Pinja Group
Hiring international talent with Global Business Talent F.E.C. programme
Looking for a fresh perspective and finding the right fit
As a company specialising in business-critical software, Pinja understands the importance of having the right talent on board. When an associate recommended the Global Business Talent F.E.C. programme to Pieter ter Berg, Director of Business Development in Pinja Group and their Muster-team, the timing couldn't have been better.
– Our marketing team was undergoing changes, and we needed extra support for an upcoming major industry conference. The program presented an opportunity to find a skilled professional who could bring fresh ideas and international expertise to our team, describes Ter Berg.
– We approached the program with an open mind, eager to see what kind of talent we could connect with. The recruiting process was seamless—Aava & Bang screened 300 candidates and presented us with top three choices for our role. The expert we selected, Anna Orlova, quickly proved to be an invaluable addition to our team. She’s highly organized, and an excellent communicator. She demonstrated a genuine interest in our business and a strong willingness to learn. Importantly, she was ready to take responsibility from day one, Ter Berg tells about his experience.
Tangible results and meaningful contributions
– One of the biggest benefits of the program was having a clear goal from the start: preparing for a big industry conference. With that focus, our expert Anna took charge of several key projects, including organising webinars, writing articles, and updating our website. Her proactive approach even pushed me out of my comfort zone—something I truly appreciated, shares Ter Berg.
– Collaborating with Aava & Bang was effortless. The program provided flexibility and minimized risk, allowing us to assess the expert’s skills in a real-world setting before making a long-term commitment, describes Ter Berg.
– For companies with international ambitions, this program is a fantastic way to gain new expertise, insights and cultural diversity within the team. It’s a low-risk way to find highly skilled professionals who are eager to contribute and grow with your company, summarises Ter Berg
What have we done?
- Recruitment training programme built to help you find right talent to boost your business
- Successful recruitment through Global Business Talent F.E.C.-programme
- 6-month programme that includes working, training and networking
- Build or update your skills in marketing, sales, digital growth and building brands
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Collaborating with Aava & Bang was effortless. The programme provided flexibility and minimised risk, allowing us to assess the expert’s skills in a real-world setting before making a long-term commitment.
– Pieter ter Berg, Director of Business Development in Pinja Group
Global Business Talent F.E.C. program makes the recruitment as easy as possible for the companies.
– I recommend the companies to try it! I understand it might feel a little daunting to hire international talent, but this program makes it easy. If you’re expanding into new markets or looking for fresh insights, this program offers an excellent opportunity, says Anna Orlova, who’s now working as a Digital Marketing Specialist in Pinja Group’s Muster-team.
From the expert’s perspective: A journey of growth and opportunity
– My professional journey first took me from teaching literature and languages in Russia to working in marketing. My first steps in the field were as a volunteer for an educational project, creating content and social media materials while receiving marketing training from industry professionals. That experience led me to my first marketing job, where I worked on content strategy, employer branding, and branding projects. Ever since I have held multiple positions in marketing and other fields, further expanding my expertise. Additionally, my background in literature and languages has been invaluable in content marketing—my specialty, Orlova highlights.
– Moving to Finland, however, presented new challenges. Despite learning Finnish, I found it very difficult to secure a job. I applied for multiple positions, even government-supported employment programs, but faced constant rejection. Eventually, I took part in a work trial at a small business in the creative industry. Unfortunately, due to the current economic situation, long-term employment wasn’t possible. I started to believe that my lack of formal marketing education was a major barrier in the Finnish job market, Orlova says.
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“When I applied, I thought this would be something very formal, with no personal touch to it whatsoever. But it was completely different. Your honesty, your openness, your support—that is something I cherished deeply.”
– Anna Orlova, a Digital Marketing Specialist in Pinja Group’s Muster-team
Taking a leap of faith with the F.E.C. programme
When joining the program, Orlova first feared it might be just another way for companies to get free labor.
– When I joined the Global Business Talent F.E.C. programme, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, from the very beginning, the coaching team at Aava & Bang exceeded my expectations. They provided genuine support and encouraged us to ask questions and engage openly. Their honesty and approachability made a lasting impression on me, Orlova tells about her experience.
A perfect match with the right company
At first the idea of working in a completely new industry was nerve-wrecking for Orlova.
– I had never worked in the IT sector or in B2B marketing before, so I decided now to be completely open about my skills and knowledge gaps. To my surprise, the company was just as open and honest with me. They valued the skills that I had to bring over a formal marketing education, my attitude and willingness to learn, explains Orlova.
– I shared that I have sound sensitivity, which can make concentration difficult in noisy environments. As an immigrant, I was used to pushing aside my own challenges just to get a chance. But Pinja Group’s and Pieter’s understanding and support made me realise that I had found the right place for my professional growth, tells Orlova.
Even though the first weeks of a recruitment program were quite intense for the experts as they received huge amounts of new information, Anna tells that she loved every minute of it.
– Soon after a test assignment, I started working with the Pinja’s Muster-team through the F.E.C. program. In the first months I worked on implementing the Musters’s go-to-market strategy, learned HubSpot, arranged webinars, and contributed to content marketing. Most importantly, I felt supported and challenged in just the right balance, Orlova describes her journey.
– The programme helped me understand the connection between marketing and sales. Often marketing is taught in fragmented pieces—how to make a successful social media reel, for example. But real success requires seeing the full picture. This program gave me that perspective, Orlova says.
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“Thank you for the incredible work you do. In today’s job market, it’s difficult for international professionals to get a fair chance. This program changes lives.”
– Anna Orlova, a Digital Marketing Specialist in Pinja Group’s Muster-team
Unlock new career opportunities with the support of F.E.C. programme
What piece of advice Orlova wants to pass on for the experts considering the program?
– This is a unique networking opportunity and an inspiring experience. When I first applied, I doubted myself. Many candidates had far more experience than me. But when I got the chance to prove myself, I realized I had more to offer than I thought. This program gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, develop existing ones, and gain a pathway to employment, Orlova sums up.
Expert's greetings
Meet Anna Orlova, a Digital Marketing Specialist in Pinja Group's Muster-team. In this video she shares a bit more of her story and why you should join the Global Business Talent F.E.C. programme!
Learn more about Global Business Talent F.E.C. programme
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