When I joined Suomen Mentorit, I was still navigating what it meant to pursue a career in Finland as an international student. I had ambition and a strong academic foundation, but I lacked the local insight needed to position myself effectively in the Finnish job market. My mentor Jukka became the guide I did not know I needed.
From the very first meeting, mentoring brought exactly the clarity I needed. I was encouraged to reflect on my strengths, articulate them more confidently, and understand how they aligned with Finnish work culture. One of the first things we did was reviewing my CV. It was not just about formatting — it was about learning to express my skills in a way that showed impact.
“Sometimes you need someone who sees your strengths more clearly than you do yourself,” I have often reflected.
Turning a thesis into an opportunity
As our meetings progressed, I learned to view my thesis as more than a degree requirement. Jukka helped me think strategically about how to shape it into an opportunity for collaboration with companies. His guidance transformed my approach: instead of simply drafting an academic proposal, I learned to highlight the practical impact of my ideas.
He reminded me, “If your work is aligned with real business needs, doors will open.” That advice stayed with me throughout my entire thesis journey.
What also made a difference was the way Jukka shared his professional experience. He helped me understand how to approach companies, structure conversations, and communicate confidently. His ability to break complex situations into clear steps helped me overcome the hesitation that often comes when entering a new job market. Through this guidance — and through the opportunities I learned to create — I secured my first professional role in Finland, a milestone that deeply strengthened my sense of belonging.
A journey that inspired me to mentor others
As I reflect on my mentoring journey, one thought remains constant:
“My mentor helped me shape my future in Finland, and now I want to do the same for someone else.”
This desire to give back led me to join the Future in Finland programme, where I am now mentoring my first mentee. Our collaboration has been meaningful from the start. My mentee is navigating many of the same uncertainties I once faced — understanding Finnish work culture, identifying opportunities, and building confidence in a new environment.
Supporting my mentee has shown me how powerful peer guidance can be, especially for international talents trying to find their place in Finland. It reminds me of how much clarity and encouragement I received — and how important it is to pass that forward. Through Future in Finland, I hope to continue offering the kind of reassurance and direction that once helped me take my own first steps. Because we all need someone who accompanies us along the way.
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The writer of this article is Ahsan Shahid, a mentee from Suomen Mentorit’s programme 2024. He is now a trainee at KONE and a mentor for an international talent.
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In this Vieraskynä (guest pen/writer) – series of articles, we highlight representatives of our network and their thoughts on working life, professional growth and mentoring. The articles are based on the priorities of our association: supporting internationality, entrepreneurship and young educated adults finding their place in working life.