When people hear career mentorship, they often imagine something focused only on employment. But for us at Think Career, it has always been deeper than that.

When immigrants arrive in a new country, they lose more than their networks. They can lose a sense of direction. Their professional experience, know-how, and understanding of how things work do not always translate into the Finnish context. That gap can feel isolating and unnecessary.

That is why we have built Think Career around helping people regain confidence, identity, and purpose, by recognising that there is a unique personality behind every profession and it deserves as much space in the conversation about immigrant employment and belonging as any skill set.

How the programme works

1. One-to-one matches that pair each mentee with a mentor based on the mentee’s education, skills, interests, and current needs.
2. Over the following five months, each pair works towards mutually agreed goals that help increase the mentee’s chances of getting hired.
3. The Think Career team supports each pair with guidance, events*, and answers to any questions that may arise.
4. In addition, you gain access to the Think Career alumni community, providing opportunities for networking, advice, and continued support even after the programme ends.

The programme is completely free of charge and has remote participation option, as long as you reside in Finland.

Community aspect

During the programme, you are part of a supportive community — alongside your mentor and fellow participants. Through regular one-on-one meetings, group sessions, and events, we help you explore Finnish work life and connect your studies or expertise to opportunities here.

Our network opens doors to internships, volunteer roles, and potential job opportunities, while mentors may also facilitate sessions for Think Career or Think Africa. You’ll have the chance to engage with our alumni network of over 300 past and present participants — and, in time, some mentees even become mentors themselves!

How to apply

The latest application round has ended, and the next round is yet to be confirmed. You can register your interest now by completing one of the forms below. Please note: you will only be considered an applicant once you have completed the official application form. Once the dates for the new round are confirmed, we will contact you and send the official application form to your email.

• Form for mentees: https://forms.gle/aFgF9NsAm9xzzjSo6
• Form for mentors: https://forms.gle/HM1pn7pPGWFULTkdA

Who is a Mentee? Who is a Mentor?

Mentee – ​a person of an immigrant background who is professionally advised and supported by a more experienced person over a period of time.

Mentor – a person who has professional experience of working in Finland and advises and supports a less experienced person.

Photo by Samuel from @saintfilmz

You qualify to apply as a mentee for Think Career if you:

• Reside in Finland and are either unemployed or employed outside your professional sector.
• Are of an immigrant background.
• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
• Speak English at an intermediate level or higher.
• Are seeking individual professional guidance, and a better understanding of the local job market.
• Are available for individual work, meetings or calls with your mentor, and attendance at workshops. In addition to bi-monthly group sessions, we recommend meeting with your mentor at least twice a month, online or in person, as agreed together.

Photo by @saintfilmz

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You qualify to apply as a mentor for Think Career if you:

• Reside in Finland.
• Have work experience, networks, and knowledge of your industry and profession, specific to the Finnish context.
• Are willing to volunteer your time to support a fellow professional in understanding the local job market and trends in your sector.
• Speak English at an intermediate level or higher.
• Are available to meet with your mentee online or in person twice a month.

Support you get as a mentor:

• As a mentor in Think Career, you are supported every step of the way. You will begin with a coaching session led by a professional coach, providing guidance on effective mentorship practices and sharing valuable experience. Throughout the programme, the Think Career team is available for ad-hoc support and guidance whenever needed.
• Gain access to the Think Career alumni community, offering additional networking and guidance opportunities.
• At the end of the programme, we show our appreciation with a thank-you dinner, celebrating the contribution mentors make to the community.

Mentee stories and their projects with Think Africa:

How to partner with us

Our plan for 2026 is to expand the programme, and we would love to collaborate with like-minded people. If your company, institution, or organisation is interested in partnering with us or accessing our mentoring service, please get in touch with Sofia Achame-Räisänen, our Programme Coordinator, at sofia@thinkafrica.fi

#ThinkCareerThinkPeople

Photo credits: @saintfilmz and Think Africa