Working Alongside Studies 

In October, we aim to highlight the theme of Working Alongside Studies. Many students have resumed their studies in August/September, and several may be looking for work to complement their studies. Throughout the month, there will be four separate social media posts on Instagram on the reimari.info account – so be sure to follow the account to stay updated on other relevant topics as well. The themes for the month will include Identifying Your Interests & Openness, Job Searching and Applications, Employment Contracts and Interviews, and Remember to Take Care of Your Well-Being. 

The purpose of this article is to delve a little deeper into the month’s theme. The social media posts and the article consider the target group of young people under the age of 29. 

Identifying Your Interests & Openness 

When searching for a job, it is essential to identify what kind of work you want to do. A good way to explore different job opportunities is to take career assessment tests. One possible career assessment test is Nuortennyt.fi – duunikone. On the other hand, if you are studying for a profession and have the chance to work in your field, it is crucial to take advantage of those career-advancing opportunities. 

Your interests and openness are a significant part of job searching. When you are open to different job opportunities and dare to show interest, you can discover amazing and educational job possibilities. While it’s good to know what kind of work you want to do, trying something outside your comfort zone can lead to pleasant surprises. You can find open job positions online by searching, for example, “Open jobs Vaasa.” You might also discover interesting job advertisements by browsing the following websites: Duunitori, Oikotie and Kuntarekry. Additionally, you can ask friends if they know anyone offering open positions – previous internship places are also great sources for inquiring about open job placements. 

Searching for a job and Applications 

Beware, while browsing around the city in shops and on the streets, you might come across several different job advertisements. For example, some clothing stores may inform about open job placements next to the entrance or near the cash registers. If you find yourself interested in a job in these situations, it’s a good idea to be brave and ask an employee for more information right away – this way, you can get essential tips for the specific job and its application process. 

Identifying your strengths helps while searching for a job, because it allows you to discover traits that would be very beneficial in a specific work community. Are you innovative, quick learner, or perhaps analytical? Every trait is useful in a work environment and for companies. During job interviews, you may be asked about your strengths, which is why recognizing and utilizing them in your work is a significant advantage. Duunitori has listed five ways to identify your strengths – you can therefore use various sources and methods to recognize your own strengths. 

When applying for jobs, it is essential to ensure that your resume is in order. Employers get their first impression of a candidate from the CV, and they may call you for an interview based partly on that. An application letter is a more informal concept when applying for jobs, allowing you to highlight your skills and strengths more specifically – why would those particular traits make you an essential addition to the workplace? Reimari will hold a CV workshop on Wednesday, October 30, at 16.30on the second floor of Kultsa, where the goal is to work on your CV. Everyone will have the opportunity to work independently but help and guidance will also be available. 

Employment Contracts and Interviews 

There are different types of employment contracts, and it is essential to familiarize yourself with them when you start looking for jobs. Searching for a job becomes easier when you can exclude open positions that do not offer contracts suitable for your studies. For example, a student-friendly employment contract could be part-time, meaning you work fewer hours than a full day. 

Job interviews are suspenseful situations for both the candidate and the interviewer. It’s beneficial to prepare for interviews so that you feel confident and relaxed during the actual interview. Duunitori’s website lists frequently asked questions in job interviews. You can write down your answers before the interview to help you remember them better during the conversation. However, the most important thing in an interview is to be yourself and trust in your abilities. Before the interview, you can listen to your favorite music or seek encouragement from close friends. 

Remember to Take Care of Your Well-Being! 

It’s important to recognize your limits while working, especially when balancing work with studies. If you don’t take care of your well-being, it will affect you mentally, physically, and socially. It’s advisable to minimize stress factors, and if you notice that your stress is becoming too much, it’s good to talk openly about it and find ways to reduce it. Good social relationships promote well-being and resilience, so maintaining them is important. You can also utilize your resources to support your well-being – these apply not only to job searching and working but also to taking care of your overall health. Rest is part of resilience. During rest, the body recovers, so getting enough rest is crucial for maintaining your energy. 

Practical links 

Career assessment test:  

https://nuortennyt.fi/en/for-young-people/job-explorer/ 

Vacant positions : 

https://www.kuntarekry.fi/fi/tyopaikat/vaasa/ 

https://tyomarkkinatori.fi/en/personal-customers/vacancies 

Ways to identify your strengths: 

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-can-you-identify-your-professional-strengths-mklgf 

 

Frequently asked questions in job interviews: 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/top-interview-questions-and-answers 

Other useful resources for job searching and employment:  

https://barona.fi/vinkit-tyonhakuun 

https://studies.helsinki.fi/ohjeet/artikkeli/vinkkeja-tyonhakuun 

For academic students: 

https://www.vamk.fi/en/student/guide/job-opportunities 

https://www.uwasa.fi/fi/vanha-opiskelijat/urapalvelut/tyonhaku