Guide to Finding a Great Job 

18.11.2024 0 Like 0 kommenttia

Networking, dreaming, actualising, trail blazing, resumes, interviews and some cups of tea.

This guide is broken down into several sections. I will begin with a childhood story of getting my first job. A story that reflects the job market in Finland and a useful attitude. I will also share one of my best tips. The next section focuses on non-art-related work and answers important questions such as how to be brave. Finally, I will delve into Art related work. There are two other blogs that are very informative and worth reading, here and here.

This blog is published in series with these other blogs:

• Crafting Financial Stability: Investing for Artists
• Bud­get­ing Tips for Art Stu­dents
• How to open a bank account in Finland?

And this podcast episode (coming soon).

My Story 

When I was 12 I lived in Maleny, a small cute town in Australia. I decided that it was time to get a job and had the idea that the most awesome place to work would be… a bookstore! I asked my wise father for advice. Following his words of wisdom I went into each of the three bookstores in town, handed in my resume and a letter saying that I would like to volunteer. This was the beginning of beautiful years working at Rosetta Books. 

This story captures the essential element of how to find a job. Broken into steps it goes: 

1. Think of the best place that you would like to work. 
2. Make contact. 
3. Get the job and enjoy working. 

How This Reflects Finland? 

In Finland, 70% of jobs are hidden. This means that most jobs are not posted about and are instead found by word of mouth. It is a good idea to send an email to the place where you would like to work. One of the best things you can do is tell other people that you are looking for a job. 

My Best Tip!

Others have disagreed on this which makes it an even stronger tip. Make your resume your own and invest your time in an original design. A resume doesn’t have to be boring. Some design aspects to think about include font, text and letter spacing, colour palette, columns, symbols, lists, design, infographics, layout and decorations.  

Websites 

The most common job posting site in Finland is TE services open jobs page.  ​​If you’re a non-Finnish speaker, click ‘avoimet työpaikat’ and select postings in English under ‘enemmän hakuehtoja’. Overall, this website is generally found to be disheartening because most job openings are professional, but don’t give up! 

Also check some Facebook sites, Duunitori and Helsinki City site.

Position Ideas 

In no particular order here as some ideas to inspire you: 

• Teach your language
• Gardener
• Event organizer
• Restaurant worker
• Exhibition invigilator
• Museum guide
• Babysitter
• Summer job
• Ice cream seller
• Cycle for Wolt
• Intern
• Volunteer
• Barista
• Library assistant
• Art therapist
• Graphic designer
• Illustrator
• Framers 
• Art supplies store 
• Retail 
• Tea shop 
• Organic farm worker

The Harder Truth for International Students 

While this guide aims to help all students, it’s important to acknowledge the extra challenges faced by international students. Despite English being widely spoken in Finland, those who speak Finnish have an advantage in the job market. Additionally, international students often face higher fees and lack government support. The international community is so strong.

H​​ow to be Brave? 

It takes some true grit to tell people that you are looking for work, make contact, have a job interview, start work and all of those scary steps. But how do you actually be brave? Maybe some of these points will vibe with you:

• Change into a person who could____. I once read a sci-fi book where the main character could change into other people. She would ‘change into a person who could’ swim, fly, cast a spell or whatever the situation called for. You can instantly become a version of yourself that can do the task at hand. 
• Set short-timed goals. For example, work on resume for 20 minutes, send this email within 10 minutes. This can help to keep up motivation and break something big down into little pieces. 
• Ask a friend for help and practice. 
• Do something scary. Like bouldering! 
• Focus on what you can do. 
• Reward and encourage yourself greatly for the achievements you make. 

Non-art-based work and Art based work 

While studying to become an artist, working in the art field would be ideal. I have heard of some students with art-related jobs, for example, teaching, illustration and stage design. From my experience it is easy to make a liitle bit of income from art while studying, for example selling art at Christmas sales and receiving funding for projects or residency. But finding an art-related job is challenging. After graduation income seems to come from multiple sources including funding, teaching, selling art, writing and working in an organisation. 

Conclusion

Finding a job as an art student involves creativity, persistence, and networking. Use these strategies to navigate the job market, leverage your unique skills, and stay proactive. Good luck in your job search, and remember, your dream job is out there!