This year hasn’t exactly been generous with good news – especially for students and fresh graduates trying to find their place in a shrinking job market. Between discouraging headlines, tightened immigration policies, and growing uncertainty about whether studies will lead to a career, 2025 has taken a toll on both international and Finnish students. Optimism felt like a rarity.
That’s why we decided to create a small moment to put hope back on the menu.
Earlier this December, Suomen Ekonomit, in collaboration with ENTU (Entrepreneurship Unit at Aalto University), hosted a Christmas Dinner designed to bring students and recent graduates together for genuine insight, community, and a renewed sense of belonging. As the International Liaison Specialist at Suomen Ekonomit, I had the privilege of organizing this event – an idea born in November through conversations with business students and our graduate members, and brought to life within just a few weeks because waiting simply didn’t feel like an option.
The evening opened with a speech by Jukka-Pekka Kokkonen, Chairman of the Board at Suomen Ekonomit, who reminded us that progress in Finland’s economy comes from working together as one collective front.
We also had the pleasure of hearing from our guest speakers:
⭐ Monika Liikamaa, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Enfuce, on taking calculated risks and embracing unconventional paths to gain a foothold in the job market.
⭐ Ted Apter, Special Advisor at Suomen Ekonomit, who provided an overview of current international issues and the immigration and labour policies we are advocating for.
⭐ Sini Ågrén, COO at Herizon, who highlighted the contributions of international talent and shared practical examples of how candidates can stand out in a tough, competitive market.
⭐ Apurva Ganoo, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Aalto University, who discussed the impact of volunteering and the types of student-led projects that can help kickstart early careers.
A Message From 60,000 Members: We’re With You
The dinner was funded not by a single sponsor, but by the collective strength of more than 60,000 members of Suomen Ekonomit. And that matters.
It means the community standing behind students and graduates isn’t symbolic – it’s made up of real people who believe that rights, opportunities, and fair working conditions must be protected and passed on.
By making this event possible, our members sent a clear message:
You’re not alone. We’re committed to supporting your growth – because your success strengthens all of us.
The evening also served as a reminder to today’s graduates and professionals that we share a responsibility to create opportunities, take risks, and build a future where the next generation can thrive.