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experiences? how are international experi-
ences defined? and what are the qualities
driving working life now and in the future? a
large number of individuals from education,
start-up businesses, and cultural fields as well
as representatives of large finnish companies
were involved in this project. the results of the
study are based on workshops, interviews with
experts, and a survey of students and employ-
ers, which resulted in 283 responses from
employers and 1,770 responses from students.

towards a deeper understanding
of international competences
Many of the key competences required from
new staff members are the same that employ-
ers who operate internationally link with
international experience, such as creativity,
networking ability, and general interest in
new things. these competences clearly differ
from the ones traditionally associated with
international experience, such as language
skills and cultural understanding, tolerance
and broad-mindedness. international mobility
produces the kind of competences that the
employers seek for, but they are not able to
link these competences and people’s inter-
national experiences at recruitment.

thorough analysis of the research data can add
three new attributes to the hidden aspects
of international competences: productivity,
resilience, and curiosity. productivity can be
understood as efficiency, analytical ability,
problem-solving ability, and credibility. resili-
ent employees are able to adapt, they know
their limits and strengths and are confident
and persistent. curiosity forms the basis for
many attributes linked with international
experiences: the urge to learn, search, and
experience; interest towards new issues; inter-
cultural knowledge; and networking ability.
these factors help us understand the value

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