Building confidence and careers through the International Talents’ Mentoring Programme

Mentoring is based on one-to-one collaboration and mutual learning. Discussions can address building a career as an international in Finland, but also navigating the integration process into Finnish society. Mentors share their experience of Finnish working life, while mentees reflect on their goals and develop their skills. Meetings take place flexibly in person or online, covering topics such as job search strategies, learning Finnish, targeting your CV, interviews, networking, and career direction, alongside broader themes like mindset and strengths. 

In addition to one-to-one mentoring, the programme includes shared activities that support networking and peer learning. These include a social event, company visits, and activities organized together with mentee assistants, who play an important role in strengthening peer support and fostering a sense of community. The 2026 programme featured a spring social event combining outdoor activities and informal networking, as well as visits to TIcAS & Nekalab, and Kalmar.  

Encouragement, insights and shared experiences 

A supportive and open atmosphere is central to the mentoring experience. Mentors provide both professional guidance and personal encouragement, helping mentees navigate uncertainty and understand that setbacks are a natural part of building a career, especially in a new country. They also emphasize persistence, courage, and confidence in one’s abilities. 

“My mentor inspired me to be brave and believe in my strengths. She also reminded me that self-worth and patience are just as important as skills and experience,” one of the mentees in the 2026 programme shared. 

Confidence, networks and new perspectives 

Many mentees say the programme has strengthened their confidence and clarified their career direction. They gain a clearer understanding of their strengths and learn to approach job searching with more resilience and balance. At the same time, the programme highlights the value of networking and creates a sense of community, showing that there are multiple paths into working life in Finland. 

“It helped me rediscover my value and move forward with clarity and purpose,” as one of the mentees in the 2026 programme described. 

A rewarding experience both for mentees and mentors 

The programme benefits both mentees and mentors. While mentees gain confidence, guidance, and direction, mentors get to support international talents, reflect on their own careers, and gain new perspectives. This mutual exchange makes mentoring a meaningful and rewarding experience for all involved. 

“Being a mentor is a rewarding way to give back, make a positive difference and grow through the experience yourself,” one of the mentors in the 2026 programme summed it up. 

Applications for the 2027 edition of the programme open in autumn 2026. We welcome mentors from all backgrounds with at least a couple of years of work experience in Finland. No prior mentoring experience is needed; we’ll support you every step of the way. 

Learn more here:  Mentoring programmes at Tampere University | Tampere University