International students bring valuable skills and fresh perspectives to the Finnish job market, but finding employment can be challenging. Marion Plouet works as an International Facilitator at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), helping students build networks, connect with companies, and integrate into working life in Satakunta.
Marion Plouet, originally from France, has lived in Pori for over 14 years. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and American History and Literature back in France, at the University of Cergy, Paris, but her journey to Finland began when she met her Finnish fiancé while living in Scotland. With ongoing studies in International Tourism Development at SAMK, Marion has firsthand experience as an international student. Her career path includes working at the Multicultural Association of Satakunta, where she developed a strong interest in international needs, and various internships at SAMK, which helped her build a professional network. These experiences and her thesis subject of facilitating access to work in the region for international students ultimately led her to her current role as SAMK’s first International Facilitator.
Building Bridges Between Students and Companies
As a pilot position, the role of an International Facilitator is still evolving. Still, its core mission is clear: to bridge the gap between international students and local companies, helping students build networks and access employment opportunities. Marion works to raise awareness among employers about the value of international talent and encourages companies to re-evaluate strict language requirements that might hinder hiring diverse professionals.
− The most important thing is to give international students the tools to navigate their new environment and make them feel as familiar with it as local students. Of course, another important factor is that they can find employment, not just to support themselves financially, but also in a role that matches their studies and makes them feel valuable, Marion explains.
One of the biggest challenges for international students is how difficult it is to secure employment in Finland. Marion hopes that as more companies begin hiring international students, it will become a more common practice, making Satakunta an attractive and welcoming place for international talent. She sees internships as an excellent solution:
− Internships offer companies a low-risk way to experience working with international talent while giving students the credits they need and valuable work experience.
Aiming for Long-Term Change
Marion is actively involved in several initiatives, from recruitment fairs to company visits, all designed to foster stronger connections between students and businesses. She also works closely with students, guiding them in their job searches and helping them understand the Finnish job market.
− I’m not here to find them jobs, that’s their responsibility, but I want to be as available as possible to support them and help them meet their goals, she says.
Her vision is to help create an environment where international talent is seen as an asset rather than an exception:
− Imagine a world where internationals are not seen as outsiders but as valuable talents. That’s the change I want to see. Looking at the demographic changes of low birth records, ageing population and labour shortages around the country, it seems obvious that managing to keep our international students in the region is essential. Hence the need to support them in professional integration.
By facilitating connections, encouraging companies to embrace diversity, and supporting students in their integration, Marion hopes to make a lasting impact. Her work aligns with Satakunta’s broader strategy of attracting and retaining international professionals—an essential step in addressing labour shortages and ensuring the region’s economic growth.
Did you know?
• Of the 38 degree programmes SAMK offers, 9 are in English.
• SAMK has students from 101 nationalities and 1,024 international students on campus.
• SAMK collaborates with over 200 international partner universities.
Marion Plouet
International Facilitator
internat.facilitator@samk.fi
+358 505 607 172