the age of 14, he started to develop small robots and other software projects. Later, projects turned into a business when he started selling software.

After graduating from high school, Kolindo searched for universities to pursue his studies and learned about the IoT engineering degree in Savonia. The comprehensive approach to education, which went beyond traditional computer science, appealed to him. The uniqueness of the degree and potential of the IoT sector in the labour market tipped the scales in Finland’s direction.

Moving into the unknown turned out to be the right decision

When Kolindo moved to Kuopio, all he knew about Finland was that the weather would be cold, and the quality of life would be high. However, life in the new country got off to a nice start, studies went smoothly, and friends were found.

As his studies progressed into the third year, Kolindo saw an advertisement for a traineeship that matched his professional interests. Working as a trainee at Genelec has gone well, as now, a year later, the ambitious young man has been appointed to R&D Software Engineer.

Kolindo considers working for a renowned company important for his career. He also feels a great responsibility to meet the objectives and help Genelec stay ahead in a competitive market.

“It’s great to learn from people who have in-depth expertise in their field,” Kolindo says.

Kolindo describes the Finnish work culture as efficient and punctual. He considers teamwork, mutual support, and trust in everyone’s skills to be special strengths.

“This kind of approach motivates and drives everyone towards common goals. This, in turn, is reflected in the results as excellent products and services that can cope with international competition, Kolindo emphasizes.

Finland offers an opportunity for a good life

Kolindo is so fascinated by the lifestyle in Finland that he sees himself living in the country long-term.

“The way of life is calm, and people respect each other’s space. It creates a harmonious environment, he sums up.

From Albania, Kolindo misses his family, friends, and the Mediterranean climate and food. Nevertheless, he believes Finland offers excellent opportunities for a good life and professional growth. Maybe he could start a family here one day, but before that, he will focus on his career and learning Finnish.

Finding a job is the key to integration

For international students to stay in Eastern Finland, they must be included in the local working life. Traineeships that match education and career aspirations are key to professional and social integration.

The Eastern Finnish educational institutions UEF, Savonia, Sakky, Karelia, Riveria and YSAO have joined forces to solve the problem. The Talent Hub Eastern Finland cooperation aims to ensure that international students arriving in the region find their place, secure employment, and integrate into Eastern Finland. Students are helped concretely to familiarise themselves with Finnish working life, build networks, learn the language, and find internships, jobs and business opportunities.

An example of services aimed at students is the joint mentoring programme of Savonia and UEF, which is repeated annually, where international students get to know Finnish working life and build their networks. The mentors are working life professionals from several different fields in Eastern Finland. Mentoring is done in small groups, which guarantees the opportunity to participate for as many international students as possible.

Employers are also supported in identifying the potential of international students and finding a skilled workforce. There will be concrete tools for recruiting, onboarding and learning the language at the workplace, as well as for adapting to the Finnish work culture. The aim is to lower the threshold for hiring international talent and make it a natural part of organisations’ everyday operations.

Talent Hub Eastern Finland is a project co-funded by the European Union.