Think Career: Mentorship Programme

 

✅ 5 months    |   ✅ Max 30 mentees & max 30 mentors    |   ✅ Entirely free

 

The importance of mentorship and guidance cannot be understated in a world where career paths are as diverse as the individuals walking them. Our mentorship programme  Think Career is a five-month program designed to connect, empower, and help unemployed or underemployed international professionals in Finland find employment in their areas of expertise.

It is open to people from all backgrounds and industries, not just those of African descent.

 

Waiting lists for Autumn Round 2025:

The next round of the programme will start in August and end in December. Keep an eye on this page for more specific timeline updates.

Apply as a mentor: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScatkOKbhdZ_qxiMBxFlolbihFQRUGWLXj8X9L38zUHSiPH8Q/viewform?usp=preview 

Apply as a mentee: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScE-w9SYPFVJWj-z_Kxm-C_SKhON_fd8jvcsmhISE3BDW4KYw/viewform?usp=preview 

(As a mentee, you commit to attending most sessions—whether online, hybrid, or offline—during the round period. This includes approximately seven events per round, such as the opening, coaching sessions, and the closing ceremony, in addition to individual sessions with your mentor). 

The matchmaking will begin in July/August. When there is a match for you, we will contact you as soon as possible. 

Questions? Reach out to our programme coordinator Eleos Zannou by calling +358 50 5534444 or at eleos.zannou@thinkafrica.fi. 

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The information you provide will only be used for the purpose of matching you to mentors or mentees.

 

 

For mentees:

Think Career commits to matching bright minds with experienced mentors. As a mentee, you will embark on self-discovery, familiarisation with the Finnish job market, and professional growth. Our mentors will guide you through the nuances of job searching in Finland, identifying the opportunities and challenges in your field, sharing their expertise, and supporting you to effectively network within the relevant groups for your profession. 

Think of it as your personalised roadmap to success, tailored with the help of an expert who doesn’t just talk the talk but has walked the walk.

 

A few things to keep in mind before applying:

While the programme is entirely free for participants, it’s important to note that it is carefully designed to make the most of limited resources. Spots are limited, so we kindly ask you to apply only if you’re confident you can dedicate time and energy to fully engage in the programme.

 

 If you’re ready to dive in, here’s what to expect:

• Approximately seven events during the programme, including the opening, coaching sessions, and the closing ceremony.
• Regular one-on-one meetings with your mentor, where you’ll work together on your goals. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet one-on-one offline or online at least twice a month.

 

2024 mentees’ testimonials:

1. Marianne, Autumn 2024 mentee: 

“My mentor Lidiia has made a real difference in my approach of finding a job here in Finland. She gave me hands on tips for my application documents and we practiced job interviews together. I felt well guided, excellently prepared and greatly supported – and could so secure a full-time role back in my professional field a few months after the mentorship started. I am super grateful for the opportunity to join the Think Career program and for all the valuable experiences it gave me.”

2. Ajay, Spring 2024 mentee: 

“My mentor, Patience, recommended Herizon’s LinkedIn bootcamp, which helped me start posting and connecting with key people in my field, including hiring teams. The main takeaway was to boost my profile visibility and personal branding to stand out.

With my mentor’s guidance, I was accepted into the Espoo Career Club, and received two ambassadorship offers where I organize community events, coffee chats, and work on a podcast.”

3. Najwa, Spring 2024 mentee:

From Guidance to Growth: A Mentee’s Journey Through the Think Career Mentorship Programme

4. Hebella, Spring 2024 mentee: 

“My mentor, Malin, has been great in helping me identify what I want to do in Finland. She has connected me with some people whom she thinks could be a good network. Currently, we are working on refining my elevator pitch.”

5. Adéla, Spring 2024 mentee:

“After a few months in the career mentoring program, I received an internship offer in the City of Tampere. This is a perfect example of how one person can truly make a difference in someone’s life. My mentor, Denise, not only helped me prepare for the job interview, but she also played a crucial role in rebuilding my self-confidence, which had taken a hit after a long period of job seeking. Thanks to her guidance and support, I’ve gained clarity about my career goals and the confidence to pursue them. The program and its community have been incredibly encouraging and supportive, making a real difference in the lonely and isolating experience of job searching.“

For mentors:

Joining the Think Career Mentorship Programme as a mentor is an exceptional chance to make a lasting impact on a person’s life. Your knowledge, skills, and experience have the power to shape the trajectories of other fellow professionals. Every success story hinges on encounters with people who believe in one’s potential and steer one’s path in the right direction.

Plus, witnessing your mentee’s progress and helping them understand the work life culture in Finland  is immensely rewarding.

 

What support will I receive as a mentor?

• After the official opening of the programme, a coaching session is organized for mentors. There, you will receive guidance from a professional coach providing guidelines on being a mentor and sharing experience and effective practices.
• Your mentee normally takes the lead in setting the objectives and goals, whether they need support on career change, Finnish job market, CV, cover letter, interviews, mindset, etc.
• Mentors are treated to a dinner after the program as a Thank You.

 

Conditions & availability requirements for the mentor:

• Willingness to listen and share experiences, give insights about your field, and support a mentee to expand their networks in that field.
• Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet one-on-one offline or online at least twice a month. These are agreed between the pair according to their convenience. You are free to connect via any communication channel suitable for both of you and continue the conversation there. If possible, we suggest having the first meeting in-person as it could simplify the introduction process and foster a stronger mentor-mentee relationship.
• 3 out of 6 group sessions for the mentees are optional for mentors but could be a good additional support to the mentee. Those expert-led sessions could also be beneficial for  mentors themselves.

 

Community spirit at the heart of Think Career:

At Think Career, community spirit is at our core. Joining us means becoming part of a supportive network of peers and mentors, fostering shared learning, creativity, and collective growth.

Our Programme aims to increase the professional networks of both mentees and mentors through organising relevant events/workshops. In the past, we have had networking events where Finnish companies and organizations shared insights into their operations, hiring practices, and commitments to diversity and inclusion. 

Think Career is where guidance, community, and opportunity converge, helping you achieve your professional aspirations.