Breaking Barriers: The Formation of the English Business Network
Bridging the Gap for Non-Finnish Speakers
For graduates of Finland’s esteemed business schools, joining Suomen Ekonomit, The Business School Graduates in Finland is often a natural step in building their professional networks. Helsingin Ekonomit, The Business School Graduates in Finland, Helsinki Section with 19 committees and a vibrant community, has much to offer — but for non-Finnish speakers, full participation has historically been a challenge. That’s where the English Business Network comes in.
Why the English Business Network Was Needed An Overlooked Segment
Helsingin Ekonomit0 has long excelled at fostering an active community, but language barriers often limit who can fully participate. A glance at the event calendar highlights this issue: the next 30 events, for example, are exclusively in Finnish.
This gap leaves many non-Finnish-speaking members on the sidelines. Some attend one event out of curiosity, but the lack of accessible opportunities means they rarely return.
A Personal Perspective
As a graduate of Aalto Business School’s International Business program, I have witnessed these challenges firsthand. Joining Helsingin Ekonomit a year ago as a member of the Konsuliklubi (Board Professionals Committee), I organized events and gained insights into the union’s operations. At Helsingin Ekonomit’s largest event, HEKO-HEKO Hupipäivä, which drew over 1,300 attendees to a rented circus, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of foreigners in the crowd.
This realization was disheartening but unsurprising. In my Master’s program, over 50% of the students were international. Yet, few seem to engage with the alumni network.
Finland’s Broader Challenge with Inclusion
The challenges faced by Helsingin Ekonomit’s non-Finnish-speaking members reflect a larger issue in Finland. The Expat Insider 2024 study, the world’s largest survey on life abroad ranked Finland 51st out of 53 countries, with particularly poor scores for career prospects (last place) and finding friends (second-to-last).
These statistics underscore two key barriers for foreign talent:
- Building professional connections.
- Fostering a sense of belonging.
Without these, many talented graduates leave Finland after failing to find employment or integrate socially.
The Mission of the English Business Network
The English Business Network aims to address these barriers directly. In 2025, its first full year of operation, the network aims to host 10 events tailored to foster connections and support professional growth among English-speaking members.
Key Initiatives
- Collaborations with other committees: Encouraging more English-language events.
- Communication improvements: Starting an English-language newsletter in 2025 to promote events and share updates.
- Dedicated support: Suomen Ekonomit’s new International Liaison Coordinator, Anne Delgoulet, is focused on enhancing activities for non-Finnish speakers.
These efforts aim to make Helsingin Ekonomit a welcoming space for all members, regardless of language or background.
Voices from the Committee
Building an Inclusive Community – Anastasia Koptsyukh, a Doctoral Researcher in Entrepreneurship at Aalto School of Business and a mentor to entrepreneurs, shares:
“I joined the English Business Network committee alongside Sebastian and other colleagues to foster meaningful connections in a language I feel at ease with. This role offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen networks not only for industry professionals but also for aspiring and current entrepreneurs. I’m excited to help create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and to contribute to the growth and development of our members through engaging events and professional trainings designed to support their professional journeys.”
Growing Connections in Finland – Erica Martin, a committee member, reflects on her experience:
“I moved to Finland for my Master’s studies without any prior connections, but I’m proud of how my network has grown in a relatively short span of time.
In the U.S., alumni and professional communities are very popular. Early in my career, I joined alumni organizations and attended events whenever I moved to a new city. After earning my Master’s degree in International Marketing Management from LUT University in 2021, I relocated to Helsinki and looked for similar opportunities. However, I was intimidated to join Finnish-language events at Helsingin Ekonomit. I questioned if my intermediate Finnish was good enough or whether alumni would feel comfortable switching to English in conversations.
Despite initial hesitations, I’ve found value in attending Helsingin Ekonomit’s English-language events, and I’ve even challenged myself to attend some in Finnish. By removing language barriers, I hope we can encourage more internationals to engage, learn, and connect with both Finns and fellow internationals.
I joined the English Business Network to contribute to inclusivity. As a committee member, I aim to grow my professional network while helping others do the same.”
A Step Towards Inclusivity
The English Business Network is breaking language barriers and ensuring all Helsingin Ekonomit members — Finnish and international — can actively participate in and benefit from this vibrant community.
By fostering inclusivity and professional growth, we hope to create a model that not only strengthens Helsingin Ekonomit but also makes Finland a more welcoming place for global talent.
By Sebastian Leppälammi, Founder AiSkillSet, Chairperson of the English Business Network
Contact: +358 40 912 7571