Today you will meet get to know one of our data gurus, Khalid, who made the move from Pakistan to Finland to work for Bofor in 2023. Read his interview to learn about his journey and experiences as a foreign IT professional in Finland.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Khalid, a Data and AI consultant at Bofor, currently living my best life in Helsinki. I don’t have any pets, but I make up for it by petting every dog or cat I come across—or at least adore them and trying to guess their breed from a distance! Originally from Pakistan, about 5,000 km away from Finland, I’ve happily traded the heat for some northern charm.
When I’m not solving data problems or diving into AI, you’ll find me:
- Playing computer games or watching YouTube videos of other people play my favourite games
- Collecting Microsoft certifications like they’re Pokémon badges
- Going on long walks with my wife
- Attempting to learn Finnish (wish me luck!)
- And, of course, exploring all that Finland has to offer.
Life’s an adventure, whether it’s wrangling data or figuring out which cat breed I just saw!
What do you do for work?
As a data wrangler, I spend my days wrestling with Azure Synapse, Power BI, and the occasional rogue dataset. I build reports that (hopefully) make sense, create ETLs that don’t break (often), and dabble in AI just enough to keep the robots at bay. Basically, I turn raw data into insights… or at least something that looks like a fancy chart.
What is your work background like?
I kicked things off as an Electronics Engineer, working for one of the largest and only private electric utility of Pakistan, in Karachi, where I had the thrilling job of installing SCADA devices on 11,000 kV distribution lines. Originally, I had grand plans—get a Master’s, dive into a PhD, and live the academic dream. But after a year or two of real-world experience, I found myself drawn more toward reporting and analytics than power grids and volts. So, I swapped out my voltmeter for Excel, moved on to Power BI, added some Python, and even dabbled in AI. One thing led to another, and I was deep into data before I knew it.
I still finished my master’s in electrical engineering (even did my thesis in Machine Learning), but I realized a PhD wasn’t in the cards for me. Instead, I fully embraced the world of data analytics, became a Power BI pro, and eventually shifted to consulting. Long story short, I’ve gone from wiring up the grid to geeking out over data, and I haven’t looked back!
What prompted you to move from Pakistan to Finland?
Why Finland, you ask? Well, where do I even start?
First off, it’s a tech lover’s paradise—home to IT legends like Nokia and Linux. Plus, who wouldn’t want to live in the happiest country in the world? Add in the fact that education here is both free and top-notch, and you’ve already got my attention. But wait, there’s more! Finland has endless forests, thousands of lakes, and enough islands to make any map jealous. Oh, and did I mention the northern lights? It’s like Mother Nature’s own light show.
All in all, it seemed like the perfect place for both tech and life!
How did you end up working at Bofor?
That’s actually a pretty interesting story! It was November 2020, a crisp autumn evening, when I got a LinkedIn InMail from a recruiter. She asked if I was available for a remote position.
The company was brand new—so new they didn’t even have a website yet! I had a quick chat with the two co-founders, which went really well, and just like that, I was on board. Two and a half years later I got a full-time contract and an opportunity to move on-site. Fast forward today, here I am, celebrating my one-year anniversary working full-time and on-site with Bofor in Espoo. Funny how things work out, right?
How did the move to Finland go?
Once I got the job offer, I had about three months to prepare for the big move, and I’m all about that planning life! During that time, I connected with the existing Pakistani community here in Finland to get the inside scoop. I also researched the weather—because who doesn’t want to know about daylight hours, temperature fluctuations, and the number of layers I’d need to survive the winter?
I even mapped out the route from my temporary digs to the workplace using Google Street View, which made me feel like I was taking a virtual stroll through my new neighborhood. Basically, I tried to come as prepared as possible for my Finnish adventure, armed with knowledge and a hefty dose of excitement!
Bofor really made me feel right at home—I never once felt like I was in a foreign place. HR even gave me a crash course on how to navigate life in Finland, which definitely helped. But the real game-changer? A colleague was leaving Finland for 6 months and kindly offered me his place to stay. That took a huge weight off my shoulders—no need to stress about finding an apartment, learning the rental ropes, or picking the right neighbourhood.
With a place sorted, I had time to handle the fun administrative stuff: registering with DVV, opening a bank account, and getting my identity card. Plus, it gave me the freedom to explore the area and—no joke—my next move was literally just across the street! 😄
On top of that, another colleague who lived nearby became my unofficial tour guide. Out of pure kindness, he showed me how to navigate HSL, where to shop, and even how to get to the office. Honestly, he made the whole process a breeze! He also took me on my first-ever pub visit (I don’t drink, but it was fun), followed by an epic four-hour walk along the seafront, from Ullanlinna through Kaivopuisto, all the way to Stockmann, ending up at Lidl. Quite the adventure!
Were there any cultural differences that you noticed?
Oh, absolutely! When I first arrived, I quickly noticed that Finns are all about that active lifestyle. Everywhere I looked, people were jogging, cycling, walking, or swimming like it was an Olympic event! And speaking of culture, there’s a serious love affair with cheese—I’ve never seen so much of it in one place.
Lunch buffets are a staple here, and let me tell you, the salad bar is nothing short of a vegetable wonderland! I also discovered that Finns have an interesting dining technique—forks rule here; spoons seem to be in hiding! 😄
Then there’s the coffee culture, which is pretty impressive. It feels like every corner has a café! And don’t get me started on the sauna culture; it’s practically a rite of passage. I was absolutely stunned to see people coming out of the sauna to take a dip in the freezing sea in the middle of winter! Just the thought of it gave me shivers—it’s a bold move that really puts my idea of a ‘refreshing swim’ to shame!
Also, I’ve noticed that when summer rolls around, no one wants to work—it’s like the whole country collectively agrees to hit pause and soak up the sun. And the homes here? They’re on the smaller side, which makes cozy living a real thing, but for me, I sometimes long for the big houses back home! Overall, it’s been a delightful cultural adventure!
How is it working in Finland?
There’s a huge difference between work culture in Pakistan and Finland! In Pakistan, it’s almost always 9-6, and work-from-home is a luxury that only a handful of organizations offer. Finland, on the other hand, is like a work-life balance utopia! One big surprise: while medical insurance in Pakistan often covers your whole family, here in Finland, it’s usually just for the employee.
The key differences? Finland really nails feedback culture—people actually want to hear how they’re doing, and it makes you feel both appreciated and constantly improving. There’s also a ton of transparency about company decisions and future plans, which is refreshing. Plus, there are engagement activities all the time to keep the workplace connected and fun.
Forget about hierarchy or ‘boss culture’ here—it’s super flat! No ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ business; everyone’s on a first-name basis, which makes things much more approachable. And another perk: no need to bring a lunchbox! You get a lunch benefit through E Passi instead, so it’s like an upgrade from packing sandwiches every day. Overall, the workplace here feels more equal, open, and, let’s be honest, a lot more fun!
At Bofor, my colleagues have been absolutely amazing! They always switch to English when I’m around, which makes me feel super included. They’re constantly asking about my experiences and sharing all sorts of tips and tricks—from how to survive the Finnish weather to the best local spots to check out.
They’ve even recommended hidden gems around the city, so I feel like I have my own personal tour guides! It’s clear they genuinely care about making sure I’m settling in and having a great time.
What have been the most significant changes since moving?
The move has definitely come with its share of challenges! For starters, finding places that serve halal food—and even more specifically, Pakistani food—has felt like a treasure hunt. On top of that, I’ve had to master the art of wearing so many layers of clothes that I sometimes feel like a walking marshmallow! 😄
And let’s not forget the icy streets! Learning to walk without taking a tumble has been quite the adventure. I also had to navigate the perplexing Finnish weather, especially at the start and end of winter. Honestly, it’s like a guessing game of ‘How many layers should I wear today?’
Oh, and the static electricity? Avoiding that shock at every turn is a challenge of its own! Not to mention, finding flowers that actually have a fragrance is like searching for unicorns. All in all, it’s been quite the experience adjusting to life here!
Any tips for others considering making the move to Finland?
Before moving, connect with your local community. Don’t be afraid of learning a new language. Make sure that you know how to cook, learn the skill of wearing many layers, and remember that a visit to the barber shop is going to be expensive – so learn to fix your own beard.