Mentoring
Mentoring provides benefits and wellbeing
Our mentoring program is designed to support highly educated immigrants living in Oulu who are looking to build their careers in Finland. This mentoring initiative pairs immigrants with mentors who work in similar fields, providing them with guidance and support to navigate the Finnish job market.
The program is a fantastic opportunity for immigrants to gain valuable insight into Finnish work culture, while also building a professional network in Finland. At the same time, mentors have the chance to expand their horizons by learning about the professional challenges immigrants face and gaining fresh perspectives from diverse backgrounds. The program has received exceptional feedback from both mentors and actors.
The goal is to
- enhance knowledge of Finnish work culture. Participants will learn how to integrate into Finnish workplaces, understand industry-specific expectations, and adjust to the local work environment.
- build professional networks. Immigrants will gain direct access to Finnish professionals, making valuable connections that can help them in their job search and career progression.
- boost linguistic confidence. Participants will improve their Finnish language skills in a professional context, helping them feel more comfortable communicating in their field.
Mentoring
Description and schedule
Who can participate?
- Actors: Highly educated immigrants (B1+ Finnish level) living in Oulu or nearby, with either international work experience or higher education degrees.
- Mentors: Professionals based in Oulu who are willing to share knowledge and support immigrants adapting to Finnish work life.
Program duration: 8 months, from October to May. After the program, mentors and actors are encouraged to stay in touch.
Group meetings: There will be 3 group meetings during the program:
- October (Orientation, learning about your role and responsibilities)
- February (Optional but highly recommended)
- May (Final meeting)
One-on-One meetings: Mentors and actors will meet individually 1-2 times a month. These meetings can take place in-person or online, depending on what works best for both parties.
Mentoring language: All meetings are conducted in Finnish, helping participants improve their language skills in real professional contexts.
Registration
Registration for the 2024-2025 program has ended. Keep up with the latest updates on our LinkedIn page!
More information for actors and mentors
For Actors:
The program is aimed at highly educated immigrants who already have basic proficiency in Finnish (B1+). This is a great opportunity if you’re living in Oulu or nearby areas and want to develop your career in Finland. Whether you have international work experience or a degree from abroad, this program will help you:
- gain valuable knowledge. Learn about the Finnish employment process, salary structures, workplace culture, and expectations.
- expand your professional network. Meet people in your field, attend events, and make connections that can lead to future job opportunities.
- boost your language skills. Improve your Finnish by practicing with your mentor in professional contexts, making it easier to communicate confidently in the workplace.
You will also:
- get personalized career guidance
- understand how to approach job hunting in Finland
- practice your Finnish in a professional setting
- learn about Finnish working life and culture
- build a solid network of contacts in your industry
The mentoring program runs from October to May, with 3 group meetings at Oulu10 and regular one-on-one sessions between mentors and actors. The meetings will take place 1-2 times a month, depending on the schedules of both the mentor and actor.
For Mentors:
We are also looking for mentors who are living and working in Oulu and who are willing to share their knowledge with immigrants looking to adapt to the Finnish work culture. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to:
- broaden your perspective: Gain insights into the challenges that immigrants face and how to better support them in your professional field.
- develop your mentoring skills: Enhance your leadership, coaching, and communication abilities while making a meaningful impact on someone’s career.
- create international connections: Build networks with professionals from different countries and cultures, enriching your own career and expanding your global outlook.
You will also:
- gain new perspectives and experiences from your actor’s background
- improve your intercultural communication skills
- enhance your mentoring abilities
- contribute positively to the local community
Mentors will meet with their actor mentee 1-2 times a month and also attend group meetings throughout the program. These meetings provide a chance for all mentors and actors to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn together.