Match Made in Finland helps international students enter the Finnish job market

The Confederation of Finnish Industries EK has launched a new group mentoring program called Match Made in Finland. The program aims to improve the employment opportunities of international students in Finland. A pilot for the group mentoring initiative will take place in spring  2025 – applications are now open for both mentors and students.

The Match Made in Finland group mentoring program is targeted at second-year university of applied sciences students who want to develop their professional skills and gain a deeper understanding of the Finnish job market. “Our aim is to provide students with practical workplace skills and an opportunity to expand their professional networks,” explains Minna Vidgrén, the program coordinator at EK.

Mentoring will be conducted in groups, with company mentors and mentees meeting regularly. The program also includes a company visit, giving students a chance to gain firsthand experience of Finnish working life.

“This program offers international students a unique opportunity to enhance their professional skills and better understand the Finnish job market. Group mentoring also facilitates peer support from other mentees, which is incredibly valuable,” says Minna Vidgrén.

Apply as a Mentor or Mentee

The Match Made in Finland group mentoring program pilot will be carried out in the Helsinki metropolitan area in the spring of 2025. The pilot is open to international second- and third-year students studying at universities of applied sciences in the Helsinki area. Applications for mentors and mentees are now open and will close on December 31, 2024.

“EK’s Match Made in Finland is a significant step towards encouraging international students to stay in Finland after graduation. The program will select 100 students, so act quickly and apply!” encourages Vidgrén.