While internationalisation is a key growth factor for SMEs, it is only one of the motives for recruiting an international talent. Finnish companies had a large variety of motives for recruiting international talents.
A survey, to which 386 companies responded, was conducted as part of the New Competence project. Additionally, 25 companies were interviewed. The companies were divided into four categories based on their motives.
Companies aiming abroad
- a student is needed to support the company’s internationalisation
- the companies operate in international markets or, for example, are about to launch export activities
- the students may do market research or contribute their local knowledge
Talent hunters
- the companies are international, thus the student’s background makes no difference
- the student is expected to have special skills or an ability to develop, or to contribute new viewpoints to development work in which their education and/or cultural background is an advantage
Companies aiming for internationalisation at home
- the student brings an extra pair of hands for the practical work or strengthens the competence needed to serve foreign customers
- the company gains experience of a more international operating environment and a possibility for language immersion
Companies with a high sense of corporate social responsibility
- offer short traineeships and work placements for students that come to them through educational institutions
- carry their corporate social responsibility, which improves the company’s image in a way that is appreciated by the customers
- this group includes a high share of companies that operate locally in the domestic market