Talent managers open doors to international talent
Talent Managers promote Finland as an attractive destination for international professionals, identify reliable recruitment partners in target countries, and provide companies with advisory services and support in employer branding.
The Work in Finland unit, operated by Business Finland and KEHA Centre, provides a variety of services both in Finland and abroad to promote international recruitment and support Finnish companies in these efforts. One of these services is the Talent Manager Country Work, which aims to position Finland as an appealing destination for global top talent. The Talent Manager initiative has been piloted for approximately one year, during which around one hundred companies have been supported.
– Cooperation with companies varies in scope. Some companies have already visited the target countries, where we’ve helped identify new recruitment partners. Others are still in the early stages, engaging in initial discussions and receiving insights into local markets, says Santeri Ojala, Head of International Affairs at Work in Finland.
Talent Managers also assist companies in developing multicultural organizations and provide visibility through recruitment partners in target countries. The selected focus countries include Brazil, the Philippines, India, and Vietnam, in addition to ongoing recruitment efforts from Europe. This service is part of the Talent Boost programme.
A Process for ethical recruitment
Talent Manager Joonas Halla, Philippines
One of the key objectives of the Talent Managers’ work is to prevent and combat labour exploitation, ensuring that people coming to Finland can work under safe and fair conditions. Recruitment systems differ between countries. For instance, in the Philippines, labour migration is highly regulated by the government.
– There is a strong administrative structure in place. The authorities aim to ensure that contracts are in order for workers going abroad and that everything proceeds as it should in the destination country. The recruitment process is straightforward, based on ethical principles, and unjustified recruitment fees are prohibited, explains Joonas Halla, Talent Manager for the Philippines.
The Talent Managers have created an ethical recruitment process, built on an ecosystem analysis. Their goal has been to understand the characteristics and regulations of each specific market.
– In the Philippines, there are at least a thousand private recruitment agencies. The risk of exploitation increases if a jobseeker partners with the wrong operator. We’ve conducted background checks and identified trustworthy partners with whom we wish to continue working, Halla adds.
“It’s a privilege to work between two cultures”
Talent Manager Van Anh Le, Vietnam
Vietnam’s Talent Manager, Van Anh Le, sees the Talent Manager Network as more than just a service for companies – it represents Work in Finland’s active engagement on the ground, conducting research and building strong connections with partner countries.
– Through this, we remain closely linked to our target markets, stay informed about emerging opportunities, and provide Finnish companies with valuable support in strengthening diversity and attracting international talent, Van-Anh Le says.
Van Anh considers it a privilege to work between two cultures that, while very different, complement each other in many ways. Finland offers a stable system, a long-standing tradition of innovation, excellent governance, and world-class education. Vietnam, on the other hand, is a fast-growing economy with a young, motivated, and entrepreneurial workforce – eager to learn, willing to take risks, and ready to contribute to Finnish society.
– By bringing these two cultures together, we can create meaningful exchanges, unlock new opportunities, and truly benefit from the richness that diversity brings, Le states.
The Indian diaspora in Finland
Talent Manager Shreshta Sharma, India
India is one of Finland’s leading sources of international talent, supported by consistently positive experiences with Indian students, researchers, and professionals.
From a talent mobility perspective, India and Finland share a mutual bond of work and education-based migration and talent acquisition, which Finland is very keen to strengthen even further. India with its ever-growing network of startup operators and a strong high-tech talent pool has always been an important focus country for Finland.
– The Indian diaspora in Finland feels like a bridge that constantly strengthens both economies and communities—bringing energy to growth, fresh ideas to innovation, and warmth to Finland’s cultural life. Finland, to me, offers that rare mix of serious career opportunity and everyday ease—a place where talent can grow professionally while still enjoying a rich, well-rounded life, India’s Talent Manager Shreshta Sharma describes.
Positive feedback from companies
Companies have responded positively to the work done by Talent Managers. Many have appreciated the initial market research and guidance on where to start and which partners to trust.
– Several companies have said it would be extremely time-consuming to compile a list of potential recruitment partners on their own. It’s been helpful to have someone who has already done the groundwork. It has also been important to know, for example, that Filipino candidates have gone through a vetted process, are not subject to unjustified fees, and that everything is handled appropriately, says Halla.
Upcoming event in Kuopio, October 31st: Local needs and success stories
An event titled “International Talent and Competitiveness for North Savo” will be held in Kuopio on October 31, 2025, in collaboration with regional stakeholders. At the event, Talent Managers look forward to hearing from Kuopio-based companies about their needs for international recruitment and the success stories they have experienced—stories that could inspire other companies in the region to consider hiring talent from abroad.
The event is organized in cooperation by: Talent First project, Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) for North Savo, Talent Hub Eastern Finland, Business Finland, and the ESF+ Coordination Project “Future Labour Markets”.
Read more about the event and register by October 28, 2025! (The event will be held in Finnish, except for the presentations by the international Talent Managers.)
