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Inspired by your leap from accounting to TA! How does Nokia recognize potential in candidates taking bold career steps?

Ililli T. asked a question to Rana M.

Hi Rana! I’m a recent graduate who applied for the FPGA Designer role at Nokia’s Canada office. I’ve built expertise through coursework and projects, but I lack industry experience. Your career leap inspired me to bet on my potential. How can I demonstrate readiness to grow at Nokia like you did?

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  • 3 replies
  • 26 views
  • Author: Ililli T.
  • Category: Eligibility advice, Qualifications
  • Date asked:
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  • RM
    Rana M. Talent Acquisition Partner

    Hi Ililli,


    It's truly a pleasure to connect with you on our Insider platform, and I sincerely appreciate how you resonated with my career journey and story!


    In my case, Nokia saw my potential, even though I didn’t have direct industry experience. While I may have been new to telecommunications, I brought a transferable core skill set that aligned with the role’s requirements. During the assessment process, I made it a point to illustrate how my previous experiences could relate to the position at Nokia. Connecting the dots between your current expertise and skillset and the opportunity is really important. I also conveyed my reasoning and passion for joining the telecommunications industry.


    I hope this information has provided some valuable insight. I am wishing you all the success as you embark on this exciting chapter of your career journey!


    Warm wishes,


    Rana


  • AC
    Amar C. Candidate

    Hi Rana and Ililli,

    It’s inspiring to read both your journey, it really resonates with where I am right now.

    I’m a recent graduate with a strong interest in digital design and verification, and like Ililli, my experience so far has been limited to university coursework and projects. While I haven’t had the chance to gain formal industry experience yet, I’ve been actively building skills through hands-on lab work, team-based hardware projects, and by self-learning tools and methodologies commonly used in the industry.

    I’d love to get your advice on how someone like me without a formal internship or work history can stand out. What are some practical things I can do now to build credibility and signal my readiness to grow at a company like Nokia?

    Thank you both for this great discussion. It's incredibly motivating to see how bold transitions and authentic passion are recognized at Nokia.



    Sincerely,
    Amar

  • RM
    Rana M. Talent Acquisition Partner

     

     

    Hi there Amar,

     

    It’s inspiring to see such a proactive mindset right from the beginning! Building credibility early can lay a powerful foundation for long-term growth—especially at a globally recognized company like Nokia. Here are some ways you can make a lasting impression:

     

     Showcase Your Skills with Purpose

    • Certifications & Courses: Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning to earn certifications in areas relevant to Nokia
    • Build a Portfolio: Even in non-creative fields, you can document academic projects, case studies, or personal initiatives to highlight your technical and strategic thinking.

     Practice Meaningful Networking

    • Engage on LinkedIn: Follow Nokia and professionals in your target roles. Comment thoughtfully on posts and share relevant articles—adding insights that demonstrate your interest and understanding.

    Demonstrate Initiative

    • Contribute Beyond Your Role: Volunteer for cross-functional projects or company-wide initiatives aligned with Nokia’s values, such as digital transformation or sustainability efforts.

    Tailor Your Applications

    • Ensure your CV and cover letters clearly showcase your skills, motivation, and relevance to each role.

     

    Best of luck with your search!