Int´l students could be door-opener to a new market: Holstein

Miriam Holstein, CEO of Bayer Nordic, who builds career in Finland, believes that diversity and inclusion are essential for Finnish companies’ success, according to a report published by the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK).

“Our aim is to attract and retain the best talents. That’s why this is also what we focus on when recruiting. Nationality or place of origin don’t really play a role – it’s the expertise and the personal attributes that matter”, said the report, quoting Holstein as saying.

With Finland so focused on exports, Holstein emphasizes the way international students and talent can not only provide much-needed expertise on the needs of customers, but also insights into entering new or foreign markets.

“Serving your customers the best possible way starts with having a solid understanding of the needs and requirements of your customers. This is where international students can truly add value,” she told EK´s reporter Anna Bogdan.

As a multinational company, Bayer believes in the value of international talents. Bayer Nordic has, for example, recently hired an international trainee at its Espoo headquarters, and has established a long-term commitment to collaboration with the University of Turku and Turku’s Applied Sciences Universities, the report said.

Collaboration with Finnish universities – which include Aalto University and the University of Helsinki – help to make students more aware of Bayer as a company and as an employer. This includes holding lectures for students and working together on concrete topics in order to gain an “outside-in, fresh view”.