When Bangladeshi biomedicine students Yasin Arafat and Nafee Alam began their studies at the University of Eastern Finland, they were keen to expand their scientific interests into new areas. What they did not yet know was that their journeys would soon take them from lecture halls to the forefront of Finnish biotechnology and to permanent roles at RNatives, a rising molecular medicine company with foundations in UEF research.
For Yasin Arafat, who holds a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology from Bangladesh, Finland represented a chance to combine world-class education with a culture known for its happiness and balance.
“I wanted to broaden my perspective and work within molecular biology and human health. The structure of UEF’s biomedicine programme really appealed to me”, he says.
Nafee Alam, who studied biotechnology in China before coming to Finland, was drawn to the promise of European research excellence and the opportunities available here.
“I had options in both the US and Europe, but Finland stood out especially in molecular medicine. It seemed like a good place to start my career”, he recalls.
A perfect match with RNatives
Both students first heard of RNatives through the UEF Trainee programme, which connects international students with local employers.
“When I saw RNatives on the list, I felt it was very close to my interests. I applied and luckily got the traineeship”, Yasin says.
Nafee initially thought he wouldn’t participate in the programme.
“I had applied before just for the sake of applying. But this time, I realised that what RNatives does really speaks to me. I believe we are a match made in heaven.”
Their intuition proved right. After four months of traineeships, both were offered full-time researcher positions.
“Moving from a trainee to a permanent employee felt great. The hands-on training I received made the transition smooth”, Yasin tells.
For Nafee, it was a moment of validation.
“Becoming a full-time employee confirmed that my efforts and learning had paid off. It gave me motivation and confidence that I’m moving in the right direction.”
Science with a human touch
RNatives was founded on years of UEF research in molecular biology and RNA regulation. Tiia Turunen, a UEF graduate who completed her PhD on the same topic, co-founded the company with Mikko Turunen to bring their scientific findings into practical use.
“We had years of research behind us, but we wanted to go beyond publications and create real-world impact”, Tiia explains.
After establishing their own lab at Novapolis in 2021, the company faced the typical challenges of a young start-up – but also opportunities for growth. When UEF’s international affairs specialist reached out about the trainee programme, the timing was ideal.
“We didn’t even know the programme existed, but it came at the perfect moment. As a start-up, it gave us a way to find the right people without a heavy recruitment process. And Yasin and Nafee were exactly the right people.”
Both new researchers describe RNatives as a place where science meets support.
“The R&D team is very helpful, and it was easy to adjust,” says Yasin.
Nafee agrees: “Finnish work culture is very humanistic. You’re treated as a colleague, not just a worker. At RNatives, I found that and even more – the freedom to be myself and a boss I can always ask for help.”
For Tiia, diversity and openness are natural parts of the company’s identity.
“Having international employees hasn’t changed our practices much, since our documentation was already in English. What matters most to us is finding the right people, regardless of their origin.”
Building a career in Finland
Both Yasin and Nafee encourage other international students to take initiative.
“Take every opportunity you can – internships, projects, anything. And learning Finnish is important”, Yasin points out.
Nafee echoes the sentiment: “Participate, network, and do your courses properly. The UEF Trainee programme is amazing. I’m also learning Finnish at Kuopio Adult Education Centre; it’s a fascinating language.”
Tiia’s message to other companies is equally clear.
“Bravely go for it! Hiring international students will enrich your environment. It’s about finding the right people and sometimes, those people are closer than you think.”
The Talent Hub Eastern Finland project connects international students with local employers through various dedicated services. An annual mentoring programme supports international students in learning about Finnish working life and expanding their networks. For employers, it provides an opportunity to grow the employer brand, develop their own coaching and interaction skills, and gain exposure to the future workforce.
Another example is the Future Talents Team, which consists of international students from different fields. It provides companies with a simple way to access international expertise through thesis projects, internships, part-time work, and project assignments.
Talent Hub Eastern Finland is a cooperation of UEF, Karelia, Savonia, Riveria, Sakky and YSAO. The project is co-funded by the European Union. You can learn more about it on our website.
