How to start your career in Estonia while studying at the University of Tartu

Are you a student at the University of Tartu wondering how to find work while pursuing your degree, or looking for job opportunities after graduation? In a recent episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, Kadri Jurs, a Career Counsellor at the university’s Counselling Centre, provided valuable insights into balancing studies with work and navigating the Estonian job market.

For many international students, Estonia offers a welcoming job market. Kadri highlighted that students from the European Union can work freely, while non-EU students are also allowed to work, while they maintain full-time student status. She encouraged students to prioritise their studies and find a balance between working and academic obligations. “Your studies have to be the main focus,” Kadri advised. Each student must find their own balance, taking into account their course load and personal needs.

Balancing work and studies can be tricky, but Kadri offered practical tips for staying on track: “You have to sleep, eat, and have some physical activity to keep your mind fresh. Start with a weekly or daily plan where studies are your priority, and then add work commitments where possible.” This approach ensures that students stay organised and avoid burnout, while still earning income during their studies.

Internships are another key pathway to securing employment in Estonia. Some degree programmes at the University of Tartu require internships, and while not all lead to permanent roles, Kadri emphasised the importance of building relationships and making a positive impression during these experiences. "When you're doing an internship, put everything on the table—your communication, motivation, and teamwork. It might lead to future job offers, even if not immediately," she explained. It's about showing employers that you're more than just an intern; you're a potential long-term asset to their team.

Job hunting as a foreign student can seem intimidating, but Estonia offers a 270-day period after graduation for students to find employment. Kadri reassured that there is no rush to secure a job immediately: “If you don’t find something right away, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or your skills. Keep searching, stay persistent, and use all the resources available to you.”

She also highlighted the importance of customising applications for each job. "Tailored CVs and cover letters show the employer you’re serious. They can easily tell when documents are generic," Kadri noted. In Estonia’s competitive job market, attention to detail can make a world of difference.

For those concerned about language barriers, Kadri offered reassuring advice. While English is widely spoken, especially in the IT sector, learning Estonian can open more doors and help you integrate better. “Start learning the local language—it expands your opportunities,” she recommended.

The University of Tartu offers various resources to help students with their job search, including workshops, seminars, and individual counselling sessions. Students can also access the Counselling Centre’s new Careergate website, where they’ll find valuable advice on planning their careers, internships, and studies.

In closing, Kadri’s top advice for students looking to work in Estonia was simple yet powerful: “Know yourself, be curious about opportunities, and build your network.”

Ready to take the first step towards your career? Start by visiting the career counsellors of the University of Tartu’s Counselling Centre and use their resources to explore job opportunities in Estonia.

Listen to the "Working in Estonia" episode of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast: