Why do we talk about networking and employment at Familia?

Between 2017 and 2020, the Partner's path project focused on improving the well-being and employability of foreigners with a Finnish spouse. After the end of the project, Familia kept working on the employment theme, as it is so central to intercultural families' well-being in Finland. How do you look for a job in Finland when you know no one else except your Finnish partner? Why can't your partner support you more in your job-search? Who could guide you in writing your resume or your cover letter? Most of our activities focus on practical and peer support, but one of them aims at giving couples time and space to think about concrete and practical ways to support one another: our +Workshops. In the +Workshops, we explore different practical aspects of job-hunting, and give couples tips on how to support each other, both ways, and networking is one of the topics that we cover.

In one’s own home country, networks are built since childhood. Networks come from your family, your family’s friends, school, hobbies that you’ve had growing up, local community’s activities etc. In your home country you also have developed, on top of that social network, a professional network. Colleagues, partners, people working in your sector that you met at professional events. You have direct networks (people that you know personally) and indirect networks (friends of friends for example). In both these networks, you have developed different kinds of relationships, based on shared interests, and mutual help and support. You knew who could help you with something, and people would turn to you for other topics.
​
When moving to Finland, most people have to start all over again. Your partner and sometimes his friends and family become your only network. This can create a lot of stress and anxiety for both the foreign and the Finnish partner. Unwanted power dynamics in the couple, isolation and loss of self-esteem may develop, and hinder both the couple’s relationship and the job hunting and integration process.

Before talking more about the importance of networks in job hunting in Finland, it is important to understand the importance of networks for one’s well-being, mental and physical health. Isolation, depression and anxiety are extremely common among foreign partners. Making friends (of your own), feeling useful, heard and supported is extremely important. Peer support groups, hobbies and volunteering are three ways of making friends. Do not neglect the importance of friends and social life, as your mental health and well being are the foundation of a well-functioning job hunt.

Networks, especially in Finland, are the key to find a job. 7 to 8 jobs out of 10 (in Spring 2020) are not advertised, and most people find their jobs through their networks and personal contacts. Networking requires you to put yourself in contact with strangers and might feel a bot uncomfortable and scary. You can participate to fairs, go to events from your own industry and go to actual networking events. But other ways also exist to expand your professional networks:

• Let people know that you are looking for a job. When meeting a new person, regardless of their background or position, make sure to mention who you are, what you can do and what you are looking for. Contacts and opportunities often come from people you were not expecting. Mentioning that you are looking for a work opportunity is a constant part of your job-hunting process.
• Find a mentor. Many different programs exist nowadays in Finland, that pair a mentor and a mentee. A mentor is a person that has an already existing network and who is willing to introduce you to it. Mentors are a great way to build up trust with a professional. You can receive some precious insights, support and tips from someone working in your field, which can really work as an accelerator for your job-hunting process.
• Volunteering is a very efficient way to build up social and professional networks at once, develop your skills and showcase your abilities in a professional context.

​
In the + Workshops we explore how, together with your partner, you can develop your networks and increase your well-being and employability. You can read more about the + Workshop and our other employment related activities on our website.