Experiences of bachelor of social services alumni working in the social services sector : Importance and Role of the Finnish Language in Personal and Professional Development

Abstract

Anne Soininen, Anup Khanal EXPERIENCES OF BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES ALUMNI WORKING IN THE SOCIAL WORK SECTOR: Importance and Role of the Finnish Language in Personal and Professional Development 59 pages and 2 appendices December 2023 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Master’s Degree Master of Social Services Global Change and Community Development

This thesis aims to explore the experiences of Diaconia University´s Bachelor of Social Services alumni working in the social service sector and focus on the importance and role of the Finnish language. Research questions considered the alumni´s experiences of influence and development of the Finnish language in the social work sector and how Finnish language skills influence personal and professional development.

The thesis is based on qualitative research. The data was collected with 5 individual semi-structured interviews. Interview questions were designed before the interview. The thematic analysis produced themes related to the importance of the Finnish language in social work, working language, multilingual in Finland and language requirements.

The interviews collectively convey that proficiency in the Finnish language is crucial, particularly as they live and work in Finland. The outcome was that Finnish language skill is a key factor in getting employed in Finland. Language skills also positively affect confidence, and effectiveness in communication, create a stronger sense of professionalism in the workplace and help adapt to Finnish culture in general. Multilingualism was seen as a beneficial factor when services were provided for a wider range of users.

This research would give Diak and anyone working towards the social services field important information about the role of the Finnish language in the social services sector. Furthermore, it would also help in planning for language development and enhance the experiences of Diak Alumni in employment opportunities. Further research is encouraged in various possibilities to learn the Finnish language during their studies before entering the work life and good practices to find support for language development in work life. The use of multilingualism in the social services sector is also to be further researched.

Keywords: Social services sector, Employment in Finland, Finnish language Skills, Multilingualism, Experience, Diak Alumni, Experiences, Language need.