From a Trainee to an Employee

Students gain valuable working life experience for example from the practical training included in their studies. Also companies benefit by getting a potential long term employee of the student. 

Antti Tauriainen (left), CEO of Screentec Oy, hired Roelof Aalpoel as an employee, after he had completed an internship with the company.  Photo: Ilkka Kaisto

Roelof studied International Business in an international degree program at Oulu University of Applied Sciences. While undertaking his studies, Roelof was hired to an intership with Screentec Oy.

- “My main task was customer acquisition and seeking suitable conferences and events to participate in. Additionally, I maintained company websites and created presentations and marketing materials.” Roelof says.

While completing the internship, Roelof applied the theory gained through his studies on sales and economics. The internship went well, and Roelof got a permanent job from Screentec six months before graduating. He works now as a sales representative for the company.

- We are an SME and we need employees with good work ethics and an ability to complete tasks without supervision, says Antti Tauriainen, CEO of Screentec.

 This was our first time hiring a trainee and the experience we gained from Roelof was rewarding.

 - “Roelof has been the gold standard of a good trainee. He has shown good and healthy work ethics.” Antti recommends taking trainees according to the company's needs. 

- It is advisable to set aside enough time for the trainee's guidance, depending on his or her background.

Roelof encourages companies to hire students for internships as it benefits companies to gain a new perspective from an international student.

 - “They have both the language skills and knowledge of the culture of their own country. They can help companies understand business practices in their country,” Roelof says.