Blen Hailu, originally from Ethiopia, was drawn to Finland by its high-quality education. Her husband, then boyfriend, shared positive stories about studying at Turku University of Applied Sciences, inspiring Blen to pursue a master’s degree in international human rights law at Åbo Akademi University in Turku.
However, Blen’s journey didn’t stop there. After completing her master’s and becoming a mother, she was accepted into another master’s program at the University of Helsinki. Juggling roles in the NGO sector and part-time cleaning jobs to support herself, Blen stumbled upon an entrepreneurship and marketing program at Spark Academy. This experience was transformative; it not only sparked the realization that she could create her job but also ignited a passion for coding.
Today, residing in Helsinki, Blen is actively engaged in building her home service business, concurrently working on her master’s thesis and honing her full-stack programming skills. Her ultimate goal is to establish a business that makes a positive impact on society.
Securing my current job involved a significant shift in perspective. Before joining Spark Academy, I had limited exposure to business and coding. The course at Spark Academy changed that, transforming my mindset from job seeker to job creator. Instead of fixating on a singular career path, I amalgamated my education, experience, skills, and drive into a passion project.
What proved instrumental was stepping out of my comfort zone and being open to trying new things, especially when the initial approaches weren’t yielding results. Coding and entrepreneurship were revelations I discovered during this process, having been narrowly focused on finding a job in a specific sector.
Additionally, I tapped into existing support networks from peers and organizations. The key is not to navigate everything alone. Building a community of like-minded individuals, reaching out to various organizations, leveraging their resources, programs, and events, and, above all, networking can lead to transformative connections. You never know how someone or an organization might positively impact your life. Sometimes, the solution to your problem might already be within you, requiring a fresh perspective or new skills to uncover.
Choosing to start a company in Finland stemmed from firsthand awareness of the challenges faced by foreigners seeking employment. Recognizing the need for language proficiency and upskilling to meet labor market demands, I also identified a gap in the home services sector. Consequently, my goal was to establish a company offering an alternative income source with the flexibility for individuals to pursue their dreams.
“I believe in taking risks and trying new things, and I encourage others to do the same. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”
The journey thus far has been rewarding, with invaluable support from institutions, mentors, and groups committed to assisting women founders. Organizations like Tech Nordic Advocates, The Shortcut, and Newco Helsinki [now Business Helsinki] have played pivotal roles in my entrepreneurial pursuit.
The decision to transition from law and human rights to the tech sector was driven by a longstanding interest in coding, previously unexplored in my legal career. The realization that digital skills were increasingly essential across diverse industries in the Finnish labor market prompted me to delve into programming basics. To my delight, I discovered a genuine enjoyment of coding. While still in the early stages of my journey, I’m eager to continue learning and refining my skills, recognizing the potential of programming to address societal challenges and envisioning exciting projects in the future.
As a software developer, the aspect I relish the most is the creative problem-solving process. Tackling complex problems by breaking them into manageable parts and the sense of achievement derived from building effective solutions are particularly gratifying. Moreover, the collaborative and supportive environment within the tech community is a standout feature. The willingness of everyone to assist with debugging or share insightful tricks fosters a sense of camaraderie that enhances the overall experience.
My journey within the Finnish startup ecosystem has been remarkably positive. The ease of connecting with founders, and coaches, and seeking mentorship or discussing ideas has been a standout feature.
Moreover, the readiness of public services and institutions to assist in the setup process significantly contributes to a manageable and smoother entrepreneurial journey.
The distinctive feature of working life in Finland, as compared to other countries I’ve experienced, is the horizontal hierarchy structure. Here, bosses are treated as colleagues with distinct responsibilities, fostering accessibility and a culture where even interns feel heard.
Beyond the professional realm, Finland allows individuals to express their entire personality, with less emphasis on formal attire. Notably, the inclusion of saunas in offices and the pervasive coffee culture, even surpassing my Ethiopian roots, add unique dimensions to the Finnish workplace environment. The prevalence of coffee consumption has become a significant aspect of office culture in Finland, providing a distinctive touch to the work experience.
In my professional journey in Finland, the universities I attended, including Åbo Akademi and the University of Helsinki, have played a pivotal role by providing opportunities to study in quality programs. Supplementing my education, I’ve utilized free online resources from organizations like FI Tech and MOOC.
Several organizations have significantly contributed to my development in Finland. The Shortcut has offered beneficial courses, career support, and a fantastic community. Nice Hearts provided a volunteering opportunity, allowing me to give back to the community. Tech Nordic Advocates offered business workshops, amazing mentors, and an inspiring community of female founders. Additionally, World Vision Finland has been an outstanding workplace with passionate teammates making positive changes in the world.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about where I live is the connection to nature. Living in Turku near the Aura River provided cherished memories of summer picnics and coffee by the river. Although now in Helsinki, living near the sea allows me to recreate that feeling, exploring similar walking paths along the shoreline.
Discovering new hobbies in Finland has been a joy. I’ve embraced forest walks and sea swimming (though not yet daring the avanto, or ice swimming). Long walks alone or with my kids in the forest have become a favorite pastime.
Living in Finland has also opened doors for me to participate in various activities, travel, and explore different cultures. While my travels have been limited since having kids, I look forward to resuming and continuing these adventures soon.