1. w w w. h a m k. f i The employability of foreign UAS students: Case Pajatso Project Salla Niittymäki Project Manager, Pajatso Project HAMK University of Applied Sciences salla.niittymaki@hamk.fisalla.niittymaki@hamk.fi, p. 0400 127 815

2. w w w. h a m k. f i The big picture Regional development task of UAS →Competitive strength for companies →The internationalization of companies International competence is not in full use at the moment →Finnish labour market makes scant use of international graduate’s skills We do not maintain contact with our talented foreign students after they graduate →Serious brain drain takes place every year

3. w w w. h a m k. f i Background for Pajatso Project 6 International Degree Programmes –5 BEng programmes and 1 BBA programme –600 foreign students + 150 exchange students from more than 50 countries The employment after graduation is difficult The connections to the business life are few and random

4. w w w. h a m k. f i Pajatso Project Target group: the foreign degree programme students of HAMK Objective: to enhance the employability of the target group Means: –Improving career guidance and the employability skills of students –Increasing company cooperation and business life connections Project facts: 1.5.2012-31.12.2014 Funded by EU Social Fund and ELY Centre of Häme www.hamk.fi/pajatso

5. w w w. h a m k. f i Career planning and employability enhancing activities Career events, Working in Finland Event, International Networking event Career lectures, sessions, workshops: Boost your job seeking skills, Tools for work search Personal advising: CV-clinics and e-mail advising Work Search Helpdesk Tools for work search course Using LinkedIn in work search (trainings and video Career Planning material in student portal Code of Conduct of HAMK = Parts of new career guidance plan of HAMK

6. w w w. h a m k. f i Friend Family Activity Programme Puhutaan Suomea Campaign Preparing Finnish language material for Professional Studies -> integrating Finnish language into professional studies Alumni Activities Surveys for graduates Creating follow-up system FUAS (HAMK+LAMK+Laurea) career guidance and career services cooperation Other activities

7. w w w. h a m k. f i Company cooperation to boost the employability Labour market and recruiting have changed dramatically in previous years –The importance of networks and social media has increased Most used recruiting ways according to the report of Ministry of Employment and the Economy (2011): –Informing current employers about the open position –Contacts to previous employees and to people who have previously applied to open positions in the company

8. w w w. h a m k. f i Company cooperation activities Commercialising the competence of international students to the benefit of companies and their internationalization –General marketing materials –Marketing materials of project courses –Culture Coaching Programme Contacting companies and doing marketing –E.g. Kasva ja kansainvälisty annual event at Hämeenlinna Implementing company projects + Work Shadowing Programme + Mentoring Programme + RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)

9. w w w. h a m k. f i Company cooperation example 1 C.P.E. Productions Ltd, Forssa –Mechanical Engineering project in a course –International Business market entry project in a course –Thesis projects will start later –Company CEO participated also Friend Family Activity and will possibly be a mentor in Mentoring Programme

10. w w w. h a m k. f i Company cooperation example 2 Automation engineering company from Häme region wanted to find a subcontractor in Latvia →We collected a student team of Latvian students, organized the project, the students did research in Latvia and found four suitable subcontractors. The cooperation with a suggested subcontractor is starting soon and our student is possibly employed to the project.

11. w w w. h a m k. f i Code of Conduct Guidelines Background: There are various unwritten rules and ways to behave in Finland and in work places. It is impossible to know and learn them, if nobody tells you about them. Finnish employers point out that too often foreign employees have weak knowledge of the Finnish work culture.

12. w w w. h a m k. f i HAMK Code of Conduct The HAMK Code of Conduct is a guide that explains the principles of how how to behave in different situations at HAMK, generally in Finland and in Finnish workplaces. The material in pdf: https://wiki.hamk.fi/display/materiaalit/PAJATSO -hanke https://wiki.hamk.fi/display/materiaalit/PAJATSO -hanke

13. w w w. h a m k. f i Content of the code 1.Rules are made to be obeyed 2.Treat others with respect and dignity 3.Observe and adapt to the local culture 4.Be punctual, be on time, be present 5.Be honest 6.Have the right aptitude and attitude 7.Appearance counts 8.Develop yourself and proceed in your career 9.Be sustainable 10.Know your rights and obligations

14. w w w. h a m k. f i “In Finland, we are very commited to following all laws and regulations.” ” Written guidelines are widely used and adhered to.” ” Lack of eye contact is taken for dishonesty and untrustworthiness.” ” It is extremely important to inform others in case you are late/absent from work or a meeting.” “Taking your hat off indoors is a way to show respect towards other people - this is a cultural norm in Finland.”