Is it true that networking means more for your career?

Connections are everything, especially when you’re a student preparing to enter the workforce. Landing a job is only part of the equation — these moments are about understanding industries, meeting the right people, and exploring opportunities that align with your goals. Recruitment events offer the perfect space to make this happen, while also giving you the chance to reflect on what you bring to the table and how to stand out.

Take the Aalto Talent Expo — a great example of what’s possible. Held annually, it’s a meeting ground for students and 89 companies from industries like tech, design, and business. Events like this highlight the diverse ways students can connect with the professional world — whether through discovering niche roles, learning about cutting-edge projects, or understanding company cultures. Beyond the booths, career workshops and mentoring sessions add depth, helping students sharpen their skills and define their next steps. But the real value lies in recognizing how these events foster insight into both industry trends and your own aspirations.

Now, let’s talk about what’s next for you. XAMK’s Worklife Boom is back this January, and it’s happening across every campus. This event is your chance to step into the professional world with confidence and curiosity. Running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event is designed to connect students, educators, and R&D professionals with industry leaders who are ready to inspire and engage. Unlike larger, more formal fairs, Worklife Boom keeps it local and approachable, making it easier to have real conversations and build meaningful connections.

Lessons for Worklife Boom Success

Here are a few practical tips based on what we’ve seen work well at events like the Aalto Talent Expo. Take these into XAMK’s Worklife Boom to make the most of it:

1. Bring a printed CV: Be ready to share it on the spot and use it as a tool to guide conversations about your skills and experiences.
2. Ask for specific contacts: If a recruiter directs you to their career website, counter with a polite request for a team member’s name who aligns with your interests. Add them on LinkedIn afterward to keep the connection alive.
3. Go with a friend if you’re nervous: Sometimes having someone by your side makes it easier to start conversations. The goal is to get talking — once you start, it gets easier.
4. Avoid underselling yourself: Don’t begin with, “I don’t have much experience, but…”. Companies know you’re a student — focus on what you’ve done, like volunteering or academic projects, and pitch how you want to apply your skills and aspirations.
5. Practice your pitch: Be clear on where you see yourself going and how your strengths can contribute to the companies you’re talking to. Having this prepared makes the conversation flow naturally.

Expect to meet companies like Fortum, Cursor, Lumon, Granlund, and ISLAB, covering industries from energy and construction to IT and healthcare. Beyond the big names, don’t overlook the smaller organizations and startups—these are often the spaces where innovation happens and where your skills might shine brightest. This is an opportunity to learn about companies while also reflecting on how your studies and experiences can contribute to their missions.

Another key advantage of Worklife Boom is how it’s embedded in the XAMK community. It’s for anyone exploring possibilities, understanding what’s out there, and figuring out their direction. Faculty and R&D professionals attending can also use this as a space to strengthen collaborations and keep their networks fresh.

Come with curiosity, leave with clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to pivot, this is your moment to explore, connect, and grow.