OTE Group of Companies (HTO)’s Post

part 1 I'd like my first post in 2024 to be about 2023, and there's a reason for that. Jos olet Suomessa, tämä koskee sinua varmasti. I started this year very differently compared to 23: less tension, less confusion, and less "exclusion." That's because I received the gift of integration from dear 23. Several factors were in place for me to get integrated in Finland, including the integration courses offered by the state, teaching us newcomers the language plus the life and work culture of Finland. But there is one thing I'm willing to highlight here, and that's what I experienced at Laavu Performance as an intern. I clearly remember when I first called Salla Ibrahim to ask for an internship place. She inquired about my expectations and what I was planning to do there. "I just want to be there." I told her. Yep, siinä se. Lyhyt ja ytimekäs. I just wanted to be there and experience what was going on in a real Finnish work environment in my field – something the "integration courses" couldn't offer, yet exactly what I needed to be able to define myself again in this whole new environment. Kuinka niin?! I can no way explain how living as a non-integrated newcomer feels like. Just imagine one of the worst things that can happen to a person. You lose literally everything, including your language, sense of the world, and identity. You become a newborn in the body of an adult! But integration is not something we can earn individually, nor is it going to happen inside the isolated environment of kotoutumiskoulutus. It's a two-way road between the newcomer and the hosting community – the whole community, not just the authorities usually engaged with immigrant matters. Kotoutuminen ei ole paketti, jota TE-toimisto voi tarjota maahanmuuttajille kotiin vietäväksi. It's a complicated process that can only happen by being immersed and engaged in the actual layers of society as a member. That was what Laavu gave me. (continued on my next post) #kotoutuminen #integration #2024vision

Make your potential shine! 🌟 🚀We have launched our summer #student practice program!🎓 Join us from July 29th to August 9th for a transformative learning experience. Learn from experienced #professionals, collaborate on innovative projects in Serbia and BiH, and gain hands-on #expertise that sets you apart. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.  👉🏻 For details take a look at the description in the first comment.

#Biospain2023: #interconnections and #young generations! 🇪🇸I went to #Barcelona to explore the #spanish #innovation #ecosystem. I found a space where solid roots have been planted for public-private #collaboration, where there is continuous #interaction between research institutes, universities, hospitals and companies. The #clusters, such as the one in #Catalonia and #Galicia, are certainly the connecting links.What I take home is a #young and #dynamic environment. Most of the people I spoke to were under 30 years old. I asked how they got into those positions, and almost none through cheap internships. Italy: you have a lot to #learn!#Travelling and #exchanging international best practices means trying to #import innovative and forward-looking models into our country, where the #newgeneration can only be at the centre. 

𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬! Last, but definitely not least, we would like to reintroduce Bilal Tsouli. Bilal is our latest addition to our team as our fourth Matchmaker. He has been a part of our team for a few months now and we are happy to tell you more about him below! We asked Bilal about what his opinion is on the work he does at Port of Opportunities. He responded: “At POFO, I commit myself to social engagement to advance the port and industry of Rotterdam with the beautiful initiative that is PofO. Many companies have had a long-standing need for employees with a specific expertise. This expertise is often found among #newcomers in the Netherlands, who are motivated to re-enter their own field of work. Therefore, it is my responsibility as a Matchmaker to make the right match between these two parties with mutual needs. When we asked Bilal how he found PofO, he told us that he used to do his internship at Watertalent in 2016. “Since then, I've always stayed in touch with them and visited every year for a cup of coffee. It has been on my mind for a while, but in February 2024, it was time to return to these roots. However, this time it was in a new organization called Port of Opportunities. After years of working in commercial environments, it was time for me to use my experience for societal purposes. That's why Port of Opportunities was the right match for me at the right time in my life. I find working here enjoyable, because our goal is to give newcomers in the Netherlands an opportunity and to guide them through this process. The #gratitude we receive for this is indescribable, and it gives me more energy to work within PofO. Additionally, it's a young team with a lot of creativity and freedom for new ideas.” “I have been involved with refugees in the Netherlands for many years, but also with peoples before they even have the chance to flee”, Bilal adds. “In my ideal world, no population should have to flee their own country, which is why I like to keep track of developments in those countries. Additionally, I do my best to constantly contribute to various population groups and I enjoy engaging in healthy discussions to create more awareness. By being involved in this way, I hope to understand these people from their perspective and then provide the best available assistance with Port of Opportunities.”

Many of my former colleagues have asked what I am up to these days. This summer, I did my first professional Finnish internship at Effective Altruism Finland ry. There, I also had an especially valuable meeting with Ada-Maaria Hyvärinen who gave me excellent career advice. This is how it went: As many of you know, I moved to Finland in March 2022 without any previous knowledge of Finnish and spent about 1 year to reach B1-B2 level, which I am still working on, because my goal is to find a job in Finland, preferably in a Finnish-speaking environment. During my studies, I have received a lot of support from the unemployment office (TE-toimisto) and Galimatias integration school, which had career guidance tutors on every module. During my internship at EA Finland I met Ada-Maaria, who is providing career advice sessions and I have to say, she was definitely the best career consultant I have ever met.  My case is not easy, since my education was in the field of language studies and translation, but since 2008 I have been involved in international trade of industrial machinery, engaging in sales, customer support, marketing, business process analysis etc.   Moving to a different country often comes with a career downgrade, not just because of the missing language skills, but also due to different requirements and standards. Ada-Maaria approached my case from different perspectives, showing me ways to continue, based on 1. my educational background and 2. my professional experience, and it was not just a general piece of advice (like, if you can’t find a job, just keep looking), but she pointed out to me places where I could apply directly and free educational courses which would boost my project management skills and allow to apply them in a different field, i.e. in IT sphere.     One of the important factors which is often left neglected, is realising your limitations, because it actually helps you move forward. It is a very EA thing actually, no one has unlimited resources, but we can be effective with what we have. We even talked about impactful hobbies which could provide psychological support and help with integration into the society. Thank you, Ada-Maaria! #merkityksellinentyö #internationalsinfinland #uratarina #efektiivinenaltruismi #effectivealtruism

🥎Skilio | Kickstart Your International Career With Skilio | 🥎 #FSD #FSDGEN4 #digitalmarketing #ecommerce 🥎 Skilio's "Kickstart Your International Career With Skilio" program unfolded like a map to boundless possibilities. From demystifying the benefits for career community members to unveiling the intriguing realities of remote internships in Singapore, the session fueled my desire to take a leap onto the global stage. 🥎The initial discussion on what's in it for career community members resonated deeply. The prospect of mentorship from seasoned professionals, networking opportunities with global companies, and access to exclusive skill development resources painted an enticing picture of accelerated growth. It felt like Skilio was offering a springboard to propel us towards international career success. 🥎The illustrations of fees and salaries provided a much-needed dose of practical context. Understanding the financial aspects of the program empowered me to make informed decisions. Seeing the potential salary range associated with Singapore internships was particularly motivating, highlighting the tangible rewards of venturing abroad. The session's deep dive into the Skilio Career Community timeline offered a reassuring roadmap. Knowing the step-by-step process, from application to internship completion, instilled a sense of confidence. The emphasis on personalized support throughout the journey further emphasized Skilio's commitment to our success. 🥎Finally, learning about what's expected as a remote intern in Singapore dispelled any lingering uncertainties. Understanding the work culture, communication nuances, and expectations for independent learning equipped me with valuable tools for thriving in this international environment. 🥎In conclusion, this exploration of Skilio's program did more than just present an opportunity; it ignited a passion for taking on the world. Skilio's comprehensive support, focus on personal growth, and access to real-world experience in Singapore paint a compelling picture of an enriching and transformational journey. This reflection leaves me feeling empowered and eager to embark on this international career adventure, armed with the knowledge and support provided by Skilio. The world feels like my oyster, and Skilio has provided the compass to navigate its endless possibilities.

ONE MONTH TO GO 🚀 We can't believe that the program kicks off in just one month! There's plenty of bustling around iX headquarters in Cape Town as we finalise curriculums, sign the last few contracts and map out the most epic lineup of activities and cultural excursions. We hope you're as excited as we are 🎉 #iXperience #iXSummer2024 #InternAbroad #InternationalStudent #Internationalnternship #ManagementConsulting #InvestmentFinance #SoftwareEngineering

May marks the onset of Midsummer in Sweden, a time of vibrant celebration. Amidst this festive season, I find myself navigating through a flurry of exams—be it for my driving license, SFI finals, or BTH's assessments. It's a challenging period, no doubt, but I'm fueled by the anticipation of acquiring new certifications, honing my skills, and unlocking doors to enhanced career prospects in Sweden. The allure of Sweden's spring and summer landscapes is undeniably captivating, offering a tangible slice of paradise that rejuvenates and inspires. In less than a year, I've got deeper into entrepreneurship, explored intricate investment and innovation strategies tailored for both traditional and digital enterprises. Additionally, I've been on a journey of learning a new language and immersing myself in diverse cultures within an internationalized atmosphere. As the shining skies of summer beckon, I eagerly anticipate further opportunities to solidify my presence in the Swedish job market and to continue my enriching journey of learning, experiencing, and contributing back to the community. #sommarjobb #summerjob #internship #jobopportunity #job #parttime #fulltime #remote #project

Businesses in the #Manawatu will benefit from a new partnership between #CEDA and #ManawaTech Businesses in the Manawatū will benefit from a new partnership between CEDA and ManawaTech as they support the Summer of Tech programme in 2024. With an aim to increase the number of recent tech graduates moving to the region, they will cover the Summer of Tech registration fee for participating businesses as well as co-funding 50% of the placement fee. “Tech plays such an important role across the whole ecosystem,” says Greg Bignall, CEDA Business Development Manager. “So there’s a nice synergy because tech cuts across all sectors that we focus on at CEDA.” Summer of Tech is a nationwide internship programme, established in 2006, that enables employers to connect directly with students and graduates on a digital platform, efficiently identifying best candidates for the roles and shortening the time spent recruiting. It also provides access to a tech-focused talent pool which makes it easier for businesses to go directly to students with related tech skills..... https://bit.ly/44KsIL6 ManawaTech Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) #NewZealand #Business #Tech Katherine Blaney Via nzentrepreneur.co.nz

Education system challenges is a burning topic in Lithuania right now. Everyone has their opinions on what’s not working – from demotivated teachers and super-involved parents to unruly students, and curriculum flaws. While waiting for the Minister to address these problems, let’s also consider what we can do as proactive individuals. 💡As business organizations, we have a unique role to play in shaping the future of education. Here are some actionable steps we can take: ✔️Sponsorship of "Renkuosi mokyti" Program ✔️Junior Achievement Program – Inviting Students for Shadowing Sessions ✔️EmpoweringGirls Initiative – Presenting Career Journeys in schools ✔️Becoming Mentors in Accelerator X program ✔️Inviting Students for Internships ✔️Collaborating with Universities – Presenting Lectures or Business Challenges to students ❓How is your company stepping up to enhance our education system? 👇Photo from today’s visit at International Business School and presenting business challenge with Marija Miselytė-Žilinskė! #becognizant