To be the best association for our international members, TEK needs places where their voices can be heard. That is why for the first time, we have started a Group for International Experts, dedicated to turning experiences into action.

In recent years, TEK’s offerings have become ever more accessible and tailored to international members. We should be proud of what has happened, while also recognising that challenges remain, writes Owain Hopeaketo.

This week, TEK is celebrating a week dedicated to our international members. Why is this happening, and why is internationality such a recent focus of TEK’s actions? Project Manager Owain Hopeaketo explains that this is a topic that affects more than just our international members.

On Thursday 17th October, the proposed three-month/six-month rule was handed to parliament. Despite positive changes, TEK remains firmly against this proposal.

The main reasons for getting a summer job might seem to be the same everywhere. In Finland however, they are even more important, as explained by TEK Project Manager Owain Hopeaketo.

You can all make a difference, and change the way our industry is treating foreign talent. You can battle for Finland’s reputation.

Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland TEK is opposed to the 3- or 6-month unemployment rule proposed by the government. For technology professionals, getting a new job after unemployment is a long and specialised process, which is not taken into account sufficiently in the proposal.

It is so important that we all find the sources of positivity, then shout them out as loud as we can. If we don’t treat Finland as something worth fighting for, we lose the motivation to make meaningful change.

“Do you know you have autistic traits?” It wasn’t a surprise to me when, during the pandemic and my complete burn-out at work, I was told this by a therapist.

The aim of my work is to improve the ability for international experts to both join TEK, and to find their place in Finnish society. That means it is a job of bridging gaps. These bridges cannot be built from one side alone.

TEK's Project Manager Owain Hopeaketo asked Finnish tech companies on their best tips for job search. Check out what they said.