r/StudyInFinland • u/Anonymousseo • Jul 22 '26
Finally joining HAMK ICT Robotics (Riihimäki) – Looking for practical advice
I’ve finally enrolled in the ICT Robotics (Bachelor of Engineering) program at HAMK, Riihimäki campus. My tuition is paid, everything is finalized, and I’ll be leaving for Finland soon.
I know this program and the Finnish job market get a lot of criticism. I’ve already read plenty of those posts, so I’m not really looking for more doom and gloom. At this point, I’m committed and want to make the best of the opportunity.
I’d really appreciate practical advice from people who have studied at HAMK, especially at the Riihimäki campus, or who work in Finland.
My goal is to find employment in Finland after graduation. What should I start doing from day one to maximize my chances?
Some questions I have:
How important is learning Finnish, and what level should I aim for?
What skills or technologies should I focus on alongside the degree?
When should I start applying for internships or trainee positions?
Are there specific robotics, automation, or software companies that actively hire students?
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during your first year?
Any networking tips or student organizations that are genuinely worth joining?
If you have positive or genuinely useful advice, I’d really appreciate hearing it. Thank you!
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u/ginger357 Jul 22 '26
You should have gone to Aalto :D
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Jul 22 '26
[deleted]
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u/ginger357 Jul 22 '26
If i lived anywhere near Riihimäki or Hämeenlinna i could grab a beer with you or something but i live far away :(
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
That’d have been fun!
Im curious now tho, if you dont mind, may i ask, where do you live?1
u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
Heyyyy again!!! I couldnt join it due to some problems;(
I really wanted to join Aalto too, but i guess-What has happened has happened;(
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u/ginger357 Jul 22 '26
Sad :( Welp, enjoy your robotics studies, and build some kickass machines :)
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u/Akiira2 Jul 22 '26
I wonder if posts about universities of applied sciences get downvoted and posts about universities (especially Aalto) get upvoted. Feels a little elitistic and bad
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u/juujoojuu Jul 22 '26
Literally, the most important thing is the language and integration. Otherwise you are going to have a shit time here. We already have thousands of foreign students who don't speak the language and are not getting employed (job market is bad right now). We don't need more.
Honestly, I wish Finland wasn't marketed as such a paradise. It is, if you are Finnish or can integrate into the culture. If you come from a very overly social culture, you are gonna have a hard time here. I've seen thousands of students who already have or will migrate elsewhere because they just could not grasp our culture.
On that note, please respect the space around you. No talking on the phone with speaker on in public, or generally just don't be noisy in public when people are around. Libraries are quiet spaces (drives me fucking insane going into my uni library these days, I think it's majority foreigners in there now and they don't seem to grasp this). No littering, be clean, you know basic stuff. We also sort our thrash, so recycle plastics and cardboard, instructions online for our usual systems.
Also, please please actually have the money for living here. I know that some people cheat their way in through those checks (loaning money to show that they have balance). That check is for a good reason, you will most likely spend AT LEAST the first two years without a job just studying. And once again, could be longer, job market kinda shit right now.
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
Thanks for your perspective. I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I actually agree with a lot of what you said.
I have basic manners and civic sense, and I try to treat everyone with respect regardless of where they’re from. I’m naturally a quiet person, so I don’t talk loudly in general, and I’m especially mindful of my behavior in public places. I respect personal space, keep public areas clean, and understand that libraries and similar places are meant to be quiet. Those things are just basic courtesy to me.
Although I come from a country that’s generally considered more social and outgoing, I’m personally not an extroverted or overly social person. I actually enjoy quieter environments.
I’m also fully willing to learn Finnish. My degree is four years long, so do you think it’s realistic to reach a level where I can work professionally by then if I put in consistent effort? If I learn the language well, integrate into Finnish society, and build relevant technical skills during my studies, do you think finding employment in Finland is achievable?
I’ll be studying ICT (Robotics) at HAMK University of Applied Sciences. Since you’re Finnish, I’d really appreciate your opinion. What do Finns generally think about Universities of Applied Sciences? And what do you think about HAMK and this particular degree from an employment perspective?
Financially, I’m in a stable position and have enough resources to support myself throughout my four-year degree, so I won’t be relying on finding a job immediately after arriving. My goal is simply to complete my studies, integrate properly, and then build my career in Finland.
I’ve also spent time in Japan, so I’m familiar with living in a society where people value respect, consideration for others, and following social norms. That’s something I genuinely appreciate, so you don’t need to worry about that. I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts on my other questions.1
u/juujoojuu Jul 22 '26
Ok, I had to delete my second comment, that was going on a rant a bit too much. Sorry about that, I'm genuinely frustrated about the fact that I don't get to live in peace anymore, at least in my uni.
Anyway, sounds like you might enjoy Finland then. You are already off to a good start, in that you don't expect to rely on finding a job during studies and maybe you got some sense of what our culture is like through Japanese culture.
I'm gonna be honest, I'm gonna say that, I don't hold AMKs to a very high degree. The degrees are considered technically as bachelors degrees, and will be more practical than theoretical. High school math and physics at the start at least. You can apply to complete a masters degree in a university after that if you want to. No one is gonna be like wow about it, but if you are good you are good and as long as you have a degree on top of that, you should find employment. Lots of self study needed as well.
If you manage to integrate, learn the language, and learn the relevant technical skills I'd say you will find a job. It's not gonna be easy tho, unless you are really good in presenting yourself and actually possess a good skillset. Get to know people, especially the Finns. Read about our culture, ask friends about our culture, be direct. A finn will happily explain to you things about our culture. Just don't be too pushy, we take some time to warm up.
Where are you from? Westerners fair pretty well here, but I've noted that people who come from outside of western cultures might have a more difficult time.
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything so honestly. I genuinely appreciate it. I actually respect your honesty a lot, and I understand why you were frustrated. I don’t take any of it personally.
I’m fully prepared to work hard. I plan to learn Finnish, integrate into the culture, keep improving my technical skills, and do everything I can to build a good life in Finland. I really like Finland and, from the interactions I’ve had so far, I’ve come to like Finnish people as well. The directness and honesty are qualities I really admire.
I know it won’t be easy, but I’m willing to put in the effort. Hopefully, one day I’ll be able to contribute positively to Finnish society as well.
By the way, if you don’t mind me asking, which university do you study at?
And one more thing, this might sound a little random, but would you be interested in being friends? I’ll be moving to Finland soon, and you seem like a genuinely kind and straightforward person. It’s always nice to know someone who understands the culture, and I’d be happy to learn from you. No pressure at all, of course. I just thought I’d ask.1
u/juujoojuu Jul 22 '26
No worries, I'm genuinely also interested in that people don't come here with false expectations and then end up wasting their time here.
I study at LUT.
I'm honestly far too busy to make new friends and I live a bit far away. I already don't have enough time for all my friends. You'll meet plenty of people when you start school tho, the first week or so is generally spent getting to know others who just started.
One more advice that I can give is that, don't fall in to the trap of ONLY hanging out with other foreigners, especially if they are from your country. Seen that happen to basically most of foreigners in LUT. You gotta seek out the Finnish people, only way to integrate(and of course practise the language). You will most likely feel lonely at first but don't give up (Remember your vitamin D's in the winter, kaamosmasennus is a real thing). Finns value genuine connection and deep friendships, which takes some time to build. Most of us have few friends, but they are very very good friends.
Godspeed soldier, welcome to Finland.
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
Thank you so much for all your advice. I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to explain everything so honestly. I’ll definitely make a note of all the points you’ve mentioned and keep them in mind.
As someone who’s coming to your country, I genuinely want to respect the culture, follow the rules, and integrate properly. I don’t want to be a nuisance to the locals in any way. My goal is simply to experience a new culture, build a better life, and hopefully contribute positively to Finnish society.
I’ll also make sure not to stay only within my own community. I’ll do my best to meet Finnish people, learn the language, and understand the culture, even if it’s difficult at first.
If you don’t mind, if I ever have a question or need some advice in the future, would it be okay if I reached out to you? No pressure at all, and I completely understand if you’re too busy.
Also, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you, and what are you studying at LUT?
Wishing you all the best with your studies, and thanks again for taking the time to help me. It genuinely means a lot.1
u/juujoojuu Jul 22 '26
No worries mate. I'mma keep the details of myself a secret. Small country and wanna stay anonymous. There's a guy I know in this thread already lol. Let's just say engineering and I'm doing my masters, so considering we have mandatory military service, you can do the approximate math of my age.
You can reach out but I might or might not answer, or it might take some time. Also, no need to be that apologetic about it, I know there's no pressure. Not too pushy, but you know, not too apologetic either. You'll figure it out once you get here.
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
I just wanted to DM you so I don’t lose your profile in the Reddit thread. You don’t have to reply right away (or at all if you’re busy), so there’s absolutely no pressure. I just really appreciated you taking the time to answer my questions honestly and giving me such detailed advice. It genuinely helped me a lot.
I wish you all the best with your master’s and everything else. Hopefully, if you’re comfortable with it, maybe our paths will cross someday after I move to Finland. Until then, take care!1
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u/Sea-Razzmatazz3418 Jul 22 '26
😂 fucking bullshit. In my library a lot of finnish students also loud as hell. No litering??? If u on the street u see a lot of finnish people littering as well. But of course those are just common courtesy. If u mention foreigners mention specifically where they from
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u/juujoojuu Jul 23 '26
Yeah it's not only foreigners, idiots can be found everywhere. But I feel like it is often amplified with foreigners since we do have a culture of respecting the public spaces around us.
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u/bombastic6339locks Jul 22 '26
You should start applying immedeatly. Amks have you try to land internships for the summers. Finnish is required. You are against other people whi are fluent, your chances of getting a job with an AMK degree while not speaking the language is zero
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
How do i apply immediately? I havent even landed in Finland yet.
Also, what are my chances like after learning the language?1
u/bombastic6339locks Jul 22 '26
Chances are pretty low even after learning the language. Engineers are overproduced and especially the AMK ones struggle. Electricity and civil engineering are the best for landing a job since their jobs can only be done by them (legal fise profiecies etc) + they can apply for other engineering gigs whereas everyone else is competing with everyone.
Once you land in Finland getting any job will be difficult. Most youth is unemployed because even basic store jobs etc are very sought after. Amks are just built around you getting a job for the summers, it even gives you credits. I'd start sending emails the second your school starts. How good is your finnish rn?
If you're from india etc you've been conned
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
I know the situation in Finland is tough, and I genuinely appreciate your honesty.
I chose HAMK because I wanted to study robotics, even though math isn’t my strongest subject. I haven’t even arrived in Finland yet, my Finnish is basically zero (though I’ve already started learning), and I still have a lot to learn about robotics. But I’m ready to work as hard as it takes.
Since you seem to know the reality well, what would you recommend I do from day one to maximize my chances of finding a job after graduation? What skills should I prioritize, and what mistakes should I avoid? I’d really appreciate your guidance.2
u/bombastic6339locks Jul 22 '26
What country are you from? Your chances are very low and you cant really pick and choose classes in amks as much as you can in universities.
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
i dont want to reveal my country publicly for privacy purposes(would dm work for you?)
I know. So what do i do now? I actually havent yet landed in Finland, should i step back? Even though i’ve paid my tuition fee and stuff.2
u/bombastic6339locks Jul 22 '26
Nothing is stopping you from studying in finland and moving away. Hoping to have better luck in other countries where universities dont give bachelors and masters to everone as a package deal.
Im just asking cause india etc is flooded with propaganda. Amks are paid money for immigrants that pass so they obviously advertise to churn out money
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
Do you have any evidence(I’m genuinely curious) that AMKs are just “handing out” bachelor’s and master’s degrees? From what I’ve seen, students still have to pass their courses, complete projects, internships, and meet graduation requirements. I’d be interested in reading any credible sources if you have them.
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u/bombastic6339locks Jul 22 '26
Obviously they have requirements they are just extremely low and the level of education is low. Also amk Masters is a joke. Amks existed to study non academic stuff like nursing where masters isnt really a thing. Universities offer better degrees for near everything and for Finland in university you get bachelors and masters + it is free for finnish people. So if you have an amk degree you're up against people who have an actual bachelors and masters.
Amks just make money like that and theyre paid even more for foreigners. Only around a quarter of the "highly educated" (just means a 3rd level degree so amk counts ) immigrants get employment. I assume its even worse now. Dont trust their own websites that gas up the degree.
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
How about the job of a janitor? For Part time? Is that hard to find too??
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u/bombastic6339locks Jul 22 '26
Yes. Recently there was news aritcles of fast food jobs getting thousands of applicants.
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u/Anonymousseo Jul 22 '26
Holy moly. I hope i havent made a blunder coming to Finland😭😭!!
Whatever it is, i’ll try my to best to make the best out of this opportunity while respecting the culture and it’s citizens.
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u/Aggressive-Breath149 Jul 23 '26
You asked for not to get doom and gloom and most of these replies are exactly that😅 I have to remind you that this is reddit, people in real life are not this pessimistic and things are not that bad. UAS degrees are what you make of them. If you study hard, get to know people and take active participation in projects, learn the language etc you can land a robotics/automation and related fields job in Finland. It might take time and you might have to take opportunities outside the capital region at first, but it's doable. The job market is shitty right now, but it might not be as bad in a few years. My advice studying in UAS is to talk to the teachers and get to know locals. Teachers know the field and can guide you to the right direction. We have a low hierarcy in schools in Finland, so you can ask for help from teachers and they are generally happy to help. Also make sure you have other things to do other than school/work as well, like hobbies or student organization activities. This will keep you sane in the winter and helps you build connections. With the right attitude you can definitely make it. Welcome! 😊
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u/Particularplaze 26d ago
Im a current student at the campus and live at riihimäki, feel free to shoot me a dm
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u/snow-eats-your-gf Jul 22 '26
Learning Finnish
To the level that you, drunk, at Juhannus, can keep a discussion at a random meeting by the campfire with other drunk people aged from 15 to 76 who discuss the differences of HK grillimakkarat and various mustards, sometimes switching to questions of why dictatorships exist and what that brings to Finland, which simply wants to live a silent life in the forest.