Is Finland still worth it for an international Computer Science student who wants to build a long-term career there?
Hi everyone,
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by Finland. I honestly don't know why, but something about the country has always inspired me. The education system, the fact that it has consistently been ranked among the happiest countries in the world, the work-life balance, the nature, the culture, and the quality of life—Finland has been my dream for as long as I can remember.
I'm currently applying for a Bachelor's in Computer Science at Finnish universities as an international student.
However, I've been reading mixed opinions about the tech job market. Some people say it's becoming difficult for entry-level software engineers, while others say there are still good opportunities if you have the right skills.
I'm not looking for unrealistic reassurance—I just want an honest picture from people who actually live in Finland or have studied there.
A few questions:
How difficult is it for an international bachelor's graduate to get their first software engineering job?
Is the current entry-level tech market really that bad?
Does not speaking Finnish make it significantly harder, even in software development?
If someone works hard, builds strong projects, gets internships, and graduates with good skills, is finding a job still realistic?
If you were in my position today, would you still choose Finland?
I'm genuinely passionate about software engineering and I'm prepared to put in the work. I enjoy coding, I'm willing to build projects, practice algorithms, network, and do whatever it takes to become a strong candidate.
I'd really appreciate honest advice—both positive and negative. I want to make an informed decision before committing to this path.
Kiitos! 🇫🇮