1. Look for information online.
I studied computer science at university in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. My father was hoping for me to study abroad. It was 2004, and the University of Helsinki was recruiting international students. We had a slow internet connection at home, but I managed to obtain all necessary information online about applying.
Today all information can be found on the web in Finland: how to apply to study programmes or for a job, how to organise your life here, where to get help with family issues, and so on. Before you do anything, it’s advisable to first look for basic information online.
2. Ask for help, Finns will help you all right.
I had read on the web that Finns are quiet. When I first moved to Kuopio to study, I found out that people were very friendly, frank and helpful instead. It’s worth asking for help. Even if Finns should first say that they are busy, they will help you nevertheless.
3. Focus on the essential when looking for employment.
The things that I knew about Finland when I moved here were Nokia, the Linux operating system and great opportunities in the IT industry. But it was hard for me to find my first job here, although I put in many applications. My first job was related to software testing, but I moved on to software development with my second job.
Even if you don’t have work experience in your chosen field, it’s worthwhile presenting all your relevant studies and all work experience in your CV, but you should focus only on relevant skills in the job interview. The best employment opportunities in Finland can be found in Helsinki and elsewhere in the Uusimaa region.
4. The government provides support. Apply for it.
I founded the Reactron Technologies software company in 2019. Anyone contemplating entrepreneurship should acquire basic information on running a business and the financing opportunities available for entrepreneurs.
We received financial support from the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment and from Business Finland. If you possess no business skills, it’s advisable to find a partner or to put together a team. Solo self-employment is very lonely, and it’s easier to make big decisions in a team.
5. Network, network, network.
I founded a business because I had received the model of entrepreneurship from my father. I got to know people and customers at work. In addition, I attended many events to network, including the Slush startup event in Helsinki. I met a large number of people and learned a tremendous amount about the industry. The contacts I made at the events also helped me to find my team members.
6. If you want to make friends with Finns, ask them for a drink.
Most of my friends are foreigners, and many are Vietnamese. I also have good Finnish friends and many acquaintances whom I can contact, including my former bosses and colleagues.
If you want to break the ice and get to know Finns better, ask them for a drink – it’s easier to chat over a drink!
7. Respect off-hours.
By the time I started my own business, I had learned in 15 years everything that I needed to know about the Finnish workplace culture, and I wasn’t surprised by many things. As an entrepreneur, I’ve worked long hours, and I first sent draft agreements to people late at night. When I was told that this was not done in Finland, I taught myself to time business email to working hours.
8. Even an entrepreneur can have a family.
As an entrepreneur, I’m very busy. Luckily my wife takes care of all matters related to family life. All information related to education, early childhood education and benefits can also be found online in Finland. Everything is very well organised, and the school system is magnificent.
I appreciate the fact that children are encouraged at school to use their heads and not only to give the right answer. I love it when my elder daughter tells me to give arguments to support my answers. This also teaches me to become a better salesman!
Trung Nguyen
- A 38-year-old entrepreneur, who moved from Vietnam to Finland in 2004
- Graduated from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, works in the IT industry
- Founder and CEO of Reactron Technologies Oy
- Married, the father of 10- and 3-year-old daughters
