What do you know about Media jobs in Finland?!

by **Stevie** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 3:22 pm

Anyone have some ideas on Media jobs?

Just some basics on me...

I have a Bachelors degree in Communications and Politics, a tonne of unpaid work experience with media outlets including broadcast and print news services, as well as paid work with a Federal and a State Government agency in Australia. I have been published in a newspaper, online and soon to be in a magazine. My Finnish is basic, and quite rusty at the moment but it's something I would be more than willing to work at, and as a quick learner I'm sure i'd pick it up again pretty easily.

Hmmm, that's the basics.

Like I said, it's just a querie at this stage but any comments suggestions are most appreciated.

Also, any comments about work experience as opposed to paid work would be of interest also.

Thanks kids!

**Sponsor:**

by **Stevie** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 1:11 pm

Nothing? C'mon guys, surely ya have some suggestions.

Just thought I'd add. I haven't got an EU passport, though am waiting on an application for a Hungarian one. I am half Hungarian and as such should be entitled to one. I'm not certain as to what that allows me to do in terms of working in Europe but I'll find that out closer to receiving the passport. There's a tonne of paperwork etc to get through before I will know anything in terms of that passport.

I do however have the Finnish working holiday visa at the moment. I know that limits me to three months in one job [I think] but it's a start. Hopefully I will get to use the damn thing. I was supposed to leave for Finland in the beginning of August but some things have come up, so fingers crossed I'll make it by the end of the year.

Any questions? Ask and I'll answer. Still up for suggestions though...

by **Rosamunda** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 2:26 pm

Everybody is being really quiet because we've all been told off for giving negative answers to newbies.... :oops:

Sorry, personally I don't have any ideas, suggestions or experience in media. But you sounded like you just wanted someone (anyone) to answer your post :wink:

. (My humble opinion is that without pretty fluent Finnish it would be difficult to get a "communications/media" job in Finland. There are lots of -unemployed, highly qualified - Finns up here who speak fluent English.... )

Why don't you try Hungary? The labour market is much more buoyant, especially for professionals and fluent English speakers are in MUCH shorter supply down there.

by **SediaAmore** » Sat Aug 21, 2004 3:46 pm

sedia

by **Stevie** » Sun Aug 22, 2004 10:05 am

Thanks for your efforts guys. I don't mind negative feedback, so long as you frame it the right way!

I wasn't desperate for an answer, I just thought there might be some people out there with ideas, it's kind of odd when some 33 people have looked at your post yet no one has a reply! Fair enough though, I know what it's like to be nosey!

Thanks though, any more suggestions/comments would be of interest.

by **superiorinferior** » Wed Aug 25, 2004 8:29 pm

If you know some Finnish, don't take the advice to go to Hungary(!)

However, as is the case worldwide in the media biz, knowing someone on the inside (of the company you might be interested in) ALWAYS helps.

Outside of that, check the YLE and other media outlets websites for employment ideas... mol.fi is pretty bereft of those types of job offers (at least they were back in the day).

You could always go freelance or come up with zany/cool ideas for subtv or nelonen ... (they seem to really need some good ideas).

my $0.02 ...

by **Caroline** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 6:43 pm

Hi Stevie!

I don't know if this information/perspective will help any, but one reason why it is often difficult to find secure work in any sector here is because companies and organizations like, whenever possible, to "hire" people for internship or trainee positions, because the government pays, and the company/organization isn't under any pressure to take them on full-time or on permanent contract.

As an example of this in the media sector, I am currently working on a documentary here in Oulu, and a non-profit media organization is generously letting our group use one of their cameras as well as an editing program. We had a mini editing course taught by someone who appeared to be a regular employee at the organization. His stint there has since ended, and we learned that he was in fact working there to fulfill his civil service duty (alternative to army service), and the government was paying his daily allowance.

Now, of course I am not saying that there are no jobs in media here, but superiornferior makes a good point that it really really helps to know the right people..and sometimes to just be in the right place at the right time.

by **Stevie** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 12:17 pm

What you said was interesting Caroline. Thanks.

I know what you all mean by it helps to know someone, it's the same anywhere in that respect, and unfortunately for me, I don't know anyone!! Well, I have a couple of low calebre contacts but no one who can really help me to get in anywhere.

I wasn't expecting the doors to be flung right open, I'm not mad! But yeah, like I said, just after some thoughts and opinions from those in the know, and as I haven't been to Finland for a few years (though hopefully will make it back by the end of this one) I'm no longer in the know.

Still will check back if anyone wants to post some more...but thanks guys.