The Career Gateway – Oulu ICT Sector event, held on Tuesday, February 4th 2025, brought together job seekers, industry experts, and business representatives to explore career opportunities in Oulu’s thriving ICT sector. Organized by Business Oulu,International House Oulu, ICT Oulu, and OSKE, the event provided insights into the current job market, professional development resources, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Let’s review the highlights of the event and consider the importance of networking and community in today’s fast-paced tech world.
Support Services for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs
Manju Krishna Haridas, the event host and a representative of International House Oulu, introduced the support services available for international professionals. International House Oulu supports international professionals by providing career guidance, language support, and employment services. OSKE representatives Johanna Karjula and Anna-Mari Mäkelä introduced their career and business services, aimed at helping job seekers, students, and professionals find employment in Oulu. OSKE also provides mentorship, coaching, networking opportunities, and guidance on job market trends, internships, and industry needs.
Industry Overview and Outlook for the Near Future, Presented by Jussi Leponiemi
Jussi Leponiemi, highlighted Oulu’s strengths in wireless technologies, semiconductors, and AI-driven innovations. He noted that while Nokia remains a key player, small and medium-sized tech companies also contribute significantly to innovation and employment. Oulu leads in 6G research, with over 400 researchers dedicated to next-generation technologies. The semiconductor industry is a major driver of economic growth, with companies specializing in radio frequency integrated circuits and low-power AI solutions. Oulu also has unique pilot manufacturing facilities that enhance semiconductor research and development. AI is increasingly integrated into various industries, particularly in defense, healthcare, and industrial automation, improving efficiency in targeted applications.
Leponiemi acknowledged that the job market has been challenging over the past two years, affecting both new graduates and experienced professionals. However, he noted that hiring opportunities are gradually improving, with forecasts suggesting that Finland will experience a workforce shortage by 2027, increasing demand for skilled professionals. He encouraged job seekers to engage in short-term trial projects (3-4 weeks) to demonstrate their skills and improve their chances of securing permanent positions. He also stressed the importance of customized job applications and direct engagement with potential employers, as companies remain cautious about hiring due to budget constraints. The ICT Oulu website provides job postings, company directories, and industry updates, while Business Oulu continues to support international professionals in finding career opportunities.
Building Careers Through Networking at Electrobit Oy
Edson Silva, a software engineer at Electrobit Oy, shared his career journey and emphasized the importance of networking in job searching. He highlighted how referrals and active engagement with diverse communities helped him secure his current position. Laura Vähäsaari, a representative of Electrobit Oy, provided insights into the company’s inclusive and flexible work culture, specializing in automotive software solutions with a strong international workforce. With around 3,000 employees worldwide and 300 in Oulu, Electrobit values diversity and fosters an English-speaking work environment to support international professionals.
Silva discussed the challenges faced by international job seekers, particularly in getting their qualifications recognized. He advised attendees to actively participate in career fairs, online professional groups, and university networking events to build strong industry connections. Many job seekers struggle because they limit their interactions to people from their own backgrounds, whereas broadening their network increases opportunities. He emphasized that companies highly value both technical expertise and soft skills, such as adaptability and collaboration. Persistence and proactive engagement with employers significantly improve hiring chances, making networking a crucial strategy for career growth.
Gofore’s Digital Transformation Services, Presented by Virpi Saari
Virpi Saari introduced Gofore as a digital transformation consultancy prioritizing ethical and sustainable solutions. The company focuses on developing digital solutions that enhance business efficiency, ensuring that ethical considerations are at the core of technological advancements. Gofore has a strong reputation for its commitment to transparency and employee well-being, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development. With 1,500 employees across multiple countries, Gofore provides a collaborative environment where employees can thrive through training programs, mentorship, and career development opportunities. The company works on diverse projects across both the public and private sectors, including digital governance, smart cities, and AI-driven automation. Saari encouraged job seekers to specialize in key ICT skills such as AI, cybersecurity, and software development, as these fields are in high demand. She also emphasized the significance of communication and adaptability in consulting roles, as professionals need to effectively collaborate with clients and interdisciplinary teams to deliver impactful digital transformation solutions.
Skill Development and Networking, Presented by Tapio Lappalainen
Tapio Lappalainen from Business Oulu highlighted the importance of skill development, recommending Open University courses and practical projects to enhance job prospects. He encouraged job seekers to take advantage of free or low-cost online courses to upgrade their technical skills in fields like software development, engineering, and 3D printing. He also emphasized the importance of hands-on experience, suggesting that individuals engage in practical projects and create tangible work samples to showcase their abilities to potential employers. He stressed the value of hobbies in demonstrating expertise, noting that companies often appreciate candidates who show initiative through self-driven projects. Lappalainen also highlighted that networking plays a crucial role in Finland’s job market, as many opportunities arise through personal connections rather than job portals. Attending career fairs, industry meetups, and business networking events can help job seekers increase their visibility and establish meaningful professional relationships.
Älykäs Kainuu Project: Bridging Education and Industry, Presented by Outi Kanniainen
Outi Kanniainen from the University of Oulu introduced the Älykäs Kainuu project, which focuses on workforce development, education, and business collaboration. The project enhances cooperation between universities and companies to develop flexible educational solutions tailored to industry needs. It also promotes continuous learning and skills development to increase job opportunities for professionals in Kainuu. She outlined job opportunities in Kainuu’s ICT and technology sectors, emphasizing the region’s growth in AI, high-performance computing, and measurement technology. The initiative supports companies in finding skilled workers, addressing the talent shortage in the region. It connects students with companies through internships, thesis projects, and development collaborations, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the growing tech industry.
Oulu’s ICT Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Employment, Consulting, and Startups
Viera Karam outlined Oulu’s ICT entrepreneurship opportunities, including employment, consulting, and outsourcing. She explained Finnish business structures: light entrepreneurship for freelancers, private trader for consultants, and limited liability companies for those seeking investment. Business Oulu offers free consultations and resources. Oulu’s startup ecosystem includes Startup Station’s training and networking, the 14-week Startup Express program, and the Polar Bear Pitching event, attracting investors and media. Remote work opportunities are also available. Karam emphasized utilizing these resources, attending networking events, and exploring funding. She reiterated the free consultations from Business Oulu and NewCo, the accessibility of light entrepreneurship, and the structured approach of limited liability companies for scaling. Startup Station also offers pre-incubator programs. She encouraged participation in events like Polar Bear Pitching for visibility and feedback. Leveraging these resources helps entrepreneurs build networks and succeed.
Networking session
The event concluded with an interactive networking session where attendees connected with speakers, company representatives, and fellow job seekers. Discussions covered job openings, internship opportunities, and startup support. Companies expressed interest in international talent, emphasizing the importance of networking and soft skills in securing employment.
The Career Gateway event provided a realistic look at the opportunities and challenges in Oulu’s ICT sector. While the job market remains competitive, those who actively network, develop relevant skills, and explore alternative career paths like entrepreneurship have a better chance of success. The event reinforced the importance of adaptability, persistence, and making use of available resources to navigate the evolving job landscape.
Looking to the future, ICTOulu invites you to connect with us. We facilitate connections between talented individuals and companies seeking their expertise, continuing our commitment to Oulu’s dynamic tech community.