Employment for international students is already a difficult enough issue in Sweden, but Kristin Lanevik, Worklife Coordinator at the Lunds Social Science Union gives suggestions on how to ease the process.
“Speakers should lift the possibilities of employment, rather than how difficult it is to find a job “
Kristin Lanevik began her post of full-time Worklife Coordinator on the 1st of July, and has already received questions by students, both Swedish and international, on job hunting.
Getting a job in Sweden is rather competitive, but Kristin is glad to have had “around 30 percent of international students at the kick-off brainstorming activity for Worklife.”
Like Farooq Azee’s own experience, Kristin agrees that there are many issues surrounding the employment of international students. Both the difficulties on getting a working visa after finishing studies and the existing language barrier threatens the work opportunities.
“I do agree that visa could be an issue, but I think learning Swedish would be the number one most important issue,” says Kristin.
She argues that not only will learning Swedish allow for better communication between employer and employee, but it would also aid in the social integration into the Swedish employment force.
Lunds Career Service organized a seminar on Finding Work on the 25th of October, but was cancelled due to sickness of the lecturer. Even though one will still be conducted on the 19th of November, Kristin feels there should be more of such opportunities.
“Students need to know the basics of finding employment and the standard procedure that goes along with it. Most importantly, speakers should lift the possibilities of employment, rather than how difficult it is to find a job,” says Kristin.
A tip for international students looking for employment?
“Get involved with unions as a lot of jobs in Sweden favour students who have had experience in their field of work. Also, make a lot of Swedish contacts, because it makes work that much more achievable.”
- The Lunds Social Science Union will be conducting an entrepreneurship month in October to aid students for the experiences of working life.
- At the AF-building on Tuesday, a work fair is being organized where students can look for work during their spare-time.
