From 3 Years of Job Searching to Success - An International Job Seeker's Journey / part 1

Shivani Shree, a Structural Engineer with a passion for sustainable building practices and a Herizon community member, recently started her internship at One Click LCA, a world-leading end-to-end sustainability platform for construction and manufacturing.

We sat down with Shivani to learn how after three years of persistent effort, she finally secured an internship that aligned with her long-term goals. In this article, we explore her journey—her struggles, strategies, and ultimate success—to provide valuable insights and inspiration for others navigating similar career challenges.

The Journey and Challenges

Shivani, could you share a bit about yourself and your professional background before coming to Finland?

I have a background as a structural engineer with experience working in the built environment. Before moving to Finland, I worked in various capacities within the industry, including hands-on design and project management roles.

What was your expectation of the Finnish job market when you first arrived, and how did reality compare?

I expected Finland’s job market to be competitive, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. While the reality met that expectation, I was surprised at how nuanced the job market is, especially in the tech and engineering sectors, where language proficiency was often a requirement, even in roles where English was widely spoken.

During those 3 years of job searching, what were the biggest hurdles you faced?

One of the biggest challenges was understanding the nuances of the Finnish work culture and how job applications are assessed. I also faced difficulties in translating my previous experience to the Finnish job market, where expectations around technical skills and project management approaches were often different from what I was used to.

How did those challenges affect you personally, and what kept you motivated despite the setbacks?

The challenges took a toll on my confidence, but I stayed motivated by reminding myself of my long-term goals and the skills I had built. Networking, continuous learning, and remaining adaptable in the face of rejection helped keep my spirits high.

What strategies did you try during those 3 years, and what did you learn from them?

I tried improving my Finnish language skills, attended job fairs, and worked on my personal brand by enhancing my LinkedIn profile. One important lesson was the value of targeted networking and the importance of actively engaging in local communities to create connections beyond just submitting applications.

The Turning Point

Tell us about the company visit with One Click LCA organized by Herizon – what was that experience like?

The company visit was an eye-opening experience. It gave me a chance to see the inner workings of a company, hear from professionals in the field, and understand the type of work culture I would be entering. It was a great way to connect with potential employers on a personal level. I had always been keen to network with professionals working in sustainability, particularly those involved in building design, and this visit helped me make those crucial connections.

Was there a particular moment during the visit when you felt a connection with the company?

During the visit, I had a conversation with one of the team members who shared their experiences of working on sustainable projects (although not precisely from my field of work). However, their passion for making a positive impact in the built environment resonated with me and reaffirmed my desire to contribute to similar projects. It was a pivotal moment for me because I’ve always been interested in sustainability in construction, and I was eager to learn more from people who were actively driving change in the field.

How did the LinkedIn boot camp change your approach to job searching?

The LinkedIn boot camp taught me how to better position myself professionally online. Viivi helped me understand how to highlight my skills and experience more effectively, making my profile more attractive to recruiters and companies looking for candidates with my background. Specifically, I wanted to connect with professionals working in the field of building sustainability. Being able to refine my profile to align with that goal allowed me to network more effectively and position myself as someone actively seeking to make a difference in sustainable building practices.

What specific changes did you make to your LinkedIn profile or networking strategy after the boot camp?

After the LinkedIn boot camp, I made several strategic changes to my profile and networking approach. I updated my headline to better reflect my focus on sustainable building practices and AI-driven design, which are key areas I’m passionate about. I also optimized my summary to highlight my expertise in structural engineering and sustainability, ensuring that it spoke directly to the type of roles I was aiming for. 

Additionally, I became more proactive in reaching out to professionals in the industry, particularly those working in companies like One Click LCA, which aligns with my career goals. Networking became a more intentional effort, where I not only connected with people but also engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing insights and learning from their experiences.

What surprised you most about the internship opportunity when it finally came your way?

What surprised me most about the internship opportunity was how well it aligned with my long-term goals in sustainable construction and my thesis focus on building sustainability. I had always wanted to work on projects that contribute to sustainability in the built environment, and this internship gave me the chance to do exactly that. It was also incredible how everything came together – the company visit, my proactive outreach on LinkedIn, and the recommendation I received from someone within my network. 

All these efforts aligned and helped me stand out during the interview process. I was able to demonstrate my genuine passion for sustainability, which ultimately helped me crack the interview and secure the internship. It was a seamless culmination of networking, aligning my goals, and applying my skills that led to this opportunity.

The Success Factors

Looking back, what do you think were the 3 most important factors that finally led to your success?

Networking: Building meaningful connections played a crucial role in my success. The company visit organized by Herizon, combined with my outreach on LinkedIn, allowed me to connect with professionals in the industry, especially those working in areas I’m passionate about, like sustainability. One of these connections even recommended me, which significantly boosted my chances. Networking helped me not only find opportunities but also gain valuable insights from industry professionals.

Being Adaptable: I learned to adjust my job search strategy based on feedback and new information. Despite being unemployed for 3 years after coming to Finland, I maintained a positive attitude and determination to find a job that aligned with my skills and long-term goals. I made sure my approach was flexible enough to adapt to the demands of the job market, and it eventually paid off.

Persistence: Despite setbacks, I stayed focused on my goals and continuously improved my approach. It was a tough journey, but I didn’t give up. I knew that in order to land a job in my field, I had to keep refining my skills and network actively. My persistence in working toward a job in sustainability, and specifically in the building industry, helped me stay motivated and eventually secure an internship that was a perfect fit for my goals.

How important was the personal connection made during the company visit compared to your application materials?

The personal connection was crucial. While application materials are important, the opportunity to meet and interact with potential employers allowed me to showcase my personality, enthusiasm, and commitment in a way that a resume alone couldn’t.

What skills or strengths did you highlight that you think made a difference to your employer?

I shared my passion for sustainability, especially when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. Along with that, I mentioned my problem-solving skills and how eager I am to learn and stay up-to-date with new technologies. I think these things stood out to my employer, especially since their projects are all about pushing innovation in the built environment. My genuine interest in sustainable design and finding ways to make a positive environmental impact really helped me connect with the team. Also, I think sometimes it’s all about timing and although I am not an astrology follower but, also about how the stars align.

Was there anything you'd been doing in your previous applications that you only realized afterward were not ideal?

Looking back, I realized that I wasn’t always tailoring my applications to match the specific values and goals of the company. In the past, I used a more generic approach, focusing mainly on my skills without highlighting how those aligned with the company’s mission. After receiving feedback, I understood the importance of showing how my passion for sustainability, especially in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, directly connected to the company's work. I also started to focus more on telling a story about why I wanted to work with them, not just what I could do for them.

How did being part of a community like Herizon impact your job search journey?

Being part of Herizon made a huge difference in my job search. The community gave me access to valuable resources, like company visits and networking opportunities, that I wouldn't have had otherwise. It helped me expand my network and connect with people who were already working in the industry, which was key in landing my internship. The support from others in the group also kept me motivated and focused, especially during tough times. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my job search and that persistence and the right connections were essential.

Want to keep reading? Check out the second part of Shivani's journey here 💜

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