How to develop a professional network in Helsinki

Networking events in Helsinki

Nordic Business Forum

Want to see Barack Obama or George Clooney on stage? Make sure to the Nordic Business Forum. Organised every September, the Nordic Business Forum has branded itself as the most significant business conference in the world. They may have a point, at least judged by attendance numbers. Thousands of professionals from Finland and the world over choose to spend a few days in Helsinki year on year out. Star guests aside, the real beef is meeting likeminded people and networking.

Slush

Wish to swap ideas and connect with other nerds? Visit Slush. Taking place in the dark days of November, it is the occasion when propeller heads meet the money men. Start-ups mingle with investors. Completing those thousands of pitches are the informal meetings and late-night parties where the real deals are struck.

Wonderland Work

Fancy speed dating? In a professional sense of the word that is. Then you should make your way to Konepajankuja in the Vallila district. In the location, you will find Wonderland Work which regularly organises afternoon events where to meet possible new clients and colleagues from other companies. The formula is borrowed from more romantic gatherings. It all starts with a routine where you get to chat with everyone for a few minutes. Some helping questions are provided. After that, you can continue on your own. Refreshments to ease the tension are available. The events are aimed at, for example, freelancers, for companies looking for recruits, for startups eager to expand their network and for anyone wishing to meet new people in the business sense.

The networking culture in Helsinki

But, behind those major events flourishes a culture which makes it fairly easy to build a professional network. People, even on the top level, are quite easy to reach. Pick up a phone, send an email or ask for an audition and introduce yourself.

Another thing, typical for a comparatively small community, paving the way to inside circles, is that everyone knows each other from somewhere. People often have common denominators – same university, military service, and so on. Getting to know one person means that sooner than you realise you know many more.

More than perhaps, somewhere else, it is the personality that matters. Distinguished universities or big companies in your CV will do no harm and surely help you jump over the first hurdles. But, in the end, a lot of emphasis is put on your more abstract qualities: communication skills, abilities to adjust – you as a human being. Be yourself.

Popular groups and clubs in Helsinki

In Helsinki, there are a number of groups to join in. All of them organise events, both fun and more in tune with the actual profession.

Finland Young Professionals (FYP)

Finland Young Professionals (FYP) is an independent and nonprofit association connecting young professionals from large companies and organisations. Its gatherings are both professional and leisurely. The idea is, of course, to create and share ideas, socialise and develop professional skills. The events are popular, attracting up to 400 participants.

OpenCoffee Club

Launched originally by Saul Klein of Index Ventures, the so-called OpenCoffee Club has also arrived in Helsinki. The idea is to meet and chat and mingle in an informal atmosphere with other entrepreneurs, investors, developers and startup visionaries. Check out

The Women's Career Network

Worth mentioning is also a more specifically gender-focused network - the Women's Career Network. Its purpose is to unite women who wish to motivate more women to challenge gender norms and contribute to a higher percentage of women in leading positions. Its events include lectures, company visits and networking gatherings. The network also has a mentorship program providing motivation and shared experiences.

Helsinki Chamber of Commerce

A more formal service is provided by the Helsinki Chamber of Commerce promoting the companies in the region. It is part of a European-wide network and has some 7,000 members, including all the leading companies in the Helsinki area. Apart from lobbying, it also offers free advisory services and training courses. These are excellent opportunities to meet and greet other professionals. More:

 Useful links:

Meetup - Helsinki
Meetup - Helsinki People Professional Meetups
Onnivators
Finland Young Professionals
Eventbrite - Networking in Helsinki
Henry
Slush
Nordic Business Forum
Ping Helsinki