Who is Teddy?
My name is Duy Tran, but everyone calls me Teddy. I’m joining Suomen Ekonomit as the International Liaison Coordinator, covering while Anne is on maternity leave. I was born in Bien Hoa City, Vietnam, studied in Singapore for 3 years during high school, and moved to Finland to complete the Aalto University BScBA program in Mikkeli. After my 6-month studies exchange in Tokyo and a gap year in Saigon working at two startups, I returned to Helsinki in 2019 for a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management and have been living in Helsinki since.
At Aalto, I worked as a teaching assistant, then as a startup and team coach at Aalto Ventures Program, eventually leading the Entrepreneurship Lab incubator. Working closely with international students and navigating the job market myself have shaped my commitment to helping internationals build careers in Finland.
Why join Ekonomit?
International talent pool is growing fast in Finland both in the higher education institutions and the labour market, yet they are still underrepresented in unions. In recent years, Ekonomit has invested in bettering the support for internationals.
As someone who worked and interacted with students coming from all over the world for the last 5 years, I’ve regularly been the person students ask about the Finnish job market, job search, salary and benefits at workplace. Often, students would have concerns regarding how they can be employed in this job market – if at all. Joining Ekonomit gives me a broader platform to advocate, share experiences, and at the same time give internationals with similar backgrounds a voice by representing them.
What is your role at Suomen Ekonomit?
I’ll engage with students, graduates and employers through events, mentoring, and partnerships that highlight the value of union membership for internationals. You’ll see me in a public-facing role, such as speaking, hosting, and co-creating activities with our members and stakeholders.
Within the Customer Experience team, I’ll contribute to communications, member relationships, recruitment, student affairs, events, and even data analysis. Basically, I will be jumping from team to team offering my help whenever and wherever applicable. Follow along on LinkedIn and Suomen Ekonomit eLounge for upcoming activities.
Your first weeks on the job
It’s been a great start with lots of learning from Anne and a warm welcome from colleagues. I’m preparing for Espoo Talent Hub: Career Bootcamp, where I’ll speak about navigating unemployment, unemployment funds, and the role unions can play for international students and graduates. I’m also planning the year’s activities, including NCBE—Nordic Championship for Business and Economics, mentoring for international students, Finnternational Connections, and more.
What motivates you in your work?
Helping people. I want international students and graduates to feel at home with Ekonomit and to make sure they are heard, supported, and equipped for the Finnish job market.
If you were a fictional character, who would you be, and why?
Samwise Gamgee is the first name that comes to mind. A steady friend who has your back and helps you reach big goals. I also love cooking even if “po-tay-toes” aren’t my number one carb.