Recently, I published an article in Russian about studying law in Finland describing basic and universal things that actually served as a reason for me to pursue LL.M. in Finland. I listed things that you most probably know, but still they come as a strong benefit that you cannot take for granted if you come from abroad, having studied in a really different culture:

Freedom of studies

I was really positively surprised about the freedom I was given in planning my studies, prioritising spheres of law on my own and just setting own deadlines. In my article in Russian, I described how it actually helps to develop some sort of business intuition, self-organisation and knowing your strengths and weaknesses. No matter in what professional sphere you will end up, it is amazing.

Academic research tied to your life

In my bachelor studies outside Finland, I perceived it as an extended academic writing assignment. Here it turns out to be an inspiring academic entrepreneurship effort. When you are not restricted in the scope of jurisdictions you can research, when you can choose sphere of law according to your interests (and come up with interdisciplinary research) you actually learn more about yourself and your professional interests. Not to mention the freedom of research planning that allows you to balance your research and work.

Study, work and study when you work

Actually, a long paragraph of my original article is dedicated to work-study balance that Finnish students get. A possibility to start internships in law-firms from the very beginning of the studies, combine it with studies (which may happen at two universities at the same time) and attend lectures organised by your employer is definitely something that amazes me.

Photo by Alexandra Shtromberg

I was asked to write a blog on employment rights for an international students. The draft is already somewhere on my laptop, but there is one important thing – any text of the contract is based on the culture and mentality. So, I decided to start with another thing – why Finland, and how a young student perceives it working culture.

1. Working is learning

Thesis traineeships is one of the amazing things I have discovered. For the firms who have it, it is a guarantee that their employee will not finalize the studies in a crazy race, but would rather take a break, get the necessary knowledge, strengthen competence and becomes even a better investment and a source of information. Because thesis is not just a thesis, that is the valuable source of information for the company, for the fellow employees. The knowledge that the future employee can implement in organizing educational events for the company, for the clients and the competence that would be visible from the documents.

I have seen that firms actually organise internal training events held by the trainees. And it is purely amazing. That is not the egalitarian gesture. I would say that it the way to show that each learning process is the process of mutual learning, and being able to learn on your own, pack your knowledge in the user-friendly way and deliver it to others.

2. Working is listening

My first work experience in Finland was in the field of sales. I do not have a degree in sales. But I have some idea of business intuition and inspiration to pitch. We had a daily morning planning meetings, and gathered in small groups to deliver our feedback and ways of improvement to our bosses. Every day. One may say that it was a wasted time and a summer worker with zero background in sales would not make such a good contribution to discussion. The opposite is true – as long as you listen carefully to the youngest with the freshest view of the view, you move forward.

3. Working close to the nature

That is generally more about urban infrastructure. And also the will of employers to compete for the best locations of the offices. I sometimes wonder – can working next to the sea and taking a morning run around beautiful parks become a routine? Hopefully, note! Not to mention, that 25 minute commuting to work already seems such a long trip to some of my friends.

4. Mentorship

Not to mix it with the tutorship when you get the technical quidance and work/study-related feedback. Trends in developing individual and group mentorship are becoming stronger, and this is purely amazing. Exchange of information through different cultures, ages, industries is not only about networking – it is about challenging your career plans, rethinking your plans, and again listening carefully.

5. Changing

Changing is not about constant education or getting additional degree – it is about providing employees of all ages with the change to grow and explore new spheres of competence. And support to travel abroad, open your mind and return back even as stronger employee. There are so many events going on, so many inspiring speeches and workshops that staying in the vacuum of your expectations formed during the very beginning of your university studies is already a challenge.