DuuniExpo 2025: Exploring Future Career Paths & New Insights on Unemployment Benefits 

Vol 27, Issue 18, February 2025 

On the chilly morning of February 5th, two buses full of students departed from Kouvola under the guidance of our XAMK teachers, Sara and Hugh, heading to Lahti for DuuniExpo 2025. 

This year’s DuuniExpo was hosted by LAB University of Applied Sciences, an annual Job & Business Fair organized by the university. The event serves as a bridge connecting students, job seekers, and companies, fostering employment opportunities, career development, and business collaboration. 

First Experience: Career Networking & Key Takeaways from Seminars 

As a freshman attending for the first time, I explored all exhibition booths on both floors, engaging in conversations with several companies. Although the discussions were brief, I already knew—I will definitely be back next year! For students looking for internships, job opportunities, or potential business partners, this is a highly efficient and valuable event. 

What impressed me the most were the seminars and panel discussions. I attended five different talks where professionals shared their real-life experiences on job hunting, studying, and entrepreneurship. These insights provided me with valuable practical knowledge and inspiration for my career path. 

Unexpected Discovery: A New Perspective on Unemployment Benefits 

Beyond job search and career development, I made another important discovery at the fair—unemployment benefits for students. 

Living and studying in Finland, I had already learned about the key role of labor unions in the labor market, especially through frequent strikes. However, this event gave me a deeper understanding of student-related financial security, particularly for those in business-related fields. 

Let’s start with a few key questions: 

• Have you ever worried about what happens if you can’t find a job after graduation? 

• Besides Kela, are there better options to help you through the job-seeking period? 

• Every year, some students struggle financially after graduation—could early planning help avoid this? 

At DuuniExpo, I learned that students can join labor unions (such as Tradenomit, Pro, TEK) and unemployment funds (such as YTK, KOKO). By doing so, they can receive higher unemployment benefits than those provided by Kela, along with career support, legal consultation, and CV optimization services. 

For students in business, international business, digital commerce, and management, selecting the right labor union + unemployment fund can not only provide financial security but also lay a stronger foundation for their future careers. 

Planning Ahead: Securing Career & Financial Stability 

Attending DuuniExpo 2025 not only broadened my career perspective but also made me realize that in Finland, career planning isn’t just about finding a job—it’s also about securing financial stability. 

With unemployment rates reaching new highs, how should students in Finland plan ahead for financial security? 

In general, students can join an unemployment fund (Työttömyyskassa) + a labor union (Ammattiliitto) to enhance job security after graduation. This ensures financial support during unemployment while also providing access to career development resources and legal services. 

At the fair, I was introduced to Tradenomit, which led me to explore various relevant labor unions and unemployment funds. Here’s a summary of key options for different study fields and career paths in Finland: 

Key Labor Unions & Unemployment Funds for Students in Finland 

Organization	Suitable for	Annual Fee	Services	Website
YTK (Yleinen Työttömyyskassa)	Open to all industries, no union membership required	€135	Unemployment benefits only	ytk.fi
KOKO (Korkeasti Koulutettujen Kassa)	Business, International Business, Economics, IT	€66	Unemployment benefits only (requires 26 weeks of work experience)	kokokassa.fi
Tradenomit (Tradenomiliitto)	Business, Management, Digital Commerce students/graduates	Low student membership fee	Job search support, CV optimization, salary negotiation, career training	tradenomi.fi
Pro Union (Ammattiliitto Pro)	Administration, International Trade, Finance, Public Management	€400-500	Career guidance, legal support, job training	proliitto.fi
TEK Union (Tekniikan Akateemiset)	Technology, Engineering, IT, Data Science	Low student membership fee	Career support, entrepreneurship consulting, industry salary data	tek.fi

Which One Should You Choose? 

• If you only need basic unemployment benefits: YTK or KOKO. 

• If you want career development support: Business students → Tradenomit, Administrative fields → Pro, Technology fields → TEK. 

• If you are unsure about your future career direction: YTK (open to all industries). 

Note:The above reference information is sourced from the current web. Please stay updated with the latest regulations and details in real time. 

Final Thoughts ： 

Perhaps joining a suitable labor union and unemployment fund in advance can reduce financial stress after graduation. Let’s plan wisely and move forward with confidence!